Wikipedia

Qi'ra

Qi'rais a fictional character in theStar Warsfranchise, first appearing in the 2018 filmSolo: A Star Wars Storyand portrayed by English actressEmilia Clarke.The character was introduced in the 2018 prequel novelMost WantedbyRae Carson.A practitioner ofTeräs Käsi,she isHan Solo's childhood best friend and first love from the planetCorellia.The pair live on the streets before she is captured and he flees the planet. In order to leave the planet herself, Qi'ra becomes a lieutenant in the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate underMaul,assuming control of the organization after his death, becoming its leader during the Galactic Civil War.

Qi'ra
Star Warscharacter
Emilia Clarkeas Qi'ra inSolo: A Star Wars Story(2018)
First appearanceMost Wanted(2018)
Last appearanceStar Wars Outlaws(2024)
Created by
Portrayed byEmilia Clarke
Voiced byOlivia Hack
In-universe information
SpeciesHuman
GenderFemale
TitleLieutenant (formerly)
OccupationLeader of Crimson Dawn
Affiliation
  • White Worms (formerly)
  • Crimson Dawn
Fighting styleTeräs Käsi
Significantothers
Master
  • Maul(Teräs Käsi)
  • Dryden Vos (Teräs Käsi)
HomeworldCorellia

Appearances

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Film

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Solo: A Star Wars Story

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In the 2018Star Wars AnthologyfilmSolo: A Star Wars Story,Qi'ra is introduced as an orphaned street thief living on the shipbuilding world ofCorellia.She and her lover, Han, attempt to use the valuable fuel source coaxium to bribe their way through a checkpoint to escape the planet and the criminal gang pursuing them. Qi'ra is apprehended, but urges Han to go on without her. He does, and vows to return for her.

Three years later, seeking funding to buy a ship to return to Corellia, Han participates in a coaxium heist that goes awry. He accompanies his new associateTobias Beckettto explain their failure toDryden Vos,a high-ranking crime boss in the Crimson Dawn syndicate. Han and Qi'ra are reunited, as she is now Vos's top lieutenant. Han suggests a risky plan to steal unrefined coaxium from the mines on the planetKessel;Vos approves but insists that Qi'ra accompany the team. She leads them toLando Calrissian,an accomplished smuggler and pilot who agrees to join the mission with his ship, theMillennium Falcon,in exchange for a share of the profits. The theft is a success, but Han and Qi'ra become sympathetic to the cause of the rebels who are trying to prevent the syndicates and theGalactic Empirefrom gaining greater domination over the galaxy. They attempt to trick Vos, but the double-crossing Beckett has already alerted the crime lord to their plan. Caught aiding Han, Qi'ra tells Dryden she will prove her loyalty to him by sacrificing something she loves, and advances on Han. She betrays and kills Vos instead, and sends Han after Beckett. Once alone, Qi'ra contacts Vos's superior,Maul,to inform him of the mission's failure and claim Vos's position within the syndicate; she blames the death of Vos on Beckett. Qi'ra then abandons Han and leaves for Dathomir to meet with Maul as he commands her.[1]

Animated series

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Star Wars Forces of Destiny

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In the 2018 episode "Triplecross" ofStar Wars Forces of Destiny,pirateHondo Ohnakaand bounty hunter droidIG-88pursue Qi'ra, who pits them against each other to collect the bounty on them.

Literature

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Most Wanted

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Qi'ra is introduced in the novelMost WantedbyRae Carson.The novel focuses on Han and Qi'ra shortly before the events ofSolo: A Star Wars Story.It was published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press on May 25, 2018, in concert with the film.[2]

Crimson Trilogy

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The crossover comicWar of the Bounty Hunters,published on June 2, 2021, and set between the moviesThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi,shows Qi'ra still alive, in control of the Crimson Dawn and plotting a return to power. The organization was thought to be destroyed after Maul's death onTatooinebyObi-Wan Kenobi.Now, learning that Han Solo had become important to the Galactic Empire, theRebel Allianceand theHutt Clanand that he had also been frozen in carbonite, Qi'ra had her agents capture him from bounty hunterBoba Fett.[3]War of the Bounty Hunterswas only the start of theCrimson Trilogyof comics, which continued Qi'ra and Crimson Dawn's story inCrimson ReignandHidden Empire,as Qi'ra leads the Dawn in an ultimately futile quest to overthrowEmperor Palpatine.Despite the failure of her plans, she survives and goes into hiding, living past the Battle of Endor.[4]

Games

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Qi'ra appears as a playable character inStar Wars: Galaxy of Heroes,the mobile RPG game developed by Capital Games and Published byElectronic Arts.[5][6] She also appears in the 2024UbisoftgameStar Wars Outlaws,as leader of Crimson Dawn.[7]

Merchandise

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Several toys of Qi'ra have been made available. Among them, a 12-inch Qi'ra (Corellia) figure which features a movie-inspired design,[8][9]a six-inchaction figurebyHasbroas part of the company'sStar Wars: The Black Seriestoy line,[10]aFunko Popfigurine,[11]LegoStar Wars figurines,[12][13]the Star Wars Nerf Qi'Ra blaster by Hasbro,[14]a Star Wars Mighty Muggs figure,[15]as well as T-shirts featuring the character.[16]

Character

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Description

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Qi'ra is introduced as an earnest thief in love with Han and dreaming of escape from the slums of the planetCorellia.They are separated by circumstance, and when they reunite years later, they have both been through li that "Qi'ra is different from the other women I've played, but the similarity is her strength, and her survival instincts. She just has a bit more grit."[17]She said, "We're going to hit you with a character that could very easily well be a dude, because you question her motives. That's really... exciting in theStar Warsuniverse, because that has never happened. "[18]Clarke said, "Qi'ra's journey is definitely one of survival and strength. The way that I felt about her was yeah this girl has got a core of steel."[19]Calling Qi'ra a "galactic femme fatale",Entertainment Weekly'sAnthony Breznicanwrote:

This is a character who doesn't want her full resume out there. She's a woman of shadows, of secrecy. She's a woman of many identities, the truest ones hidden away and only visible to those she trusts, which may be no one... She's also one of the primary forces that shape [Han] the young smuggler.[19]

Clarke said, "Every single part of her as a character reflects on the Han Solo that we know and love."[17]She explained:

The beautiful thing about this Han Solo story is it's highlighting all of the most brilliant aspects of Han Solo the character and characterizing those aspects in characters that he meets on his journey to becoming who he is...You are seeing all of these different elements that make up who he is through the people and the interactions and the relationships just as we all do as human beings. We are simply the embodiment of our experiences...You see the beginnings of him, this loveable rogue. You get it fine-tuned throughout these relationships, and Qi'ra is one of those relationships that has an impact on him as a character...The goal is that the shadow of Qi'ra is there in Han as a character that we know. This girl is another texture that makes up who he is when we first meet him.[19]

According toSoloco-writerJonathan Kasdan,Qi'ra is Han's "formative experience with romance, and that experience very directly influences the relationships he has later on with people likeLeia."[17]Describing Qi'ra's relationship with Han, Clarke explained that "They grew up as comrades, essentially. They grew up as pals, as partners in crime. There is obviously the romantic side of things. But they grew up together. So they were kids together."[19]She said that later, "within that relationship, the thing that you see with Qi'ra is that she is an enigma."[19]Clarke also noted, "There is this underlying joy in an origin story because you know where they end up. And Qi'ra is nowhere to be seen, so...something has happened!...Something must have happened to affect him as a person, but for us fans not to know about her."[19]

Emilia Clarkeportrays Qi'ra inSolo: A Star Wars Story

Portrayal

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In October 2016,Tessa Thompson,Naomi Scott,Zoë Kravitz,Emilia Clarke,Kiersey Clemons,Jessica Henwick,andAdria Arjonawere being considered for the female lead inSolo: A Star Wars Story[20][21](named "Kura" in early drafts).[22]Clarke, known for her role asDaenerys Targaryenin theHBOfantasy television seriesGame of Thrones,was cast the following month.[21][23]Clarke toldVanity Fairthat she struggled with the character underSolo'soriginal co-directors,Phil Lord and Chris Miller,and sought advice from the film's father-and-son screenwriters,LawrenceandJonathan Kasdan.[18]She said of the role, "She'll be the sort of character that will keep you on your toes, and I think that was one of the biggest things that drew me to her as a character, and got me really excited."[17]

Qi'ra was featured in the May 25, 2018 episode "Triplecross" of the2D animatedweb seriesStar Wars Forces of Destiny,voiced byOlivia Hack.[24][25][26]

Reception

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General

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Qi'ra has been positively received by both critics and fans, with many referring to her as a standout, and the most fascinating aspect ofSolo: A Star Wars Story.[27][28]Pete Morrison of theRebels Reportcalled her the best character in the film. Stating that Emilia Clarke jumps from genre franchise inGame of Thronesto another in a galaxy far, far away and manages to have the most complex and interesting story arc of any character in the film.[29]Futurism's Marguerita Tan wrote that "Qi'ra is a complex character who is not only intelligent and resourceful, but also someone who can look after herself". Tan concluded that it wasn't hard to understand why many fans were so keen to see the character in more on-screen adventures.[30]Dana Brandt ofThe Daily Cardinalwas critical of the character's arc stating that Qi'ra, and by extension her relationship with Han was underdeveloped.[31]Bustle'sCasey Cipriani suggests that Qi'ra may or may not have been aSithand states that a female villain who can use the Force has never been portrayed in aStar Warsfilm.[32]

Future

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Many have expressed interest in a follow-up to Qi'ra's story. Derrick Clements of theDaily Haroldwrote, "she is introduced as a character with depth and mystery to spare. Most of all, where the film leaves her is tremendously full of possibility".[33]Writing forComic Book Resources,Rita Dorsch proclaimed Qi'ra's turn inSoloto be the most interesting part of the film and went on to state that any follow-up needs to focus on her.[34]Bustle'sAngelica Floria stated, "the headstrong combatant played by Clarke seems to only have just begun her role in the Star Wars universe". She notes that Clarke signed on for multiple films and adds that the ending of Solo makes it clear that future Star Wars projects could continue the story of Qi'ra and Darth Maul's future with the Crimson Dawn.[35]

References

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  1. ^Davids, Brian (June 6, 2018)."How the 'Solo' Cameo Undermines Its Most Compelling Character Arc".The Hollywood Reporter.
  2. ^Lehane, Jim (July 17, 2018)."Star Wars: Most Wantedreview: A perfect Han and Qi'ra adventure story ".AIPT.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedMarch 31,2020.
  3. ^Cavanaugh, Patrick (June 2, 2021)."Star Wars Delivers Shocking Reunion Fans Have Been Wanting for Years".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on December 19, 2021.RetrievedDecember 19,2021.
  4. ^Star Wars: Hidden Empire#5 (April 2023). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^"Star Wars Games Are Getting Special Modifications with New Solo: A Star Wars Story Content".StarWars.com.June 6, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  6. ^Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes Out Now - IGN,November 24, 2015,retrievedApril 16,2020
  7. ^"Cover Reveal – Star Wars Outlaws".Game Informer.April 9, 2024. Archived fromthe originalon April 9, 2024.RetrievedApril 9,2024.
  8. ^"Solo: A Star Wars Story 12" Qi'ra (Corellia) Figure ".www.target.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  9. ^"Solo A Star Wars Story Qi'Ra Deluxe Action Figure".ToyWiz.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  10. ^"Hasbro: Solo: A Star Wars Story Black Series Qi'Ra (Corellia) |".April 5, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on February 22, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  11. ^"Funko Solo: A Star Wars Story Pop! Qi'ra Vinyl Bobble-Head".HotTopic.Archivedfrom the original on April 22, 2023.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  12. ^"Qi'ra - LEGO Star Wars Characters - LEGO.com for kids - US".www.lego.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  13. ^"Qi'ra: LEGO Star Wars: Target".www.target.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  14. ^"Star Wars Nerf Qi'Ra Blaster | Nerf".nerf.hasbro.com.Archivedfrom the original on September 6, 2024.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  15. ^"Star Wars Mighty Muggs Qi'Ra".BigBadToyStore.Archivedfrom the original on June 15, 2018.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  16. ^"Solo: A Star Wars Story Qi'ra T-Shirt for Women - Customizable | shopDisney".shopDisney.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  17. ^abcdSmith, Nigel (May 23, 2018)."Emilia Clarke on Why Her Femme Fatale inSolo'Isn't Like the Women You've Seen inStar Wars'".People.RetrievedMay 31,2018.
  18. ^abRobinson, Joanna (May 23, 2018)."Cover Story: Emilia Clarke'sSoloFlight ".Vanity Fair.Archivedfrom the original on June 1, 2018.RetrievedJune 18,2018.
  19. ^abcdefBreznican, Anthony(February 8, 2018)."FromGame of ThronestoStar Wars:Emilia Clarke on herSolofemme fatale ".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on June 11, 2018.RetrievedMay 30,2018.
  20. ^Kroll, Justin (October 5, 2016)."Han Solo Film: Tessa Thompson and Zoe Kravitz Among Those Testing for Female Lead".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2017.
  21. ^abKroll, Justin (November 18, 2016)."Emilia Clarke JoinsStar WarsHan Solo Spinoff ".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2017.
  22. ^Szostak, Phil (2018).The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story.New York: Abrams. pp. 43, 83.ISBN978-1-4197-2745-0.OCLC1037353117.Archivedfrom the original on March 13, 2021.RetrievedMarch 12,2021.
  23. ^"Emilia Clarke Joins The Han Solo Stand-Alone Film".StarWars.com.November 18, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 30,2017.
  24. ^Macias, Johnamarie (May 29, 2018)."Qi'ra FromSolo: A Star Wars StoryAppears in Her OwnForces of DestinyShort ".The Wookiee Gunner.RetrievedMay 31,2018.
  25. ^Crouse, Megan (June 4, 2018)."Star WarsBlaster Canon Podcast:Solo,Forces of Destiny,Last Shot".Den of Geek!.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2018.RetrievedJuly 9,2018.
  26. ^Plante, Corey (May 23, 2018)."Qi'ra FromSoloWill Get Her OwnForces of DestinyAnimated Episode ".Inverse.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2018.RetrievedMay 31,2018.
  27. ^"5 Reasons We Love Qi'ra".StarWars.com.June 15, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  28. ^"Solo: A Star Wars Story best and worst -- our global review - CNET".August 19, 2018. Archived fromthe originalon August 19, 2018.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  29. ^Morrison, Pete (June 2, 2018)."Why Qi'ra Is The Best Character In Solo: A Star Wars Story".Rebels Report.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  30. ^"Emilia Clarke's Qi'ra – What We Know of the Enigmatic Character in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'".Futurism.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  31. ^"'Solo: A Star Wars Story' is an action-packed entry starring the galactic gunslinger ".The Daily Cardinal.Archivedfrom the original on May 2, 2020.RetrievedApril 17,2020.
  32. ^"What Qi'ra's Decision At The End Of 'Solo' Actually Means".Bustle.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2020.RetrievedApril 17,2020.
  33. ^Derrick Clements."I don't care if 'Solo' disappointed at the box office -- I want a Qi'ra spinoff ASAP".Daily Herald.RetrievedSeptember 2,2020.
  34. ^"Star Wars: Any Solo Follow-Up Film Needs to Focus on Qi'ra, NOT Han".CBR.May 30, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on September 14, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 2,2020.
  35. ^"Will Qi'ra Be In More Star Wars Movies? Emilia Clarke Has Hinted At A Future For Her Character".Bustle.Archivedfrom the original on September 18, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 2,2020.
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