The Star Wars universe might be getting its own version of John Wick. Dave Filoni, the chief creative officer at Lucasfilm, has confirmed he has a secret story about the pet of bounty hunter Embo. This revelation has opened the door for a possible revenge thriller featuring the fan-favorite Kyuzo warrior.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian & Grogu.
Dave Filoni Teases a Hidden Story About Embo’s Missing Pet
Embo made his live-action debut in The Mandalorian & Grogu, which hit theaters on May 20, 2026. In the film, the silent bounty hunter is hired by the Hutt Twins to track down Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal). He fights alongside a fierce wolf-like creature called an anooba. But longtime fans noticed something different. The animal’s name is Keibu, not Marrok.
Marrok was the name of Embo’s original pet during the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. So where did Marrok go?
Dave Filoni addressed this question on StarWars.com. He explained why they gave Embo a new partner for the movie.
“I figured that Marrok was probably no longer around by the time of the film, so we gave Embo a new dog named Keibu,” Filoni said.
Then he dropped a hint that got fans talking.
“I did come up with a story about what happened to Marrok, so maybe one day we can share that somehow.”
This small comment from Filoni suggests that Marrok did not just die of old age. Novels like Aftermath: Empire’s End previously hinted that the animal passed away naturally. But Filoni’s words indicate something more dramatic might have occurred.
How the Movie Sets Up a Potential Revenge Plot
In The Mandalorian & Grogu, Embo serves as a secondary antagonist. He captures Din Djarin and brings him to the Hutt Twins. The character is shown as a ruthless professional who only cares about completing his job. He later fights Djarin in a swamp before escaping as the villains meet their fate.
But Filoni’s tease changes how audiences might view the character. If Marrok was killed on a mission, it would explain why Embo has a new partner in the film. It would also give the quiet bounty hunter a very personal reason to seek payback.
This setup mirrors the story of John Wick. In the Keanu Reeves films, the retired hitman returns to violence after criminals kill his dog. The dog was a final gift from his late wife. The loss pushes Wick back into a world of action and revenge.
Embo is already established as one of the deadliest killers in the galaxy. StarWars.com describes him as “a fearsome bounty hunter of few words” who is “quick to disable his target” with a bowcaster or his metal hat. The official databank notes that “his only true loyalty was to Marrok, his pet anooba.”
If a future Star Wars project shows how Embo lost Marrok, it would turn a cold bounty hunter into a sympathetic character seeking justice.
Where Could This Story Appear?
Fans are already guessing where Filoni might tell this tale. The most likely option is a future season of Tales of the Jedi or a new anthology series. Lucasfilm has already released Tales of the Jedi (2022), Tales of the Empire (2024), and announced Tales of the Underworld. A Tales of the Bounty Hunters series would be the perfect place to focus on Embo.
An animated project would allow Filoni to stay true to the character’s origins. Embo first appeared in The Clone Wars, and Filoni himself provides the character’s voice. Bringing the story back to animation would feel natural.
Other options include a comic book series or a novel. But given Filoni’s position as a top creative at Lucasfilm, he has the power to push for an on-screen project.
The actor playing Embo in live-action is Dave Filoni himself. He voiced the character in the animated series and continued the role for the movie. This personal connection makes it even more likely that Filoni wants to complete Embo’s backstory on screen.
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Fans React to the John Wick Comparison
The idea of a John Wick style Star Wars story has gotten strong reactions from viewers. On social media, fans have pointed out that the setup is perfect for Embo. He is a quiet, skilled fighter with a hidden soft spot for his animal companion. Losing that companion would break his code of silence.
One fan noted that an anthology series following different bounty hunters “would have such awesome potential.” Another pointed out that Embo is “one of the more honourable mercenaries in the franchise” with “genuine, loving care for both his Anooba, Marrok, and later Keibu.”
The timing of Filoni’s comments also matters. The Mandalorian & Grogu is currently playing in theaters. The film ends with Embo escaping while the Hutt Twins die. This leaves the character free to appear in future projects.
For now, Filoni has only said he has a story in mind. He has not confirmed when or where it will be told. But the door is wide open for Star Wars to deliver a revenge thriller starring one of its most underused characters.
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