Kay Vess: The Star Wars Outlaws Protagonist and Her Actress

Who is Kay Vess?

Kay Vess, the protagonist of the video game “Star Wars Outlaws”, was a young woman from the Worker’s District in Canto Bight on the planet Cantonica.

During the Imperial Era, she fought to make a life for herself as a clever thief. Her journey across the galaxy eventually made her one of the most wanted individuals, forcing her into what could become one of the greatest heists in Outer Rim history.

Every day was a struggle for survival for Vess and her companion, Nix, but she held onto the dream of landing a score that would grant her freedom and a place in the galaxy.

What Makes Kay Vess a Unique Character in Star Wars?

Kay Vess is a multifaceted character, designed to be both relatable and formidable. She isn’t perfect—her flaws make her more human, offering a refreshing contrast to the almost mythical personas of characters like Han Solo or Luke Skywalker. Her appearance alone tells a story of survival and resilience, from her broken nose to her practical wardrobe. Kay’s hair is often tied in a loose bun using a Data Spike, which also serves as a hacking tool, and her always-unbuttoned holster signals that she’s perpetually ready for action—quick on the draw and even quicker on her feet.

Beyond her complex personality, what truly sets Kay apart are her loyalty and moral compass, which, while not always pointing north, remain central to her identity. These traits influence how Kay interacts with the world and how players engage with her, ensuring that the game-defining choices she faces will shape her relationships with various factions and ultimately determine her fate.

What Motivates Kay Vess’s Journey?

Kay is driven by a desire for freedom—from the tyranny of the Empire or anyone else. Unlike many protagonists motivated by duty or destiny, Kay’s ambitions are more grounded. She isn’t interested in saving the galaxy; she simply wants to carve out a place in it where she can live on her terms.

This quest for freedom is what propels her into the game’s central heist, making her a character that’s easy to root for, even when her methods are less than heroic.

Who Are Kay Vess’s Allies and Companions?

Kay is a lone wolf by nature, but she isn’t without her companions. Her most notable sidekick is Nix, a tiny, agile creature with a talent for getting this new heroine out of tight spots. The dynamic between Kay and Nix brings a touch of camaraderie and humor to her otherwise perilous life. She’s also joined by others, like Waka, an aloof engineer with high standards; ND-5, a bomb maker and enforcer; and Rooster, a mercenary – along with many others who might call her a friend.

Humberly González, the actress who portrays Kay Vess in Star Wars Outlaws, mentioned in an interview that Kay would likely get along well with existing characters like Rey from the recent Star Wars trilogy. It makes sense, given that both characters share a determination and resilience that would make them formidable allies – if they ever crossed paths in the timeline.

Why Is Kay Vess Important to the Star Wars Universe?

Kay Vess represents a shift in the Star Wars narrative. She isn’t the typical male hero with a destined path to follow; instead, she’s a flawed and determined individual making her way in a galaxy that’s far from welcoming. This shift is significant not only for the Star Wars franchise but also for the gaming industry, as it moves toward more diverse and inclusive storytelling.

Kay Vess is a character that fans will relate to on many levels and remember for years to come. Whether she’s pulling off impossible heists, outsmarting syndicates, or simply surviving another day, Kay Vess is a fresh and exciting addition to the Star Wars universe, bringing a new perspective to the timeless conflict between good and evil.

How Does Humberly González Bring Kay Vess to Life?

Kay Vess is brought to life by Venezuelan actress Humberly González, whom gamers may recognize from her roles in previous Ubisoft titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Far Cry 6, and Starlink: Battle for Atlas.

Beyond the world of video games, González has an extensive film and television portfolio, offering her valuable experience in portraying characters similar to the rising scoundrel in Star Wars Outlaws.

In a recent interview, González discussed her approach to embodying Kay Vess and how the parallels between their personalities contributed to an authentic performance. She shared that during recording sessions, she often had the opportunity to tweak the script, adjusting Kay Vess’ dialogue to make it more natural.

As a novice street thief navigating the galaxy’s criminal underworld, Kay Vess doesn’t start with the expertise or confidence of a seasoned smuggler like Han Solo. Instead, she relies on her quick wit and inherent charisma to survive in this harsh environment, traits that González found easy to connect with. In fact, González noted that her offscreen behavior often mirrored that of Kay Vess.

Despite adopting a “fake it till you make it” mentality, González exuded confidence during the interview, displaying a relaxed and humorous demeanor more akin to a seasoned Han Solo-type character. This confidence seems to reflect how Kay Vess handles herself in the treacherous world of Star Wars Outlaws.

Game studios vary in how much freedom they grant actors in shaping their roles, and according to González, the developers at Massive Entertainment allowed her significant creative control. She felt a deep connection with Kay Vess, and any lines that didn’t resonate with her were adjusted to better fit the character. As González pointed out, the studio cast her for a reason and often trusted her judgment in making these changes.

With an actor so attuned to her character, Kay Vess is poised to become a memorable figure in the Star Wars universe. It will be exciting to see how she evolves into a worthy addition to the franchise’s roster of iconic scoundrels like Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and Atton Rand from Knights of the Old Republic.