The Zhell constituted a sentient species originating from the Core Worlds planet of Coruscant in the past. It is thought that the name of Zhellday, a day within the standard week, came from this species. The Taung & Zhell Society, a student organization located at the University of Coruscant, and the Zhell Reversal card game, both share a name with this species.
The initial reference to the Zhell in the new Star Wars canon appeared in Star Wars: Build the Millennium Falcon, specifically in the sixty-first issue, which was released circa March 2, 2016. Within the Star Wars Legends continuity, the Zhell were considered to be the forerunners of Humans.