ILMxLAB’s latest virtual reality experience, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, extends and expands the world of Batuu and Black Spire Outpost like never before. And just as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the epic immersive lands at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, introduced new characters and locations into the Star Wars galaxy, the same is true with Tales. In this series, we’ll introduce you to some of the new residents — and travelers — you’ll run into during your adventures on Batuu.
“The First Order is paying a small fortune for a piece of your cargo. Lucky you, we’re here to claim it.”
Tara Rashin is the Quarren leader of a particularly nasty Guavian Death Gang cell. Starting as a foot soldier in the organization, she quickly worked her way up the ranks thanks to her combination of tactical savvy and vicious brutality. After pledging her Death Gang oath — and receiving her cybernetic arm — she took control of her own cell operating near the Outer Rim, and developed a cozy business relationship with the First Order.
Now operating as a pirate cell, Tara’s group is happy to terrorize ships, hijack cargo, or do anything else that may be required — no matter how unsavory. What has earned her an even more sinister reputation is that she isn’t just a relentless mercenary because it’s a good way to earn some credits; it’s because she truly enjoys spreading fear and intimidation.
You’re tenacious, I’ll give you that.
To bring the character to life, the team turned to comedian and actor Debra Wilson. A veteran of shows like MADtv, Wilson has also built a career out of unforgettable voice-over performances in games like Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst. She’s also no stranger to the Star Wars galaxy, having played Cere Junda in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Nambi Gima in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
“Tara Rashin is part of the Guavian Death Gang,” says Wilson, outlining her interpretation of the character. “She runs a tight ship, literally and figuratively. And when she has a goal, she will not take no for an answer, and she will never relent.”
The power of Wilson’s performance was immediately apparent, as she helped the team dive deeper into what makes Tara Rashin tick. “As soon as we started working with Debra, she literally brought 5,000 percent,” says director Jose Perez III. “She is super intense, and wanted to get to the core of the character.”
“We’re looking for something. And we won’t stop until we get it,” says Wilson of Tara. “There is no emotional repercussion in what she does. Sometimes it simply is a matter of survival.”
You can meet Tara Rashin for yourself in Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, available November 19th on the Oculus Quest platform.
