As a character little seen, Quinlan Vos sure made an impact. Like so many Star Wars background characters, he connected with the audience, so much so George Lucas originally intended to elevate the character from his unnamed background origins in The Phantom Menace to a cut scene and mention in Revenge of the Sith. The latest episode of Inside Intel takes a closer look at Vos and his origins.
Making his debut as a background character on the streets of Mos Espa in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Quinlan Vos’ story developed in Expanded Universe comics — where an affinity among fans quickly grew for the character. Recognizing the character’s popularity in Dark Horse’s Star Wars: Republic comic series, George Lucas intended to bring Quinlan in for the final episode of the prequels. Although the scene ultimately never made it into the film, he does return in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series and is a main character in Christie Golden’s Star Wars: Dark Disciple novel.
Quinlan Vos is a Kiffar, a near-human species from the planet Kiffu. (Kiffar could also be found on its twin planet, Kiffex.) The most notable difference between Kiffar and humans is their blood color, a stark scarlet. Another distinction are the Kiffar’s facial tattoos, which traditionally signify an association with their clan on their home planet. Although Vos was raised by the Jedi Order, thus largely unaffiliated with his homeworld, he still has a yellow, tattooed line across his face that denoted his heritage.
