Who is Oga and Why is it Her Cantina?
And why does DJ Rex look so familiar?
Let’s put the pieces together and discuss the backstory to the wildly immersive Oga’s Cantina. Everybody knows that it is “the place to be” in Galaxy’s Edge. And I’m sure all the die-hard Star Wars fans know all the answers. But let’s break it down for the majority of guests.
Is This the Cantina That is In A New Hope?
Long story short, no. In A New Hope, viewers see Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, and Obi-Wan Kenobi at Mos Eisley Cantina on the planet Tatooine. Oga’s Cantina is set on the Outer Rim planet of Batuu and can be found near Smugglers’ Alley on Merchant Row in the Black Spire Outpost. Disney created the planet of Batuu for the purpose of the theme parks and it is not mentioned in any Star Wars movies or series. Galaxy’s Edge takes place between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
Although the two cantinas are not the same, Oga’s Cantina has many similarities to Mos Eisley Cantina. For example, the U-shaped bar, rounded booths, “Cantina Band” music, and bartender outfits all make appearances in both cantinas. Not to mention the dingy lighting and oddly shaped carafes and tanks behind the bar.
Chalmun vs. Oga Garra
Mos Eisley Cantina is owned by the male wookie, Chalmun. Before owning the establishment, he was best known as a street fighter who would swindle money from Tatooine visitors. When he saved up enough money, he purchased the cantina from the Vriichon brothers. As seen in A New Hope, this local bar was known to have violent graffles.
Known as the local Blutopian crime boss of Black Spire Outpost, Oga Garra is the sole owner of the Oga’s Cantina. She is rarely seen and does not identify with the First Order or Resistance. She’s known for serving pilots, smugglers, locals, and galactic travelers who often use the establishment as a meet-up for illegal business. Unlike her counterpart’s cantina, droids are allowed in even though there is a droid detector.
Speaking of Droids…
Many guests will recognize DJ R-3X (Rex) from his past life as RX-24 where he piloted a Starspeeder 3000 for Star Tours. After he accidentally entered his starspeeder into a battle, he was fired from Star Tours and allegedly became an Alliance cargo pilot. Clearly, he wasn’t great at his job because he then crashed onto Batuu. Luckily for him, he was used to pay off someone’s debt and given to Oga where he started his new career as a DJ. And luckily for us, he makes a better DJ than a pilot.