A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away, there lived a population of magically reproducing males -- or so George Lucas would like you to believe. Wondrous as the Star Wars movies are, and appealing as their testosterone-based lifeforms may be, there is still something distinctly unsettling lurking within this ancient time, something that just screams Gross Population Imbalance. While the seeming ratio of 100,000 males to1 female clears up a few things (for instance, why girlfriend-deprived Leia thought those buns looked cool), it has long raised more questions than answers. Dark, disturbing questions, like "What is the real relationship between R2D2 and C3PO?" We don't want to go there. What we do want is equality, or at least something that keeps us from getting the icks when considering the curious reproductive ways of that ancient time. What we want, in short, are more women in Episode II.

And to make matters easier for Mr. Lucas (now that we've taken care of that pesky Anakin problem), we've provided this handy suggestion list of not only some cool female characters, but also the actresses who should play them. After all, while the girls of past Star Wars films may be few and far between, they were invariably kick-ass. What girl didn't grow up loving Princess Leia, who had razor-sharp wit, battle skills, courage, and a kick-ass gown selection to boot? And who didn't thrill to Natalie Portman in the dual Amidala/Padme role, where she boasted ingenuity, command, kindness, and wild kabuki makeup? The only complaint about women in the Star Wars movies is that there haven't been enough -- and you certainly didn't hear that sentiment echoed when referring to a certain male Gungan, did ya George?

For every Yoda there is a Yaddel, brief as their screen time may be. It's time for estrogen-laden padawans, Jedi, Sith, fighter pilots, council members, rebels, heroes, and villains. It's time for Natalie Portman to share screen time with a woman other than herself. It's time to feel the female side of the Force, and here are some suggestions on who should do the job:

	You Know Her From: Supercop, Tomorrow Never Dies SW Character Type: How about playing against typical convention, and make the Asian one of the heroes instead of a mysterious foreign baddie or some exotic babe? Therefore -- Almighty Jedi Master. Why: Michelle Yeoh is probably the only human being that could ever outstage Jackie Chan in on her first acting gig (she also has a better handle on the English language). She does her own insane stunts, she holds a great stone face, and dammit, she's just exudes "cool". For the first time, chicks (at least this chick) went to see a 007 movie for the Bond Girl instead of Bond himself! Put a lightsaber in this actress's hands and we promise that every young girl in the world will be shelving their Malibu Barbies for fencing lessons.
	You Know Her From: Eyes Wide Shut, Never Been Kissed, Joan of Arc SW Character Type: Though it's likely that many guys would love to see her chained by Jabba the Hut in a scant bikini number, we see Leelee as an ace Rebel Pilot. Why: Leelee is a rising star who has chosen her films so carefully, but she could never pass up a chance to play a role in a Star Wars movie. Her name alone sounds like something out of George Lucas' mind - Leelee from the planet Sobieski (Salacious B. Crumb ain't got nothing on her!). The mischief in her eyes playing the nympho in Eyes Wide Shut shows her potential to play an awesome rogue-type warrior. Leelee could teach a thing or two to Anakin about being a fighter pilot, as well as lure him towards the more audacious qualities of the dark side.
	You Know Her From: How Stella Got Her Groove Back, What's Love Got To Do With It SW Character Type: Whatever she damn well pleases Why: What's The Force got to do with it, baby? Whether she's playing Tina or Stella, Angela exudes style, confidence and power like a mo-fo. She would have changed that stupid lock. She would have made him leave his key. Were she a Jedi Knight you could bring on the biggest, baddest, double-bladed-lightsaber-wieldin' Sith and you know she'd wipe the floor with him. And look good while doin' it too. As the military commander, her squadron had better defeat Palpatine's forces or there'll be hell to pay!
	You Know Her From: Shakespeare in Love, Mrs. Brown SW Character Type: Member of the Jedi Council Why: 'Cause Dame Judi kicks ass! A strong, regal actress with a powerful gaze and decades of experience, Dame Judi would be perfect as a wise and noble Council member who can show Yoda a thing or two about standing up to that Obi-Wan fellow on all matters Anakin. Screen time with Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu is also a plus, and she'd look great in the Jedi robes, but the real thrill comes in seeing the British royalty fave and Oscar-winning Dame as a plastic action figure. Who can resist?
	You Know Her From: Ally McBeal, Scream 2 SW Character Type: The kind of gal who'd fit in fine at the Cantina bar Why: Pure hairstyling and makeup potential. Queen Amidala's mixture of Elizabethan opulence and geisha style was impressive, but that's nothing compared to what the already unusual-looking Portia could look like with an otherworldly makeover. With hair reaching practically to her knees and a body that could make Fettian armor look good, this talented actress is a costume designer's dream, and would be terrific as a beautiful yet bizarre-looking girl who has Obi-Wan doing a double take.
	You Know Her From: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Cruel Intentions SW Character Type: A padawan with a sense of humor Why: Sarah is a talented actress who has proven she can hold her own even with scenery-chewing divas like Susan Lucci. Her time on Buffy has also allowed her to develop the skill of keeping a scene interesting even when her leading man is exuding all the charisma of wallpaper. Which of course means that if they spice up the character of Obi Wan, Sarah can handle it. And if they don't? At least we won't fall asleep during her scenes. Besides, we already buy her as an ass-kicking hero.
	You Know Her From: Mystery Men, The Truth About Cats And Dogs SW Character Type: Space freighter captain who is "only in it for the money." Why: Face it, everyone was too damn earnest in TPM. The next installment needs a Han Solo. Someone whose head isn't quite so far in the clouds. To date, Janeane's roles have been of sarcastic, obnoxious and ultimately down-to-earth women. When Obi-Wan starts spouting some spooky Force-speak, Janeane would be able to bring him back to the matter at hand by complaining about how hard her pilot's seat is, or demanding that she see the money up front. A girl's got a car... er... space freighter payment to make, ya know?
	You Know Her From: The Joy Luck Club, Strange World SW Character Type: Mysterious loner with a secret motivation Why: Vivian Wu is the kind of actress who appears in two episodes of a canceled series (Strange World) and have you still obsessing over her character months later. Coolly charismatic, Vivian would be terrific as a sort of female version of Lando Calrissian -- an enigmatic, tough, and independent rogue with a shadowy past and a questionable allegiance. Vivian is great as either hero or villain, and this under-appreciated actress certainly deserves the prestige.
	You Know Her From: Ever After, Prizzi's Honor SW Character Type: The most evil woman in the universe Why: Cause her eyebrows look evil, man! She's like the real-life version of every Disney villainess ever drawn. Angelica imparts upon even her most down to earth roles a sense of leashed power. You get the impression that no matter how bad things are, no matter how powerless she seems, she will never stay a victim for long. She's a complete bitch in the absolute best sense of the word.
	You Know Her From: Immortal Beloved, Blue Velvet SW Character Type: Someone regal yet maternal Why: Isabella is not only exotically beautiful, but has that nurturing look down pat. While she has played some freaky roles in the past (see Blue Velvet), she nonetheless retains a soft, compassionate, maternal aura that would be ideal for the role of Bail Organa's wife. Her soothing presence would be perfect for raising the young Princess Leia once she loses her real mother.
	You Know Her From: The Fisher King, Pulp Fiction SW Character Type: The Incompetent Jedi. Why: The Eccentric Amanda Plummer -- such a strange little creature. No actress can do severely neurotic better. Yet however disturbed her characters may be, she's never just there to be laughed at. Plummer always shows a moving vulnerability in her performances and is just the person who could get this franchise an acting Oscar! Imagine a crazy gypsy-like savage roaming aimlessly through the dunes of Tatooine. She is strong with The Force, yet unaware of how to control it. Although the Jedi Masters see that she possesses phenomenal powers, she is too clumsy, too erratic and too feral in her simple ways to ever use them to their proper capabilities, let alone be trained as a padawan. Jar Jar Binks with an edge.

Ok, so who'd we leave out? Send your opinions, suggestions and rants to letters@the11thhour.com.

-- Compiled by the staff of The 11th Hour