Was Ric Ollie supposed to have a bigger role in the trilogy?

What happened to Ric Ollie after Episode I? It seemed to be like he was being set up to either be the Wedge Antilles or an "Elder Han Solo" in the trilogy but they droped him after one . Was their ever a plan to keep him in the whole trilogy?

 

Hey, Senator, your ship blew up!

Corde's dead!

Hey, Jar Jar's got clothes on!

Chancellor Palpatine likes red.

Anakin has a crush on Padme!

Padme thinks Anakin is just a boy from Tatooine!

Someone's trying to kill Padme!

 

I think he died in episode 2 when the ship blew up.

 

Episode I was the death nell for a lot of side characters. Was there really anyone in episode I that should have had a bigger role?

You can make a case for Jar Jar with his annoying flaws.

Ric Ollie was just as bland as Captain Panaka.

 

I think they asked Ralph Brown back for Episode II, and he was all pissed and turned them down. I guess he didn't have a good time on the first one...

Hugh Quarshie ( Captain Panaka ) was asked to return, but declined due to money issues. Which necessitated the use of Captain Typho.

I really was looking forward to more of Ric Olie, who really could have been the Wedge of the Prequels. Who can't get enough of Captain Obvious?

 

Mace Windu honored Captain Obvious' memory with such quotes as "I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi"

 

Maybe Mace has a Ric Olie shrine in his meditation room at the Temple.

 

Hehe I dunno, Ric wasn't as cool as a Wedge, but I like to quote "You catch on purty quick!"

I liked Panaka though. I notice how he's like Mr. Pessimist, nobody is listening to my voice of reason guy...and it's kinda funny.

 

Oh man, how great would he have been in ROTS?

- flies into Mustafar ("The entire planet is molten lava!")

- runs up to wounded Vader ("He's cut down and hurt. He's lost both legs!")

- in medical room with Padme ("We've got her resting on this table. She is pregnant.")

 

"You have a red lightsaber. You're evil!"

 

"Hugh Quarshie ( Captain Panaka ) was asked to return, but declined due to money issues. Which necessitated the use of Captain Typho. "

I think Hugh Quarshie went on to star in the rubbish hospital drama, Holby City in the UK.