The Zillo Beast was a gargantuan creature from the Star Wars universe. Originating from the planet Malastare, this semi-sapient reptilian monster once dominated the planet's food chain, terrorizing the native sapients, the Dugs. Though once feared for being supposedly indestructible, the Zillo species was believed to have been killed off after the Dugs devised a toxin from their planet's natural fuel reserves, poisoning the Zillo population.
During the period of conflict known as the Clone Wars, the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems fought for control of Malastare's fuel reserves. The battle was ended when the Republic forces detonated an experimental weapon of mass destruction that created a giant sinkhole, uncovering and awakening a slumbering Zillo Beast. Though the monster posed an immediate threat to the Republic army and the Dugs, the Jedi were against slaying the creature and sought a means of incapacitating it in order to relocate it to another planet. The Dugs revealed that the monster was vulnerable to a toxin derived from Malastarian fuel, which the Jedi and their clone troopers used to neutralize the beast. However, Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine wanted the Zillo Beast brought to Coruscant, the galactic capital, so that his scientists could find a way to replicate the creature's natural armour in order to reinforce the Republic's soldiers. Against the Jedi's advice, the Zillo Beast was moved to Coruscant.
While in captivity, the Zillo Beast was tortured as scientists studied its biology. It witnessed Chancellor Palpatine and heard him mention some derogatory comments, apparently understanding him and becoming infuriated. It would later escape from confinement and go on a rampage across Coruscant, causing massive damage and killing untold numbers of beings as it made its way towards the Senate Hall. When it reached the vast dome, the creature singled out the Chancellor and pursued him, crushing anyone and anything that got in its way. By this time, Republic scientist Dr. Sionver Boll had synthesized a toxic gas from Malastarian fuel which would be used to kill the Zillo Beast. Several gunships fired projectiles loaded with the poison gas, wearing down the Zillo Beast and killing it. Following the beast's death, Palpatine ordered Dr. Boll to look into the possibility of cloning the creature.
Appearance[]
The Zillo Beast was colossal in size, standing at 318 feet tall. It sported a set of winding, flexible limbs including three arms (with one protruding from the back) and two legs, each limb ending with three long digits. The creature also sported a tail that ended in eight curved spikes. Its entire body was covered head-to-toe in an impenetrable hide that was immune to blasters, explosives and even lightsaber strikes.
Abilities[]
- Strength - The Zillo Beast was enormous and possessed tremendous strength to match; it was capable of swatting aside vehicles or simply crushing them underfoot.
- Invulnerability - The Zillo Beast's hide was impenetrable to blasters and explosives. Even lightsabers could not cut through its dense armour plating.
- Force Sensitivity - While not confirmed, it is possible that Zillo Beasts are at least partially Force-sensitive. At the very least, the Zillo Beast that was captured by the Republic seemed to sense that Chancellor Palpatine was strong in the dark side of the Force and recognised him as a threat, which would explain why it singled him out during its rampage across Coruscant.
Weaknesses[]
Despite the invulnerability of its hide, the Zillo Beast was not entirely invincible. The creature was susceptible to toxic gases and was ultimately slain when it breathed in a poisonous gas derived from Malastarian fuel.
Trivia[]
- The Zillo Beast was inspired by various giant monsters from Japanese cinema, most notably Godzilla.