Darkness surrounded the release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The preview trailers tantalized, but recent rocky relationships with other EA Star Wars games and Disney Star Wars movies made many a fan wary. However, Fallen Order turned out to be the game they were looking for and created an instant fan favorite out of the protagonist Cal Kestis and his little buddy BD-1.
Since Fallen Order’s November 2019 release, fans have learned the story of young Padawan Cal growing up in a galaxy that just executed most of the Jedi - including Cal’s master. Cal is on the run, hiding from Empire Inquisitors and even the big bad himself - Darth Vader.
The young man’s struggles resonated with many players. In response, cosplayers mined their wares for costumes they could assemble to role-play their inner Jedi-on-the-run.
9 Alan Oasan via Instagram
This player stands at the ready armed with the tools and the clothes to get the job done. A good eye for details will be a constant in all of these pictures, and this one sets the bar for the rest. Nice stitching, pockets, and pouches under a signature leather vest, combined with the iconic Jedi lightsaber make for a recognizable Cal - but a ginger wig might put the look over the top.
8 Alyssa Susan DeFord via Facebook
The Sith is in the details - some scars matching the game art go a long way to sell the costume. The wear and distress on the leather are great and we would love to see a full view of this well-made costume.
7 cosblake via Instagram
It’s a strong costume, much like ones we’ve seen before. But the composited elements tell a story that pulls the cosplayer right back into the game. If only that effect could be generated right in convention halls.
6 teslamonty via Instagram
The Covid-19 pandemic has given many creatives an opportunity to dig into their “save-for-rainy-day” materials and put together something awesome. This homemade outfit reflects the care and attention of someone striving for perfection during an imperfect time. The lighting gives the subject extra focus and highlight, providing an almost game engine rendered feel.
5 lordfries via Tumbler
This outdoorsy entry almost placed higher just because of the inclusion of Cal’s best bud, BD-1. Cal Kestis cosplay without the little guy feels like there is a little droid-shaped hole in the scene.
Our cosplayer wears recognizable Cal gear from the waist up, but the other half isn’t as complete as others on the list. Still, an adorable picture that offers up something different from the freighter-load of lightsaber-at-the-ready pictures.
4 brooksnbrooksn via Reddit
Speaking of lightsaber-at-the-ready, this blade-wielding Cal pops like a serious light in the darkness. The apparent practical lighting presents an awesome view of the cosplayer prepared for any threat while still keeping a great deal of him concealed. Half in the dark, half in the light - it’s a perfect portrait of a Jedi at the center of the two halves of the Force. However, it does make an evaluation of the costume itself rather difficult. What we can see is clean and solid, and speaks to great potential.
3 kidbunni via Tumbler
Here is a remarkable cosplay picture that goes all out on atmosphere. The attire oozes attention and care, from perfect lightsaber hilt to the quilting on the gambeson. All the straps and buckles look fully functional and sell the grounded reality of the kit.
2 Annemarie Vollmer via Facebook
Props for the props in this image. The cosplayer replicates the meditation Cal does in-game with some really intricate yarnwork made with loving detail. The buckles, patches, and code cylinders combine to great effect.
The extra bit of wear on the jumpsuit finalize a truly Star Wars style lived-in look. It was a tough decision between this one and our finalist for one little, but very important reason…
1 capslocked.bucky via Instagram
BD-1! The little guy is super-well made with LED lighting and a custom paint scheme. Perched on the back of our player he keeps a glowing eye on everything. The costume may not be as fully realized as some of the others on this list, but anyone passing him in the hall will instantly know who he is - and be giving all attention to BD-1 anyway!
