There are countless incredible sci-fi protagonists in the long and storied history of the genre. You have heroes such as Luke Skywalker, Captain Kirk, Ellen Ripley, and Rick Deckard, to name a few.

But what about the supporting characters? They may be less-talked about, but they’re equally exciting and worthy of exploration. This list highlights the supporting characters that would benefit the most from a solo movie. These characters are too good not to have their own moments of spotlight on the silver screen.

Namgoong Minsu - Snowpiercer (2013)

     CJ Entertainment

Snowpiercer was a 2013 sci-fi action film directed by Bong Joon-ho. It was his first English language film, and it’s easily one of the best debuts in that regard.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

The film tells the story of an alternate dystopian future in a frozen-over world. The last remnants of society are on board a train that never stops. The rich and powerful at the front of the train, and the people fighting to survive in the back. It has a pretty incredible cast that features Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Ed Harris and, of course, Song Kang-ho.

Song Kang-ho may be most known for Parasite and Memories of Murder, but it’s his role as Namgoong Minsu that deserves another look. Bits of his backstory are revealed throughout the movie, but for the most part he remains an unknown character. An origin story about him and his daughter Yona (Go Ah-sung) would make his appearance in the movie feel even more fleshed out and important. Their dynamic is one of the most emotionally-pulling aspects of the movie.

Bong Joon-ho coming back to tell this story would be the perfect choice. Snowpiercer is already one of his best.

Gigolo Joe - A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

     Warner Bros. Pictures

A.I. Artificial Intelligence has an interesting place in the catalog of Steven Spielberg titles. Mostly, it’s not included at all. It originally started off as a Stanley Kubrick project. He supposedly sat on it for years, constantly bringing in writers and producers. The film went through a lot of changes during the pre-production stage, but unfortunately Kubrick would not live on to see the film made. He passed away in 1999, and Steven Spielberg would go on to take on the project. It’s totally a Spielberg movie - but that Kubrick DNA is there too.

Jude Law plays a character named Gigolo Joe, which is exactly what it sounds like. Both he and David (Haley Joel Osment) are Mechas on the run. Joe is a dry-witted, but good-natured character that Law plays wonderfully. The character is wholly unique and interesting, but a spin-off movie would really be about a return to that world. It’s just dripping with character and personality - and Gigolo Joe is the perfect character to explore more of it. It’s already one of his best roles, and seeing him return to it after all these years would be fascinating.

Rita Vrataski - Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge of Tomorrow was a surprise hit when it came out in 2014. Directed by Doug Liman, Edge of Tomorrow turned into one of the most fun and original sci-fi movies of the decade. Emily Blunt played Sergeant Rita Vrataski, and it’s easily one of her best roles.

The story takes place in an alternate history where humanity is faced with a seemingly impossible war against the Mimics, an alien horde that has invaded Earth. Humanity is on their last leg, and Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is right in the middle of it when he dies in battle. Strangely, he awakens instantly, and finds himself in the cot he woke up in that previous morning. He’s caught living the same day over and over again.

Cruise may be the star - but it’s Emily Blunt who stood out the most as Rita Vrataski. Another film would most likely need to be a prequel, but seeing her don the Mech suit again would be something that audiences would show up to theaters in droves for. It doesn’t need to be attached to the time travel mechanic the first film had - it just needs that same care and attention to detail that made the first such a hit.

Duncan Idaho - Dune (2021)

Whether you’ve read the novels by Frank Herbert or not, the fate of Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) is not yet decided for the future of the new film franchise.

There are many things that made Dune one of the best movies from 2021. The direction, set design, and sound design all make the film seem otherworldly. Hans Zimmer would grab an Oscar for his original score as well. A lot of the hype around this film has to do with the technical side of it all, but the performances are great too. Especially Jason Momoa, playing Duncan Idaho.

Duncan is seen throughout the film commanding the respect and admiration of everyone else in the army. He’s seen as an undefeatable legend that was able to fully integrate with the Fremen. Not only was he able to survive in the desert of Arrakis, he was able to command the respect of the Fremen as well. Despite all this - he really doesn’t have a lot of screen time. Most of his deeds and accomplishments either happened off-screen or happened before the movie takes place. A film that not only gets to show more of the Dune universe, but also sees Duncan become a legend, would be very welcome. Jason Momoa needs more time to shine as this character.

Qui-Gon Jinn - Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)

     20th Century Studios

Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) isn’t exactly a mystery at this point. He originally premiered in 1999’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, but has been the subject of numerous comic books, novels, and short stories. Yet, his character has only appeared in one live-action film.

To say Star Wars: The Phantom Menace had mixed reviews upon its release is putting it lightly. In the eyes of many Star Wars fans, that first film marked dark years ahead for the franchise. As time has progressed, however, the prequel trilogy has taken on a new life, and a new sense of appreciation from fans. Even in the early years following the release, when vitriol was at its highest, Liam Neeson’s performance was considered a lone bright spot for the film.

While he may be coming back in Obi-Wan on DisneyPlus, Qui-Gon deserves a larger exploration of his character. As time progresses and Liam ages further and further past what would be a realistic portrayal - a recast prequel might just do the trick. He’s a fascinating character and one that is perfect for an origin story. Another film set in the prequel era would be very welcome indeed.