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12 Systems, A Disgraced Surgeon, And A Severed Arm: The Terrifying True Story Behind 'He Doesn't Like You'

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The four words "He doesn't like you" are arguably one of the most quotable, meme-worthy, and instantly recognizable lines in all of *Star Wars*. Uttered by a sinister-looking alien in the infamous Mos Eisley Cantina, this seemingly innocuous phrase from *A New Hope* (1977) actually introduces two of the galaxy's most depraved, dangerous, and canonically wanted criminals. As of late December 2025, the full, terrifying backstory of these two minor antagonists—Dr. Cornelius Evazan and his partner Ponda Baba—has been fleshed out across various media, transforming a simple bar scuffle into a chilling encounter with pure galactic evil.

The scene itself is a masterclass in world-building, instantly establishing the lawlessness of the Outer Rim and the protective power of the Jedi Way. However, the true depth of the threat Luke Skywalker faced goes far beyond a couple of drunk thugs. The line "We're wanted men. I have the death sentence on twelve systems!" was not an empty boast; it was a terrifyingly accurate summation of a career spent in depravity, murder, and horrifying surgical malpractice.

The Terrifying Canon: Who Are Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba?

The two figures who confront a young, naive Luke Skywalker in the Cantina are Dr. Cornelius Evazan, a human, and Ponda Baba, an Aqualish. Their brief appearance is a pivotal moment that demonstrates the casual danger of Tatooine and the lethal efficiency of Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber, but their history is far more expansive and grim than a simple bar fight suggests.

Dr. Cornelius Evazan: The Disgraced Surgeon

  • Species: Human
  • Homeworld: Unknown (Operated across the galaxy)
  • Occupation: Former Surgeon, Current Criminal/Smuggler
  • Known Crimes: Murder, illegal experimentation, surgical malpractice, racketeering.
  • Distinguishing Feature: A heavily scarred face, the result of a botched procedure on himself.
  • Canonical Status: Has the death sentence on at least twelve systems.
  • Iconic Line: "He doesn't like you. I don't like you either."

Ponda Baba: The Aqualish Enforcer

  • Species: Aqualish (Specifically from the Ualaq sub-species, characterized by four eyes)
  • Homeworld: Ando
  • Occupation: Criminal Enforcer, Smuggler, Partner to Evazan
  • Known Crimes: Smuggling, assault, working with violent syndicates.
  • Distinguishing Feature: A walrus-like snout and large, prominent eyes.
  • Canonical Fate: Lost his right arm (or one of his arms, depending on the cut) to Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber.
  • Iconic Line: A challenging, untranslated growl that Evazan interprets as "He doesn't like you."

Dr. Evazan earned his "disgraced surgeon" title by becoming a horrific experimental butcher. His specialty was creating grotesque, permanently disfigured victims through unauthorized and often fatal surgical procedures. The victims were often left with a maddening, permanent state of pain and disfigurement, a fate the doctor considered his "masterpieces." His own scarred face is rumored to be the result of one of his own botched attempts at self-modification.

The Full Exchange: A Masterclass in Intimidation and World-Building

The encounter between Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the two criminals is one of the most crucial scenes in *A New Hope*, serving multiple narrative purposes. It is a moment of high tension and a perfect demonstration of the Cantina's "scum and villainy" atmosphere.

The Escalation of the Cantina Scuffle

Luke Skywalker, still a naive farm boy from the Jundland Wastes, bumps into the Aqualish Ponda Baba at the bar. Baba, already drunk and aggressive, begins to shout at Luke in his native language. Dr. Evazan immediately steps in to translate and escalate the conflict, using the now-famous line to solidify the hostility.

The full exchange is a rapid-fire descent into violence:

  1. Ponda Baba (untranslated growl): *Bumps Luke.*
  2. Dr. Evazan: "He doesn't like you."
  3. Luke Skywalker: "Sorry."
  4. Dr. Evazan: "I don't like you either."
  5. Dr. Evazan: "You just watch yourself. We're wanted men. I have the death sentence on twelve systems!"

Obi-Wan Kenobi, sensing the imminent danger to his young protégé, steps in with a calm, measured warning that is completely ignored by the reckless doctor. "This little one's not worth the trouble. Come on. I'll buy you a drink." Evazan shoves Obi-Wan, a fatal mistake that prompts the Jedi Master to draw his lightsaber. In a flash, Ponda Baba's arm is severed, a visceral, shocking moment that instantly stops the fight and establishes Obi-Wan as a formidable, if reluctant, warrior.

Canonical Entity Tracking: Evazan and Baba's Timeline

One of the most significant updates to the canonical lore in recent years is the inclusion of Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba in other *Star Wars* films, cementing their status as recurring figures in the criminal underworld. Their appearances help establish a clear timeline of their criminal activities leading up to their fateful encounter with Obi-Wan on Tatooine.

The Rogue One Cameo on Jedha

The most notable recent appearance of the pair is a brief but critical cameo in *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story* (2016). This film is set shortly before *A New Hope*, and the two are seen walking through the crowded streets of Jedha City. They bump into the main protagonists, Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, but thankfully, the encounter does not escalate into a fight. This cameo confirms their deep involvement in the criminal and smuggling networks operating near the Death Star project. It also provides a shocking realization: had Jyn or Cassian been slightly less experienced or had a Jedi not been nearby, they too could have suffered the same fate as Luke Skywalker.

A Life of Crime: From 'Solo' to 'A New Hope'

Further canonical material, often found in comics and reference books, has expanded their timeline even more. It is known that Evazan and Baba were imprisoned for a time between the events of *Solo: A Star Wars Story* and their appearance on Jedha in *Rogue One*. This suggests a long, brutal partnership that saw them move through various syndicates, constantly escaping justice only to commit more atrocious acts. They are the quintessential "scum and villainy" that George Lucas envisioned for the Outer Rim, a pair of career criminals who were finally brought to justice—albeit temporarily for Evazan, and permanently maimed for Baba—by the last of the Jedi.

The Lasting Cultural Impact and LSI Keywords

The "He doesn't like you" scene is more than just a plot device; it's a cultural touchstone that has spawned countless memes and discussions, making it a critical piece of the *Star Wars* legacy.

The Meme and the Message

The exchange is often used in fan culture and on social media as a shorthand for awkward, unwarranted hostility or a sudden, violent overreaction. The simplicity of the line, followed by the absurdity of the "death sentence on twelve systems" boast, makes it instantly relatable and hilarious. However, the true message of the scene is the introduction of the lightsaber as a weapon of a more civilized age, and its terrifying effectiveness against common thugs. For Luke, it was the moment he realized the galaxy was far larger and more dangerous than he ever imagined on his moisture farm.

Key Entities and Topical Authority

The scene is intrinsically linked to a wealth of *Star Wars* lore, providing excellent topical authority for fans and researchers. Key entities and LSI keywords include: Mos Eisley Cantina, Tatooine, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Aqualish, disgraced surgeon, Jundland Wastes, Han Solo (who is also in the Cantina), the Special Edition changes (which sometimes alter the Cantina footage), and the Jedi mind trick (which Obi-Wan uses elsewhere in the city). The full backstory of Evazan and Baba, from their time on Jedha to their eventual fate, adds depth to the entire Original Trilogy era, proving that even the most minor background characters in *Star Wars* have a story worth telling.

12 Systems, a Disgraced Surgeon, and a Severed Arm: The Terrifying True Story Behind 'He Doesn't Like You'
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