Who Is The Best Co-Pilot In The Galaxy?

When it comes to navigating the dangerous space battles and dog fights in the Star Wars galaxy, you have to have a great co-pilot in the cockpit (or the astromech slot).

And while there’ve been no shortage of amazing pilots helming some iconic ships over the course of eight different Star Wars movies (not to mention the countless characters in periphery media such as the cartoons, novels, and comics), there are a few who stand out among the rest.

But as with anything Star Wars, everyone has their own preference and opinion over who is the best. So of course we had to weigh in with all of you, the readers, to find out what you all thought about these characters.

We recently posted a Facebook poll to determine who our fans thought was the best co-pilot in the Star Wars galaxy, positing three different options from characters who have the most notable accolades and achievements throughout the various films that have been released.

The options were left to Chewbacca, Nien Nunb, and the feisty astromech known as R2-D2.

Based on the tallied up votes, we’ve figured out who you think is the best co-pilot in the Star Wars galaxy. Read below to find out who won and why they deserve to be mentioned.

3. Nien Nunb

Nien Nunb might have lost the fan poll, but one could argue that he’s achieved more than the others.

Nunb was present and integral to the destructions of two major weapons installations and is present in the Original Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy.

Nunb’s specifically included on this list for his assistance in Return of the Jedi during the battle of Endor’s moon when he and Lando Calrissian piloted the Millennium Falcon, destroying the second Death Star. When Admiral Ackbar infamously proclaimed “It’s a trap!” all hope seemed lost for the Rebel Fleet.

But Lando, Nunb, and a handful of fighters managed to hold on while the ground assault destroyed the shield generators. Then the Falcon navigated its way to the core of the Death Star where they destroyed the super weapon, resulting in the destruction of the Empire.

Luke Skywalker (and Darth Vader) might be responsible for the Imperial forces losing their top two commanders, but Lando, Nien Nunb, and the rest of the Rebels delivered the killing blow to the Empire.

And then Nunb was also present for the destruction of Starkiller Base during The Force Awakens, piloting an X-Wing alongside Poe Dameron. Though he was manning his own starship (with a droid’s help) at the time, that accomplishment should bump him up on the list.

2. R2-D2

R2-D2 has had a significant role in every main Star Wars episode to date.

He helped the young Anakin Skywalker survive the battle against the Trade Federation over Naboo in The Phantom Menace, assisted him again in Revenge Of The Sith, and helped Luke Skywalker destroy the first Death Star in A New Hope.

He’s done the heavy lifting for Luke when in peaceful navigational searches, such as when they went to Degobah.

Of course, R2’s greatest contributions might be in the field, when he’s Imperial systems, burned some hostile droids, and saved C-3PO from battle in Geonosis.

Artoo’s assistance to his allies is immeasurable, so he definitely deserves a place on this list.

1. Chewbacca


No one should be surprised by who won this poll.

Chewbacca served as Han Solo’s co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon for two movies in the original Star Wars trilogy, and is now working alongside Rey as of The Force Awakens.

In the first Star Wars movie he helped Han Solo navigate the debris of Alderaan, flew the ship while Han and Luke Skywalker took on some TIE Fighters with the turrets, and assisted Luke in the destruction of the first Death Star.

In Empire Strikes Back he helped Han Solo navigate an asteroid field and escape pursuit from Imperial forces.

He’s also a great engineer and repair wookie, fixing countless problems with the Millennium Falcon and hollering every step of the way.

Chewbacca is one of the most beloved members of the Rebel Alliance and now the Resistance. He should remain a staple of the Star Wars saga for years to come.

More Star Wars News

MORE STAR WARS NEWS: Leia Lends A Hand In An Ewok Escape In New ‘Forces Of Destiny’ Episode / Despicable Me 3 Has A Hidden Reference To Empire Strikes Back / Han Solo Movie Seems Determined To Keep Its 2018 Release Date / Colin Trevorrow Reveals The Saddest Thing About Directing Episode IX

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the second film in the new Star Wars sequel trilogy that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. The film will deal with Luke training Rey to become a, and possibly the last, Jedi. Meanwhile, the Resistance, including Poe Dameron and First Order defector Finn, continues to fight against the First Order, led by General Hux, while Supreme Leader Snoke and his Dark Side follower Kylo Ren continue their mysterious plot.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson and stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran.