Watto, a character introduced in The Phantom Menace, is one of the most memorable minor characters in the Star Wars saga. Portrayed by voice actor Andy Secombe, Watto is a shrewd Toydarian junk dealer and slave owner who operates on the desert planet of Tatooine. Known for his gruff demeanor, sharp business acumen, and resistance to Jedi mind tricks, Watto plays a significant role in the early life of Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader.
Watto’s Species: The Toydarians
Watto belongs to the species known as Toydarians, a race native to the planet Toydaria, located in the Mid Rim of the galaxy. Physically, Toydarians are small, blue-skinned humanoids with a short snout, pointed ears, and small wings that allow them to hover and fly for short distances. Despite their size, Toydarians are known for being tough and resilient, which Watto exemplifies in his business dealings.
What sets Toydarians apart from other species in the galaxy is their natural resistance to mind control, particularly Jedi mind tricks. This trait makes them exceptionally difficult to manipulate through the Force, as shown when Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi Master, tries to use a mind trick on Watto to secure a deal during The Phantom Menace. Watto, unimpressed, brushes it off, telling Qui-Gon, “Mind tricks don’t work on me, only money.” This moment highlights Toydarians’ unique physiology and adds depth to the character’s role in the Star Wars universe.
Watto’s Role in Anakin Skywalker’s Life
Watto’s involvement with the Skywalker family is a crucial part of Star Wars lore. He first appears as the owner of Anakin Skywalker and his mother, Shmi Skywalker, both of whom are slaves on Tatooine. Watto purchases them before the events of The Phantom Menace to work in his junk shop. Anakin, a gifted mechanic and pilot even as a child, earns his keep by repairing droids and podracers for Watto, who recognizes the boy’s immense potential but is oblivious to Anakin’s deeper significance in galactic history.
Watto’s greed and desire for profit lead him to gamble frequently. This habit becomes central to the story when Qui-Gon Jinn visits Watto’s shop, seeking parts for Queen Amidala’s ship. After realizing that the parts are too expensive, Qui-Gon bets on Anakin’s skills as a podracer. Watto, confident in the idea that a slave child could not win the dangerous Boonta Eve Classic, agrees to a wager. The stakes are high: if Anakin wins the race, he earns his freedom, but if he loses, Qui-Gon must surrender valuable property, including the Queen’s ship.
Anakin’s victory in the podrace leads to his liberation, thanks to Watto’s overconfidence in his own greed. However, Watto’s bitterness over the loss stays with him, and he remains a symbol of the harsh realities of Tatooine’s underworld economy—where slavery and ruthless business dealings dominate.
Watto’s Junk Shop and Business Practices
Watto’s junk shop on Tatooine is a hub of activity, filled with parts for starships, droids, and podracers. Watto’s business thrives on the desolation and scarcity of resources on Tatooine. In a world where moisture farmers and pod racers make up much of the population, a skilled trader like Watto can find ways to profit in almost any situation. His ability to acquire rare and valuable items makes him a key player in the economy of Tatooine.
However, Watto’s methods are far from ethical. He uses slaves, engages in gambling, and has no qualms about exploiting those who come into his shop. His sharp business acumen allows him to turn a profit from even the most desperate customers, and his disdain for weakness makes him difficult to negotiate with. Watto is not easily swayed by sentiment, and his love for gambling often leads him to make reckless bets, as seen with the podrace wager.
Toydarian Resistance to the Force
Watto’s immunity to Jedi mind tricks plays a significant role in the plot of The Phantom Menace. Qui-Gon Jinn’s attempt to manipulate him using the Force fails, highlighting the distinct physiology of Toydarians. This resistance adds complexity to the Star Wars universe, where the Force is a powerful tool, but not an omnipotent one. It also cements Watto’s role as a character who can’t be easily outmaneuvered by even the most powerful Jedi.
The fact that Toydarians can resist Force influence is an interesting element in the lore of Star Wars, suggesting that the Force has limits depending on the physiology of certain species. In a galaxy where the Force is often portrayed as all-encompassing, Watto’s defiance of Jedi power underscores the diversity and unpredictability of the Star Wars universe.
Watto’s Appearance in Attack of the Clones
Watto returns in Attack of the Clones, where his life has changed significantly since Anakin’s departure. His fortunes have declined, and he is seen as a shadow of his former self. He no longer owns slaves and has fallen on hard times, highlighting the instability of his wealth and status in the rough economy of Tatooine.
When Anakin and Padmé Amidala return to Tatooine in search of Anakin’s mother, they find Watto in his junk shop. Despite his past role as Anakin’s owner, Watto greets him with a mixture of surprise and respect, recognizing the boy he once exploited as a Jedi Knight. Watto provides information on the sale of Shmi Skywalker, revealing that she had been sold to Cliegg Lars, a moisture farmer who later married her. This interaction, while brief, brings closure to Watto’s story arc and illustrates the changes in his life since the events of The Phantom Menace.
Watto’s Legacy in the Star Wars Universe
Watto’s role in Star Wars, though minor compared to major characters like Anakin Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi, is significant in its impact. His character exemplifies the harsh realities of life on the Outer Rim planets like Tatooine, where greed, slavery, and the struggle for survival are the norms. His influence on Anakin’s early life indirectly shapes the fate of the galaxy, as his actions lead to Anakin’s liberation and eventual path to becoming a Jedi.
Watto’s unique resistance to Jedi mind tricks also provides an intriguing layer to the Star Wars mythos, showcasing that even in a universe filled with powerful Force-users, there are still limits to that power. His shrewd business tactics and gruff personality make him a standout among the many traders and criminals that populate the galaxy.
