Editing Grand Moff Tarkin

{{more citations|date=July 2024|talk=Assertion of notability}}
{{short description|Fictional character in the Star Wars universe}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Grand Moff Tarkin
| image = Grand Moff Tarkin.png
| caption = Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin{{efn|''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977)}}
| series = [[Star Wars]]
| first = ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977)
| creator = [[George Lucas]]
| full_name = Wilhuff Tarkin<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grand Moff Tarkin |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/grand-moff-tarkin |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803162644/https://www.starwars.com/databank/grand-moff-tarkin/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
* Governor of [[List of Star Wars planets and moons#Eriadu|Eriadu]]
* Station Commander
}}
| spouse = Thalassa Tarkin<br>(''Legends'')
| children = Ellian Zahra<br>(surrogate daughter)<br>Garoche Tarkin<br>(son, ''Legends'')
| lbl21 = Homeworld
| data21 = Eriadu
| affiliation = {{Plainlist|
* [[Galactic Republic]]
* [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]
}}
| portrayer = {{Plainlist|
* [[Peter Cushing]]{{efn|''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]''}}
* [[Wayne Pygram]]{{efn|''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]''}}
* [[Guy Henry (actor)|Guy Henry]]{{efn|''[[Rogue One]]''<ref name="Cushing"/>}}
}}
| voice = {{Plainlist|
* [[Stephen Stanton]]{{efn|''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'' (series)<br>''[[Star Wars Rebels]]''<br>''[[Star Wars: The Bad Batch|The Bad Batch]]''}}
* [[Keene Curtis]]{{efn|[[Star Wars (radio series)|Radio drama]]}}
* [[Paul Darrow]]{{efn|''[[Star Wars: Empire at War]]''}}
* [[Trevor Devall]]{{efn|''[[Lego Star Wars: Terrifying Tales]]''}}
* [[Nick Jameson]]{{efn|''[[Star Wars: X-Wing (video game)|Star Wars: X-Wing]]''}}
}}
| relatives = Gideon Tarkin<br>(brother, ''Legends'')
}}
'''Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin''' is a fictional character in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise. He was introduced in the [[Star Wars (film)|original 1977 ''Star Wars'' film]]{{Efn|Later retitled ''Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope''}} as one of the two main [[antagonists]], alongside [[Darth Vader]], and the commander of the [[Death Star]], a gigantic spherical space station built by the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]], equipped with an immensely powerful [[superlaser]] capable of obliterating entire planets. Tarkin is portrayed by [[Peter Cushing]] in ''Star Wars''. Tarkin also appears in the films ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'' and ''[[Rogue One]]'', and in the animated series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'', ''[[Star Wars Rebels|Rebels]]'', and ''[[Star Wars: The Bad Batch|The Bad Batch]]''. He is featured in the 2014 novel ''Tarkin'', which details his backstory and his rise to power within the Empire. In 2006, the entertainment website ''[[IGN]]'' called Tarkin "one of the most formidable villains" in ''Star Wars'' history.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=August 8, 2006 |title=Star Wars Speeches: Grand Moff Tarkin |url=http://dvd.ign.com/articles/724/724655p1.html |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124063923/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/08/star-wars-speeches-grand-moff-tarkin |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Creation and portrayal==
Tarkin's character was originally conceived as a holy man from the planet Aquila, but was changed to an antagonist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/grandmofftarkin/ |access-date=September 6, 2010 |publisher=[[Lucasfilm]] |title=Tarkin, Grand Moff |work=Databank |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803054643/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/grandmofftarkin/ |archive-date=August 3, 2008}}</ref> As [[Palpatine|the Emperor]] would not appear until later in the original trilogy, Lucas used Tarkin's final version as the "main villain" of the first film, a personification of the Empire.<ref>{{cite AV media |last=Lucas |first=George |year=2011 |title=Star Wars: The Complete Saga |medium=Blu-ray |location=Audio commentary for ''Episode IV – A New Hope''}}</ref> According to a book created to help promote the original film to prospective theaters, he aspires to become the Emperor.<ref>{{Cite video|title=[[Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy]]|medium=DVD|date=2004|publisher=Star Wars Trilogy Box Set DVD documentary|minutes=74:30|quote=His insatiable political ambitions to become Emperor have driven him to use ruthless means to quell the rapidly growing rebellion.}}</ref>

Cushing admitted many years later to not knowing what a "Grand Moff" actually was, joking that it sounded like "something which infests a clothes closet" and characterizing Tarkin as a "deeply cross and unpleasant gentleman".<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Saavedra|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/star-wars/271230/star-wars-that-time-grand-moff-tarkin-blew-up-alderaan-while-wearing-slippers|title=Star Wars: That Time Grand Moff Tarkin Blew Up Alderaan While Wearing Slippers|website=[[Den of Geek]]|publisher=Dennis Publishing|location=London, England|date=February 26, 2018}}</ref>

In the 2005 prequel film ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'', [[Wayne Pygram]] was able to achieve the likeness of a young version of Tarkin through the use of prosthetic makeup.<ref name="Revenge of the Sith commentary">Audio commentary on ''Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith''</ref> For his performance as Tarkin in the animated series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'', the voice actor [[Stephen Stanton]] researched Cushing's performances and then tried to imitate what Cushing might have sounded like in his mid-thirties and soften his voice to portray a level of humanity.<ref>{{cite web|first=Pete|last=Vilmur|url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/stephen_stanton_as_tarkin/index.html|title=Look Who's Tarkin: Stephen Stanton|website=StarWars.com|date=March 3, 2011|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913063648/http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/stephen_stanton_as_tarkin/index.html |archive-date=September 13, 2011}}</ref>

In the 2016 film ''[[Rogue One]]'', archival footage<ref name=vulture>{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Lincoln|title=How Did Rogue One Legally Re-create the Late Peter Cushing?|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/rogue-one-peter-cushing-digital-likeness.html|website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]]|publisher=[[New York Media]]|location=New York City|access-date=December 24, 2016|date=December 24, 2016|archive-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224111514/http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/rogue-one-peter-cushing-digital-likeness.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and a digital scan of Peter Cushing's [[Death mask|life mask]] made for the 1984 film ''[[Top Secret!]]'' were used to create a 3D [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] mask which was augmented and mapped to actor [[Guy Henry (actor)|Guy Henry's]] face.<ref name="Slashfilm">{{Cite web |last=Anderton |first=Ethan |date=January 6, 2017 |title=See How 'Rogue One' Brought Peter Cushing Back As Grand Moff Tarkin |url=http://www.slashfilm.com/rogue-one-grand-moff-tarkin-visual-effects/ |access-date=January 6, 2017 |website=[[/Film]] |publisher=Valnet, Inc. |location=Montreal, Quebec, Canada |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106141513/http://www.slashfilm.com/rogue-one-grand-moff-tarkin-visual-effects/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Independent>{{cite news|first=Christopher|last=Hooton|title=Rogue One: Peter Cushing resurrected as Grand Moff Tarkin via CGI was impressive, but was it ethical?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/rogue-one-cgi-grand-moff-tarkin-actor-peter-cushing-princess-leia-carrie-fisher-animated-a7483991.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|publisher=Independent Print Ltd.|location=London, England|access-date=December 24, 2016|date=December 24, 2016|archive-date=December 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226075006/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/rogue-one-cgi-grand-moff-tarkin-actor-peter-cushing-princess-leia-carrie-fisher-animated-a7483991.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Henry had studied Cushing's mannerisms many years previously for the lead role in British TV show ''[[Young Sherlock: The Mystery of the Manor House|Young Sherlock]]'',<ref>{{cite news|title=Perfect Actor to Bring Tarkin to Life|url=http://comicbook.com/starwars/2017/01/03/how-lucasfilm-found-the-perfect-actor-to-bring-tarkin-to-life-in|website=Comicbook.com|access-date=January 13, 2017|date=January 13, 2017}}</ref> but insisted on a screen test as he was not comfortable that his vocal imitation was accurate, stating he sounded more "[[Peter O'Toole]] than Peter Cushing".<ref name=businessinsider.com>{{cite magazine|first=Jason|last=Guerrasio|title=The actor behind the CGI Tarkin in 'Rogue One' tells us how he created the character|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/cgi-moff-tarkin-rogue-one-guy-henry-2017-1|magazine=[[Business Insider]]|publisher=[[Axel Springer SE]]|location=New York City|access-date=January 11, 2017|date=January 11, 2017|archive-date=January 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110141622/http://www.businessinsider.com/cgi-moff-tarkin-rogue-one-guy-henry-2017-1|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]] team searched through hours of footage to find suitable material of Cushing to build from. The footage from ''A New Hope'' was lit very differently to the lighting used in ''Rogue One'' and had to be digitally changed. The more they manipulated the lighting to match the other actors in the scenes the less like Cushing the character model looked, which meant creating a balancing act between "a digital figure" and "one who looked precisely like Cushing".<ref name=nytimes>{{cite news|first=Dave|last=Itzkoff|author-link=Dave Itzkoff|title=How 'Rogue One' Brought Back Familiar Faces|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/movies/how-rogue-one-brought-back-grand-moff-tarkin.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|location=New York City|access-date=December 27, 2016|date=December 27, 2016|archive-date=December 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228014250/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/movies/how-rogue-one-brought-back-grand-moff-tarkin.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The owners of Cushing's estate were heavily involved with the creation and had input right down to small and subtle adjustments.<ref name="TelegraphFilm-18-12-16">{{cite news|title='Morbid and off-putting' or 'convincing'? Rogue One's CGI Peter Cushing gets a mixed response from Star Wars fans|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/12/16/morbid-off-putting-convincing-rogue-ones-cgi-peter-cushing-gets|work=The Telegraph|publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]]|location=London, England|date=December 16, 2016|access-date=December 18, 2016|archive-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218012514/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/12/16/morbid-off-putting-convincing-rogue-ones-cgi-peter-cushing-gets/|url-status=live}}</ref> The result, which has been called "one of the most complex and costly CGI re-creations ever", received a mixed response, with questions being raised about the morality of using a dead actor's likeness.<ref name= "Guardian">{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=Walsh|title=CGI resurrection of Peter Cushing is thrilling – but is it right?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2016/dec/16/rogue-one-star-wars-cgi-resurrection-peter-cushing|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|location=London, England|date=16 December 2016|access-date=24 December 2016|archive-date=December 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223122751/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2016/dec/16/rogue-one-star-wars-cgi-resurrection-peter-cushing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=RadioTimes>{{cite news|first1=Huw|last1=Fullerton|title=How a Holby City actor brought one of Star Wars' most iconic characters back to life|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-15/how-a-holby-city-actor-brought-one-of-star-wars-most-iconic-characters-back-to-life|newspaper=[[Radio Times]]|publisher=[[Immediate Media Company]]|location=London, England|date=22 December 2016|access-date=4 May 2019|archive-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216040012/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-15/how-a-holby-city-actor-brought-one-of-star-wars-most-iconic-characters-back-to-life|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Appearances==

===Film===

====''Star Wars'' (1977)====
Introduced in the first film in the [[Original trilogy (Star Wars)|original ''Star Wars'' trilogy]], Governor Tarkin is a Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire and commander of the [[Death Star]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Peter Cushing in "Star Wars"|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|publisher=[[Block Communications]]|location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|date=August 13, 1976|pages=29}}</ref> After [[Emperor Palpatine]] dissolves the Imperial Senate, Tarkin and [[Darth Vader]] (portrayed by [[David Prowse]], voiced by [[James Earl Jones]]) are charged with pursuing and destroying the [[Rebel Alliance]]. He threatens [[Princess Leia|Princess Leia Organa]] ([[Carrie Fisher]]) with the destruction of her home planet, [[Alderaan]], if Leia does not reveal the location of the Rebel main base of operations. When Leia names the planet [[Dantooine]] as the base's location, he destroys Alderaan regardless, hoping to make an example out of the planet's support of the Rebellion. Upon learning that Leia's coerced information was false, Tarkin orders Leia's execution.

He allows the Rebels to escape the Death Star with Leia after placing a tracking beacon on the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' in order to find the Rebel base. He orders the Death Star to destroy the Rebel base on [[Yavin 4]]. In the film's climax, Tarkin refuses to believe that the Death Star is in danger from the Rebel starfighter attack; as a result, he refuses to evacuate. He is subsequently killed by [[Luke Skywalker]] ([[Mark Hamill]]), who succeeds in destroying the Death Star by firing torpedoes into the exhaust port. Tarkin is last seen deep in thought seconds before the Death Star explodes.

====''Revenge of the Sith'' (2005)====
At the end of ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]'', the final film in the [[Prequel trilogy (Star Wars)|''Star Wars'' prequel trilogy]], a younger version of Tarkin, played by [[Wayne Pygram]], makes a [[cameo appearance]] overseeing the original Death Star's construction, standing beside Darth Vader ([[Hayden Christensen]]) and Emperor Palpatine ([[Ian McDiarmid]]).<ref name=EntertainmentCast>{{cite magazine|last1=Breznican|first1=Anthony|title=Should Star Wars: Rogue One resurrect Peter Cushing as Tarkin?|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/24/star-wars-rogue-one-peter-cushing-tarkin|access-date=August 24, 2015|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=August 24, 2015|archive-date=August 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825223923/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/24/star-wars-rogue-one-peter-cushing-tarkin|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=GuardianCast>{{cite news|last1=Child|first1=Ben|title=Star Wars: Rogue One 'to resurrect Peter Cushing via CGI', despite slipper issues |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/24/star-wars-rogue-one-to-resurrect-peter-cushing-via-cgi-despite-slipper-issues|access-date=August 24, 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|location=London|date=August 24, 2015}}</ref>

====''Rogue One'' (2016)====
In the film ''[[Rogue One]]'' (which takes place just a week before the events in ''A New Hope''), [[Orson Krennic]] ([[Ben Mendelsohn]]), Director of Advanced Weapons Research for the Imperial Military, meets with Tarkin, who expresses his skepticism about Krennic's management of the Death Star project. Tarkin oversees the Death Star's first attack on the Rebellion when it is used to destroy the Holy City of the planet Jedha. Impressed, he congratulates Krennic before announcing that he is going to take command of the Death Star from that point on, pointing out security breaches that had occurred under Krennic's command (much to Krennic's chagrin). Later in the film, Tarkin is informed of a Rebel attack on Scarif, the planet where the plans to the Death Star are kept. He orders the jump to hyperspace to the planet, where an ongoing battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance rages. Tarkin has the Death Star target and destroy the Scarif base, killing Krennic, [[Jyn Erso]] ([[Felicity Jones]]), [[Cassian Andor]] ([[Diego Luna]]), and any other survivor of the ground battle.

===Television series===

====''The Clone Wars'' (2010–2013)====
In the animated television series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|Star Wars: The Clone Wars]]'', set during the events of the prequel trilogy, a younger Tarkin (voiced by [[Stephen Stanton]]) is depicted as a Captain and later an Admiral in the [[Galactic Republic]] Navy.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Christian|last=Blauvelt|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/02/17/star-wars-clone-wars-grand-moff-tarkin-exclusive-video/|title=Star Wars - The Clone Wars: Grand Moff Tarkin makes his debut!|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=February 17, 2011|access-date=February 19, 2011|archive-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219235248/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/02/17/star-wars-clone-wars-grand-moff-tarkin-exclusive-video/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the third season, Captain Tarkin and Jedi Master Even Piell (Blair Bess) are ambushed and attacked by [[Confederacy of Independent Systems|Separatist]] forces. Prisoners to the Citadel, Tarkin and Piell are freed from captivity by a rescue team. Initially pessimistic about being in enemy territory, Tarkin puts himself at odds with Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker ([[Matt Lanter]]), but their respective opinions of each other improve when each realizes that both know Supreme Chancellor Palpatine ([[Ian Abercrombie]]). During a skirmish, Tarkin fights and attempts to execute Citadel Warden Osi Sobeck ([[James Arnold Taylor]]), but fails when Sobeck swiftly retaliates and nearly kills him. However, Tarkin is rescued just in time by Anakin's Padawan [[Ahsoka Tano]] ([[Ashley Eckstein]]).

In the fifth season, Tarkin, now an admiral, suspects Ahsoka of masterminding a [[terrorist]] attack on the Jedi Temple, and attempts to have the Padawan arrested. After Ahsoka is recaptured, Tarkin requests that the Jedi Order expel her and turn her over to the Republic so she can receive more "impartial" judgement. The Jedi concede and Ahsoka is tried before a jury of senators, with Tarkin heading the prosecution while [[Padmé Amidala]] ([[Catherine Taber]]) heads the defense. Despite Padmé's impressive defense, Tarkin casts doubt by mentioning that Ahsoka had been seen with [[Dark Jedi]] [[Asajj Ventress]] ([[Nika Futterman]]). After Tarkin and Padmé's arguments conclude and the jury reaches a verdict that Palpatine is about to read, Anakin arrives with [[Barriss Offee]] ([[Meredith Salenger]]), the real mastermind of the attack.

====''Star Wars Rebels'' (2014–2018)====
In the television series ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'', Tarkin (voiced once again by Stanton) starts off as Governor of the Outer Rim territories, including [[Lothal (Star Wars)|Lothal]], but eventually receives his Grand Moff title.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Get your exclusive first look at Grand Moff Tarkin on 'Star Wars Rebels'|url=http://community.ew.com/2015/02/03/tarkin-on-rebels-exclusive/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=February 10, 2015|date=February 3, 2015|archive-date=February 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207071847/http://community.ew.com/2015/02/03/tarkin-on-rebels-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> He visits the planet Lothal to deal with its growing Rebel activity, and reprimands Minister Maketh Tua ([[Kath Soucie]]), [[Agent Kallus]] ([[David Oyelowo]]), and the Inquisitor for their repeated failures to stop the planet's [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel cell]]. Tarkin has the Inquisitor execute Commandant Aresko and Taskmaster Grint (both [[David Shaughnessy]]) for their inability to deal with the cell's leader, Jedi Knight [[Kanan Jarrus]] ([[Freddie Prinze Jr.]]). Later, Tarkin sets a trap for the Rebels and manages to capture Kanan during their mission to send a message through one of the planet's communication towers. The Rebels' message gets sent out, but Tarkin then orders the tower to be destroyed. Kanan is tortured by the Inquisitor and transported to the [[Mustafar]] system aboard Tarkin's [[Star Destroyer]]. During Kanan's rescue by Rebel forces, Tarkin's Star Destroyer is destroyed, and the Inquisitor is killed. On Lothal, Tarkin introduces Agent Kallus to Darth Vader ([[James Earl Jones]]).

Taking the loss of his Star Destroyer personally, Tarkin orders that Maketh Tua be brought before him for her failure to find the Lothal rebels. Knowing the true meaning behind the summoning after the deaths of Aresko and Grint, Tua attempts to defect to the rebellion, but she is killed by Vader and Kallus before she can leave Lothal. Tarkin later appears in the season three premiere where he meets with Governor Pryce (Mary Elizabeth Glynn) regarding the Lothal Rebels. He subsequently grants her request for use of the Seventh Fleet, commanded by [[Grand Admiral Thrawn]] ([[Lars Mikkelsen]]). Tarkin appears via hologram in the season three finale, being briefed on Thrawn's imminent attack on Atollon to stymie a coordinated Rebel attack on Lothal. Towards the end of season four, he warns Thrawn that he must prove the worth of his [[TIE Fighter|TIE Defender]] program, Thrawn's prototype design of a new Imperial Star Fighter, or it will be shut down in favor of diverting resources to Krennic's "Stardust project" - which would eventually become the Death Star.

====''Star Wars: The Bad Batch'' (2021–2024)====
Tarkin (voiced again by Stanton) appears in the [[Disney+]] series ''[[Star Wars: The Bad Batch]]'', set between the events of ''The Clone Wars'' and ''Rebels''. In the premiere episode, "Aftermath", Admiral Tarkin arrives on [[Kamino (Star Wars)|Kamino]] to discuss with Prime Minister [[Lama Su]] if the Empire should continue to produce [[clone troopers]], noting that conscripted soldiers would be less expensive.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schaefer|first=Sandy|date=May 4, 2021|title=Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Season 1, Episode 1, 'Aftermath' Recap & Spoilers|work=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-bad-batch-recap-spoilers-season-1-episode-1/|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505044936/https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-bad-batch-recap-spoilers-season-1-episode-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> He later evaluates Clone Force 99, a group of genetically enhanced clone troopers also known as the Bad Batch, through a battle simulation. While impressed by their extraordinary skills, he also notices disobedience in them.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=David|date=2021-04-05|title=Every Star Wars Character Returning In The Bad Batch|url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-bad-batch-characters-returning-confirmed/|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506145748/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-bad-batch-characters-returning-confirmed/|url-status=live}}</ref> He then dispatches them to the planet of [[Onderon]] to eliminate a group of refugees led by [[Saw Gerrera]], as a test of their loyalty. When the Bad Batch disobeys orders, Tarkin has them arrested, but separates Bad Batch member Crosshair from the others after noticing that he is more loyal to the Empire. Tarkin has Kaminoan scientist Nala Se intensify the programming of Crosshair's inhibitor chip, turning him against his teammates, who escape Kamino.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Silliman|first=Brian|date=2021-05-04|title=The Premiere of Star Wars: The Bad Batch Answers Burning Questions and Hurts Our Souls|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/star-wars-the-bad-batch-premiere-answers-questions-omega-crosshair|website=[[Syfy Wire]]|language=en-US|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508013936/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/star-wars-the-bad-batch-premiere-answers-questions-omega-crosshair|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tarkin is later promoted to Governor, and in the episode "Replacements", he puts Crosshair in charge of an "elite squad" of recruited soldiers, who are then sent to finish the mission the Bad Batch had abandoned. After the mission is successful, Tarkin sees potential for conscripts.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kane|first=Alex|date=May 14, 2021|title=The third 'Bad Batch' introduces an all-new 'Star Wars' monster|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewed/2021/05/14/star-wars-bad-batch-season-one-episode-three-recap-replacements/5096378001/|access-date=2021-05-15|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515005053/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewed/2021/05/14/star-wars-bad-batch-season-one-episode-three-recap-replacements/5096378001/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the episode "Return to Kamino", after most Imperial personnel are evacuated from Kamino, Tarkin orders Vice Admiral Rampart to destroy all settlements on the planet, wiping out most of the Kaminoan race.

In the series finale episode "The Cavalry Has Arrived", he went with Captain Bragg and the stormtroopers to find Dr. Royce Hemlock's base destroyed.

===Novels===
Tarkin appears in ''[[Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel]]'', the prequel novel to ''Rogue One'', where Tarkin forms a rivalry with Advanced Weapons Director Orson Krennic.

====''Tarkin'' (2014)====
''Star Wars: Tarkin'' explores the title character's origins, and chronicles how he meets and aligns himself with [[Emperor Palpatine]] and [[Darth Vader]] prior to the events of ''A New Hope''.<ref name="NYDN">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/review-star-wars-tarkin-brings-empire-dark-heart-blog-entry-1.1997843 |title=REVIEW: ''Star Wars: Tarkin'' brings us into the Empire's dark heart |work=[[New York Daily News]] |first=Sean |last=Keane |date=November 3, 2014 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223134040/https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/review-star-wars-tarkin-brings-empire-dark-heart-blog-entry-1.1997843 |url-status=live }}</ref> The novel was one of the first four canon novels to be released in 2014 and 2015.<ref name="SW Adult"/> Tarkin's Star Destroyer, the ''Executrix'', is introduced; it later appears in ''Rogue One''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crouse |first=Megan |title=Star Wars: A Guide to the New Ships of Rogue One |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/star-wars/260806/star-wars-a-guide-to-the-new-ships-of-rogue-one |website=Den of Geek |date=December 29, 2016 |access-date=November 25, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014181455/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/star-wars/260806/star-wars-a-guide-to-the-new-ships-of-rogue-one |url-status=live }}</ref> In the novel, he advocates for the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)#Tarkin Doctrine|Tarkin Doctrine]], a military system based on "the threat of force, rather than force itself". His philosophy becomes central to Imperial policy and earns him the position as the first Grand Moff in the Empire. (In the Galactic Empire, a "Moff" is the governor of a Sector, or subdivision of the Empire; a "Grand Moff" is the governor of an Oversector, a grouping of several Sectors.)

====''From a Certain Point of View'' (2017)====
In [[Glen Weldon]]'s [[short story]] "Of MSE-6 and Men", featured in the anthology ''[[From a Certain Point of View]]'', Tarkin is revealed to have been sleeping with the stormtrooper TK-421 during the events of ''A New Hope'', after capturing [[Leia Organa]], but before his armour was stolen by [[Luke Skywalker]] in order to rescue Organa.<ref name="TK-421">{{Cite web|url = http://www.scififantasynetwork.com/tarkins-gay-lover-star-wars-bizarre|title = Tarkin's Gay Lover: Star Wars Bizarre|date = May 31, 2021|access-date = February 8, 2022|archive-date = February 8, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220208155117/http://www.scififantasynetwork.com/tarkins-gay-lover-star-wars-bizarre/|url-status = live}}</ref>

===''Legends''===
With the 2012 acquisition of [[Lucasfilm]] by [[The Walt Disney Company]], most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe material produced since the originating 1977 film ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' was rebranded as ''[[Star Wars Legends]]'' and declared [[Star Wars canon|non-canon to the franchise]] in April 2014.<ref name="SW Adult">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |publisher=StarWars.com |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="THR Legends">{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |last=McMilian |first=Graeme |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=August 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830203115/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SW Legends">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |title=The Legendary ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Turns a New Page |website=[[StarWars.com]] |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |url-status=live }}</ref>

In ''Legends'', Tarkin appears in several novels, including ''[[Death Star (novel)|Death Star]], [[Cloak of Deception]], [[Rogue Planet (novel)|Rogue Planet]]'' and ''[[Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader]]''. The original Marvel [[Star Wars (1977 comic book)|''Star Wars'' comic series]] features a powerful superweapon called "The Tarkin" after the late Grand Moff. His protegee and lover, Natasi Daala, is later featured as a frequent antagonist in novels set after his death.

[[West End Games]]' roleplaying material describes the "Tarkin Doctrine", which emphasizes ruling "through the fear of force, rather than force itself", and has been mentioned various other times in the ''Star Wars'' canon. He is also mentioned during the ''[[New Jedi Order]]'' novel series as having been present on [[Zonama Sekot]] with Anakin Skywalker. In the comics series ''Darth Vader and the Lost Command'', Tarkin is seen telling Vader of a missing convoy of Imperial craft and adds that his own son was in command of the convoy and is also missing.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Cushing">Cushing is also given a special credit acknowledgement for this movie, as Peter Cushing [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]], for the use of his character likeness.</ref>
}}

==External links==
* {{Star Wars Databank |subject=tarkin |text=Grand Moff Tarkin}}

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{{Star Wars universe}}
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