In Disney’s upcoming Star Wars Rebels, we’ll see a ragtag group of rebels fighting back against the oppression of the Empire. While it’s a big organization, at least a couple of specific faces will stand against the show’s band of heroes. We’ve already met the Inquisitor, and Lucasfilm and Disney have just introduced Agent Kallus. He’s called a “Rebel-hunter” within the universe, and he’s portrayed by David Oyelowo (Rise of Planet of the Apes).

Kallus works for the Imperial Security Bureau, and as Dave Filoni explains, the group is a little like the FBI and also like military police. His job is to make sure everyone stays loyal, and he focuses on investigating insurgencies. He’s intimidating; he presents an actual physical threat since he’s skilled at combat. I don’t get the impression he’s particularly forgiving. I’m going to go ahead and nickname him Callus Kallus.

The character’s human, and if you noticed the giant mutton chops, there’s a reason for them. Filoni told Hero Complex, “We definitely wanted to capture that ’70s feeling that was so strong in A New Hope.” Kallus has an imposing appearance to match his manner and voice – Oyelowo has incredible presence – but it appears that early concept art painted him as a Chiss rather than a human. He has blue skin and red eyes, and it’s hard not to think of the most well known Chiss, Grand Admiral Thrawn from the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Maybe they steered away from the look to avoid confusion.

Hero Complex has the full introduction video for Kallus. What do you think of the new villain?

HT: LA Times Hero Complex