Jabba and numerous other Hutts appear in various works of the Star Wars expanded universe, which greatly elaborates on their history, culture and role in galactic society.

[2] Only mentioned in the original releases of the first two Star Wars films, he reappeared in a deleted scene that was completed for the Special Edition of A New Hope in 1997.

In The Phantom Menace (1999), Jabba appears alongside Gardulla the Hutt, the prior owner of main character Anakin Skywalker and his mother, Shmi.

In the novelization of Return of the Jedi, it is mentioned that Hutts were born bipedal, but their "rump legs" fused together over time due to lack of movement.

The Hutt Cartel were financially invested in every illicit enterprise in the Outer Rim; engaged in spice smuggling, slavery, gambling, extortion, and bounty hunting.

Despite pretense of legitimacy, its kleptocratic "government" reflected the corrupt nature of its enterprises, being prone to instability as Hutt families engage in endless shadow wars against their rivals.

Due to Jabba's iconically hideous appearance, the image of the Hutt species has been a subject of numerous parodies in popular culture, often invoking the creatures as symbols of obesity, gluttony, greed and corruption.