Introducing The Jade Smuggler: A New Mara Jade Inspired Lightsaber from Korbanth Sabers

Korbanth Sabers is proud to announce its latest release: The Jade Smuggler, a faithful recreation of Mara Jade's iconic silver and gold lightsaber as seen in Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II – Mysteries of the Sith (1998). Long overdue for a return to the collector's market, this hilt has been meticulously brought to life for Mara Jade fans everywhere.

To celebrate the launch, Korbanth Sabers partnered with Shannon McRandle – the model who became the defining face of Mara Jade – to produce a series of autographed plaques and an exclusive interview.

Who Is Shannon McRandle?

Shannon McRandle is one of the most beloved figures in the Star Wars fan community, and the closest thing Mara Jade ever had to a real-world face.

Born in Texas, McRandle is an American model and makeup artist who was selected by Decipher, Inc. in 1999 to portray Mara Jade in photographs for the Star Wars Customizable Card Game. Prior to her involvement, Mara Jade had existed solely as an illustrated character drawn from written descriptions in the Expanded Universe novels. After McRandle took on the role, those illustrations began to reflect her likeness – effectively making her the visual standard for the character.

McRandle auditioned for the opportunity after Lucasfilm decided to use a photographic likeness for Mara Jade, and her passion for the franchise was clear from the start. She has spoken warmly about the character, describing Mara as "a big, bold character – strong, self-sufficient, beautiful, smart," and crediting her as having "set the goal for female characters in the Star Wars universe."

Lucasfilm went on to use McRandle's likeness across official Mara Jade merchandise, and she became a cherished presence at Star Wars conventions around the world. One notable piece of fan lore: prior to the DVD release, rumors circulated that McRandle would appear as Mara Jade in a cameo in the Special Edition of Return of the Jedi – a moment that, unfortunately, never came to pass.

Mara Jade was originally created by author Timothy Zahn and first appeared in Heir to the Empire (1991). She remains one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars Expanded Universe – now known as Legends – though she has never been officially introduced into the current Disney canon.

Our Interview with Shannon McRandle

Korbanth Sabers (Randy): Hello, Shannon, thanks for chatting with me - were you a Mara Jade or Star Wars fan before you were approached to model for the Decipher Collectible Card Game back in the 1990's? Did you know about this character that Timothy Zahn created in the Heir to the Empire (1991) book trilogy?

Shannon McRandle: I saw the original movie 13 times when it came out! I was so young and impressionable. I loved Han Solo and Princess Leia. I had every collectible I could get!  As for the EU, I’ve read all of Tim’s fantastic novels!  That wasn’t until many years after the original films, but in the week leading up to getting the job. Comics too. I fell in love with Mara's character!  

Korbanth Sabers (Randy): What are some of your most memorable moments meeting Star Wars and Mara Jade fans at conventions over the past 30 years?

Shannon McRandle: I have so many memorable times with both the Star Wars actors and the community. I feel very thankful to all of them. At this point in my life and with Star Wars, I know how lucky I am that Lucas said okay to me to represent her. The single most memorable (and alarming) thing that happened was a young man charged my table at a con and demanded that I lift it using the Force, or fight him with my real lightsaber. It was scary. He followed me home that night and tried to break into my house. 

Korbanth Sabers (Randy): If you were the casting director, which actress would you love to see bring Mara Jade to life in a future Disney or Lucasfilm production?

Shannon McRandle: Gosh, I think we have all been nervous and excited about the casting for MJ. She has to get an ok from his [Timothy Zahn] end. I personally have no idea who it should or could be, but I’d pick Anya Taylor Joy. 

Korbanth Sabers (Randy): Did you read all the Legend books, including Legacy of the Force: Inferno (2007), in which Mara's story came to its tragic conclusion?

Shannon McRandle: I read the original Thrawn trilogy but nothing after. I’ve always believed that if someone had to kill off Mara, it should have been Tim. I didn’t read the book about her death because so many fans were disturbed by it. I didn’t want to remember her that way!  

Korbanth Sabers (Randy): Lastly, thank you for sharing your life with us and being our lady hero. Will you be appearing at any upcoming conventions in 2026, for photos and autographs?

Shannon McRandle: I have no upcoming signings this year. It’s a shame, last year was so fun signing at about six for the year. I’d love an invitation to any one who would love to have me there. I will be heading to Dallas in May for a Naval event. I certainly would take a few hours to sign in one of my favorite towns on earth. I did just see the Funko pop toy and your beautiful new saber. Just amazing for her to be a Legend now. 

The Jade Smuggler lightsaber launches Friday, May 15, exclusively at korbanth.com. Based on her design from the videogame, Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II — Mysteries of the Sith (1998).