Cameron Monaghan, known for his fan-favorite portrayal of Jedi fugitive Cal Kestis in the Star Wars Jedi video game series, recently set out his one condition for agreeing to bring the character to live-action It would have to be meaningful.
Will Disney+ Finally Bring Cal Kestis to Live-Action After Past Failures?
Speaking at a FanExpo Vancouver 2024 panel with The Direct, Monaghan told fans he wants to ensure any potential live-action debut makes narrative sense and continues Cal’s story in a substantive way.
“It would have to be right. By that I mean, it has to continue the story or the character in some way. I don’t want him to just kind of show up to stand around and be there,” Monaghan explained. “I want him to mean something and for there to be a significance for the character itself. So, it would have to make sense. But in the right context then, yeah, absolutely.”
Cameron Monaghan’s call for a meaningful live-action arc comes as Lucasfilm struggles to find its footing, with several recent Star Wars shows ending up canceled, retooled, or panned by fans and critics. Offerings like The Mandalorian Season 4, Rangers of the New Republic, and even the upcoming Ahsoka have failed to match the acclaim and cohesion of early efforts like The Mandalorian Season 1.
As Disney+ scrambles for direction and success stories, calls have grown to translate popular characters like Cal Kestis from other Star Wars media into live-action to reconnect with disillusioned fans. But Monaghan argues that any such translation must have a real narrative purpose.
Monaghan’s comments come as Lucasfilm looks to rebuild momentum after mixed receptions for several recent Star Wars Disney+ shows like The Mandalorian Season 4 and the scrapped Ranger of the New Republic.
With the franchise struggling to find direction, calls have grown louder amongst fans to bring fan-favorite characters like Cal Kestis from other mediums into live-action. But Monaghan argues that any such debut should avoid hollow fan service.
“Of course there’s interest. But that’s about all I can say,” the actor noted in an interview last year about playing Cal in live-action.
This time, he clarified, wanting a meaningful continuation of Cal’s arc as a condition for saying yes.
When Could Cameron Monaghan’s Cal Kestis Have Cameoed In Live-Action?
In past years, vehicles like Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed ripe for a live-action Cal Kestis cameo. The show took place in the same timeframe as Jedi: Fallen Order and could have organically included the fugitive Jedi.
But with Obi-Wan over and other opportunities dwindling, where Cal could appear next remains an open question. Possibilities include an Andor Season 2 cameo or even a standalone Disney+ special.
Ultimately, the deciding factor may hinge on Cal’s fate in the newly released Jedi: Survivor and any potential third game. If the character completes his arc in the games, Lucasfilm may decide his story is better left there rather than forcing an extraneous live-action cameo.
For now, fans can continue following Cal’s journey in Jedi: Survivor, available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. And Cameron Monaghan waits in the wings pending the right opportunity to don the simple Jedi robes in live-action.
