Nien Nunb

Nien Nunb is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, first appearing in the film 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi' as Lando Calrissian's co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon during the climactic Battle of Endor. Nien Nunb is a member of the Sullustan species, a race of humanoid aliens known for their distinctive facial features, including their wide, flat faces with large eyes and folds of skin that resemble a bat's wings around their mouths, giving them an unusual grinning appearance. He played a crucial role in helping the Rebel Alliance destroy the second Death Star, thereby dealing a significant blow to the evil Galactic Empire.

The character of Nien Nunb was originally conceived by Lucasfilm concept artist Ralph McQuarrie, who designed many of the iconic characters and spaceships in the Star Wars universe. Nien was brought to life through the use of a puppet operated by puppeteer Mike Quinn, who continued to portray the character in subsequent Star Wars films. The creature effects team at Stuart Freeborn's workshop created the elaborate animatronic mask for Nien Nunb, which featured a complex system of cables and servos to manipulate its facial expressions during filming.

In addition to his appearance in 'Return of the Jedi', Nien Nunb has also appeared in several other Star Wars films, including 'The Force Awakens', 'The Last Jedi', and 'The Rise of Skywalker'. In these films, he serves as a pilot for the Resistance, fighting alongside various other notable characters such as Princess Leia, Rey, and Poe Dameron. Nien's role in these films, while less prominent than in 'Return of the Jedi', still showcases his skill as a pilot and his loyalty to the cause of the Resistance as they battle the sinister First Order.

Beyond the films, Nien Nunb has also been featured in various other Star Wars media, such as comic books, novels, and video games. In these expanded universe stories, he is often portrayed as a skilled smuggler and pilot, working with various other characters in the Star Wars universe to help the Rebel Alliance and later the Resistance in their fight against the dark forces that threaten the galaxy.

One notable aspect of Nien Nunb is his distinctive voice, which was created by Kenyan sound engineer Kipsang Rotich. Rotich was a student at the University of California when he was asked by sound designer Ben Burtt to provide voicework for the character. Rotich performed the character's dialogue in his native Kalenjin language, as well as some lines in Kikuyu, which give Nien Nunb a unique and memorable vocal quality that sets him apart from other characters in the Star Wars universe.

Throughout his appearances in the Star Wars universe, Nien Nunb has remained a fan favorite character, thanks to his distinctive appearance, memorable voice, and important role in helping the Rebel Alliance achieve victory against the Empire. His continued presence in newer films and expanded universe media demonstrates that even a relatively minor character in the Star Wars galaxy can have a lasting impact and enduring appeal among fans.