Star Wars characters crossing from one medium to another have had some issues in translation, but a live-action Cal Kestis can break that streak.

Cal Kestis is a character audiences have been wanting in live-action Star Wars since the release of Jedi: Fallen Order and his switch from video games to film or TV would avoid two common Star Wars problems. Cal was introduced in 2019's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and has been well received since the game's release. This was evident by Star Wars fan theories hoping the young Jedi would feature in The Mandalorian and, more recently, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

If Cal were to make the leap from one medium to another, he wouldn't be the first to do so. For example, The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett saw the live-action debuts of Ahsoka Tano and Cad Bane from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Also, Star Wars: Rebel's Grand Inquisitor is set to appear in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi. These characters, however, have received some criticism when presented in live-action for two specific reasons, depending on the character in question.

The first main issue with characters switching from animation to live-action is that of the actor hired to portray the live-action version. With Ahsoka and the Grand Inquisitor, for example, neither of the original voice actors were cast in live-action. Ahsoka was played by Rosario Dawson, as opposed to Ashley Eckstein who has voiced the character since 2008, and the Grand Inquisitor will be played by Rupert Friend and not Jason Isaacs, Rebels' voice actor. Despite Dawson receiving praise in the role, it was mainly the decision not to hire Eckstein that received some criticism. With the Grand Inquisitor, it was more a case of Jason Isaacs having such a distinct voice and the fact he is already an established screen actor that led to the criticism of Friend's casting. The second issue comes from how the appearances of these characters have changed from animation to live-action. With Ahsoka, minor criticisms were given to her live-action design such as her head-tails/lekku being shorter than when she was last seen in Rebels. Bane's criticisms were related to things like his blue skin being brighter, or the prosthetics to achieve Bane's appearance causing a slightly different look for his mouth. However, though both these problems have plagued previous live-action Star Wars adaptations, Cal Kestis is actually perfectly suited to overcome them.

With a live-action Cal Kestis, the issue of a controversial recast could be avoided altogether. The actor that voices Cal as well as performs mocap is Cameron Monaghan. Due to the game's style not requiring the exaggerated animation style of Star Wars CG shows, Cal Kestis looks identical to Monaghan. If Cal was introduced in live-action. Monaghan would not have to be recast, being able to seamlessly transfer his portrayal from a mocap performance to a live-action one, avoiding the issue of having to find a new actor to play a well-received character.

Similarly, the nature of the character means that differences in appearance would be far less noticeable than for other characters. For instance, the Grand Inquisitor has received the most criticism for his look in live-action. The Star Wars CG shows had exaggerated art styles, causing his head shape to be tall and thin. This look obviously isn't possible in live-action without the use of heavy prosthetics or CGI, things that may be unfeasible to use, causing Friend's look for the character to be criticized. Cal Kestis however, would again avoid this problem. For one, Cal Kestis is a human, meaning no otherworldly aspects such as lekku or alien body shapes would need to be adapted. Secondly, Cal is modeled identically after Monaghan, meaning his appearance wouldn't change at all should Cameron be hired in live-action. No changes whatsoever would need to be made to Kestis' appearance, avoiding the issue that has bothered some Star Wars viewers of late.

Cameron Monaghan playing a live-action Cal Kestis from Jedi: Fallen Order would not only allow fans of the game to see the character develop on screen, but avoid two common Star Wars misgivings of recent years. Whether it be the fact that the same actor, with the same appearance and voice, will be portraying Kestis or the fact that no altering of prior CG designs will be needed, it is safe to say audiences will be pleased when Cal Kestis makes the jump to live-action Star Wars.

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