The Mandalorian and Grogu introduces a Hutt gladiator who will be very familiar to many viewers. Have you ever noticed how many science-fiction TV franchises feature alien races who are all surprising alike? Star Wars has indulged in that trope more than most; all Twi’leks are Sєxy, so many Wookiees are mechanics, and Rodians tend to be bounty hunters.

The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer confirms that this is about to change. It shows a glimpse of a Hutt who is very different to the crime lords of the past; where Jabba reclined to watch others vie for his attention, this Hutt is a warrior who fights in an arena. He’s also actually a very familiar name, with strong ties to Jabba…

Rotta The Hutt Is Jabba’s Son

The “impressive” gladiator is a powerful, muscular Hutt who raises his arms in triumph. This is Rotta the Hutt, a character who actually made his (animated) debut in 2008’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie. He’s the son of Jabba the Hutt, briefly kidnapped during the Clone Wars and rescued by Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka.

Nicknamed “Stinky” by Ahsoka, it seems Rotta has grown up. It’s unclear whether he’s still moving in the traditional underworld circles the Hutts frequent (although gladiatorial arenas haven’t often been legal in the Star Wars galaxy). What is certain, though, is that he’s bulked up significantly.

Rotta will be played by The Bear veteran Jeremy Allen White.

Star Wars Has Been Setting Up Hutt Gladiators For A While

In truth, Star Wars has been setting up a different kind of Hutt for quite a while. Star Wars books have introduced a Hutt scientist who flourished during the High Republic Era, for example, and who rather disliked the traditional crime lord occupation of his family.

But the most direct inspiration for Rotta the gladiator can clearly be found in Grakkus, introduced in Jason Aaron and John Cᴀssaday’s 2015 Star Wars run. Although Grakkus operated in the underworld during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign (even collecting prohibited Jedi artifacts), he was actually a physical powerhouse. He successfully beat down Luke Skywalker himself.

Rotta’s role is even more curious, though, given there was no mention of him in The Book of Boba Fett. He should technically have inherited Jabba’s throne after his father was killed in Return of the Jedi, but instead appears to have abandoned it, pursuing a very different kind of lifestyle. We can only hope The Mandalorian and Grogu will explain Rotta’s choices.