Watto is one of the more memorable and controversial characters in the Star Wars universe, known for his distinct appearance, unscrupulous business practices, and pivotal role in the prequel trilogy. Appearing in Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) and making a brief return in Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), Watto is a Toydarian junk dealer who runs a small shop on the desert planet of Tatooine. Despite his relatively limited screen time, Watto’s character leaves a lasting impact due to his involvement in Anakin Skywalker’s early life, his morally dubious dealings, and his unique personality.
In this article, we will explore Watto’s backstory, his role in the Star Wars saga, his cultural significance, and how his character stands out as one of the more colorful figures in the galaxy far, far away.
Watto’s Species: The Toydarians
Watto is a member of the Toydarian species, a race of insectoid beings known for their resilience, flight ability, and distinctive physical traits. Toydarians have large, bat-like wings, which they use to hover or fly short distances. They also have thick, leathery skin, with a pronounced, trunk-like nose, sharp features, and small beady eyes. Unlike many other species in the galaxy, Toydarians are resistant to the Force, making them unique in the Star Wars universe. This characteristic is often noted by the Jedi, who find it unusual and frustrating since their mind tricks, which work on most beings, have no effect on Toydarians.
Watto’s appearance is a clear reflection of his species’ unique physiology. His small, squat body and large, bat-like wings make him a visually distinct character among the diverse cast of alien species in the Star Wars galaxy. He is often seen hovering around his junk shop on Tatooine, using his wings to maneuver through the cluttered environment of his shop, which is filled with various mechanical parts, droids, and other odds and ends.
Despite his somewhat imposing and grubby appearance, Watto is highly intelligent and shrewd, traits that make him a successful junk dealer — albeit with a reputation for being dishonest and ruthless in his business dealings.
Watto in The Phantom Menace
Watto is first introduced in The Phantom Menace as a junk dealer on Tatooine, where he owns a shop filled with various mechanical parts and other scavenged items. He is shown to be an entrepreneur with a keen sense of business, although his methods are far from ethical. Watto is the owner of two slaves: Anakin Skywalker and his mother, Shmi Skywalker. Watto’s exploitation of Anakin and Shmi plays a crucial role in the early life of Anakin, who, as we know, will one day become Darth Vader.
Watto’s significance to the plot of The Phantom Menace lies primarily in his relationship with Anakin. When Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi arrive on Tatooine to seek parts for their ship, they encounter Watto, who initially proves to be an obstacle in their mission. Watto is not easily swayed, especially by the Jedi mind tricks, as his species is immune to the Force. However, Qui-Gon eventually comes up with a plan to win Watto over: he proposes a wager involving a podrace, where the stakes are Anakin’s freedom.
After a tense negotiation, Watto agrees to the terms: if Anakin wins the podrace, Watto will free both Anakin and Shmi from slavery. This bet becomes one of the key plot points of the film, as it sets the stage for Anakin’s eventual freedom. Despite Watto’s initial reluctance and distrust, the bet is sealed, and Anakin competes in the Boonta Eve Classic, which ultimately leads to his victory and the freeing of himself and his mother.
Watto’s role in The Phantom Menace is crucial for setting the foundation of Anakin’s journey. Though he is a secondary character, Watto’s relationship with Anakin reflects the harsh realities of slavery in the Star Wars universe. His character is emblematic of the morally complex world that Star Wars often explores, where characters like Watto represent the darker aspects of society, but also the opportunities and risks that come with it.
Watto’s Morality and Personality
Watto’s character is marked by a combination of shrewdness, greed, and pragmatism. As a junk dealer, he is always looking for ways to get the best deal for himself, even if it means exploiting others in the process. His interactions with those around him are often driven by self-interest, and he has no qualms about making morally questionable decisions, particularly when it comes to dealing with slaves or making unfair bargains.
One of Watto’s most notable qualities is his persistence. He is a clever and determined businessman, always looking for an opportunity to turn a profit. His negotiation skills are sharp, and he is highly resourceful, willing to haggle and barter to get what he wants. His resistance to the Jedi mind trick is also a notable feature of his personality, showcasing his ability to see through deception and manipulation — a trait that helps him survive in the cutthroat world of Tatooine’s underworld.
Despite his many flaws, Watto is not entirely evil. He seems to care about Anakin, even though he sees him primarily as a source of labor rather than a person. In The Phantom Menace, there is a moment where Watto expresses genuine concern for Anakin’s well-being, particularly when he offers to free him if he wins the podrace. This shows that, despite his greed and self-interest, Watto is capable of moments of decency — though they are few and far between.
Watto’s Role in Attack of the Clones
Watto makes a brief return in Attack of the Clones, where he has fallen on hard times since the events of The Phantom Menace. After the rise of the Galactic Empire, Watto’s business on Tatooine has suffered, and he is no longer in possession of Anakin or Shmi, having lost them both during the transition to Imperial rule.
In Attack of the Clones, Padmé Amidala and Obi-Wan Kenobi seek out Watto’s help in locating Shmi Skywalker, who has been kidnapped by Tusken Raiders. Watto, who is now more desperate and wary, reveals that he sold Shmi to a moisture farmer named Cliegg Lars, who eventually freed her but could not prevent her from being captured. Watto’s appearance in the film is brief, but it provides further insight into his character’s moral ambiguity — he is still the same old junk dealer, albeit a more disillusioned and regretful version of the man we saw in The Phantom Menace.
Watto’s Legacy and Impact
While Watto may not be one of the central figures in the Star Wars saga, his character plays a vital role in shaping Anakin Skywalker’s early life and thus influencing the larger arc of the entire franchise. His involvement in Anakin’s backstory, as the dealer who owned Anakin and Shmi, connects him directly to the rise and fall of Anakin, whose transformation into Darth Vader is one of the most significant plotlines in Star Wars.
Watto’s role also emphasizes some of the darker themes of the Star Wars universe, such as slavery, exploitation, and the struggles of the lower classes on planets like Tatooine. His character is a reminder of the various moral shades that exist in the galaxy, where even seemingly minor characters can have far-reaching consequences for the lives of the major protagonists.
Moreover, Watto’s status as a Toydarian — a species immune to the Force — adds a unique element to his interactions with the Jedi. His resistance to Jedi mind tricks highlights his independence from the Force and contributes to the galaxy’s diversity of species and cultures.
Conclusion: The Unforgettable Junk Dealer
Watto is a character who encapsulates many of the complexities of the Star Wars universe. Though his appearance is limited to only a few scenes in the prequel films, his impact on Anakin’s early life and his role in the broader galactic narrative cannot be understated. As a morally complex, shrewd junk dealer, Watto represents the harsh realities of life on the fringes of the galaxy — a place where survival often means making difficult, morally ambiguous choices.
His character adds depth to the Star Wars galaxy, and despite his flaws, Watto remains one of the more memorable and unique figures in the saga. Whether he is exploiting the innocent or showing rare moments of concern, Watto’s personality and actions are essential pieces of the intricate web of characters that make the Star Wars universe so compelling.