By
Kevin Erdmann
Published Feb 24, 2026, 8:00 PM EST
Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero.
With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention.
Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.
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Without a doubt, one of the biggest online terms coined by the Star Wars fandom over the last few years is "Glup Shitto", a name given to a specific type of Star Wars character. However, I'd like to counter that some characters have been given the name unfairly.
Even in the early months of 2026, it's already apparent that this year will be big not only for the Star Wars franchise overall, but particularly for "Glup Shittos". Here's what the "Glup Shitto" term means, and which Star Wars characters do and don't deserve it.
What Is A "Glup Shitto"? — Star Wars Fan Term Explained
The term “Glup Shitto” originated around 2020 as a tongue-in-cheek Tumblr post, describing the overly enthusiastic reactions hardcore Star Wars fans have when a random-yet-still-named background character reappears in a new project.
While mocking/teasing in its delivery, the "Glup Shitto" term has been widely embraced by the fandom ever since, having been used to describe characters who were largely in the background with minimal dialogue or impact, offering little to the overall plot.
In 2026, we’re arguably entering a Glup Shitto renaissance. Ben Quadinaros, aka the highly-memed “People’s Champ" from 1999's The Phantom Menace, is resurfacing in the upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Racer game, the alien podracer made famous by his pod exploding during the Boonta Eve Classic before crossing the starting line.
Likewise, the Clone Wars bounty hunter Embo and Jabba the Hutt's grown-up son Rotta are making their live-action debuts in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, and both definitely have peak Glup Shitto energy. Really cool Glup Shittos, but Glup Shittos all the same, given their lesser recognized names in the mainstream and limited appearances in the animated Clone Wars series.
However, I feel the need to stress that not every returning alien character qualifies, as popularity outside the mainstream doesn’t automatically equal Glup Shitto status.
Let's Set The Record Straight For Some Major Star Wars Characters (Like Zeb)
Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios is a prime example of a character who does not deserve the Glup Shitto name in the slightest, despite often being lumped in as one.
Although The Mandalorian & Grogu may be Zeb's first time appearing in a Star Wars movie, the Lasat warrior was a main character in all four seasons of Star Wars Rebels (one more season than Din Djarin got with The Mandalorian).
Combined with his live-action debut in The Mandalorian season 3 and a confirmed role in this year's Ahsoka season 2, Zeb being considered a Glup Shitto just doesn't track.
The same goes for characters like Wedge Antilles, Quinlan Vos, and/or Cad Bane, all of whom have had major arcs and impacts in the Star Wars canon. A genuine Glup Shitto must be both largely background AND narratively inconsequential at the time of introduction. It’s not just about casual fans not knowing a name or face because they weren't in a movie.
It's also worth noting that the Glup Shitto label doesn't have to be permanent. After all, the Rebellion's Mon Mothma barely had dialogue in 1983's Return of the Jedi, nor did we even hear her name in the original trilogy (it was only known via the credits). And yet, Mon Mothma has since become one of Star Wars' most compelling characters in the post-Andor landscape we're now living in.
It just goes to show, even when the Glup Shitto is attributed correctly, it's not always forever.
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The Mandalorian and Grogu
Like Follow Followed Not Yet Rated Sci-Fi Adventure Action Release Date May 22, 2026 Director Jon Favreau Writers Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni
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Pedro Pascal
Din Djarin / The Mandalorian
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Sigourney Weaver
Colonel Ward
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Jeremy Allen White
Rotta the Hutt
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Steve Blum
Zeb
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