The Mandalorian - What We Know So Far
Updated October 18th with episode release dates.
If you're a fan of Star Wars and you're not excited about the upcoming streaming series, The Mandalorian, then you might want to check your pulse.
Aside from being the first live-action Star Wars TV series, it's also going to serve as a mechanism to fill at least some of the story arc gaps in the official canon - more specifically, what happened in the galaxy after the Emperor was defeated. Set between the events of the Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, this series will start to explore the origins of the First Order while also following the exploits of a bounty hunter operating in the outer reaches of the galaxy.
The series will be available exclusively on the new Disney+ streaming service beginning November 12th, 2019. Watch the official trailer below and then continue reading for additional information.
The Mandalorian is written and executive produced by Jon Favreau (Avengers franchise), with Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) serving as executive producer and directing the first episode. Alongside Favreau, Colin Wilson and President of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, will also serve as executive producers. Karen Gilchrist will be co-executive producer.The soundtrack will be composed by Ludwig Göransson, who also scored Black Panther and Venom.
The pilot season will include at least 8 episodes. Jon Favreau claimed in an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he was already writing season 2. However, it's unclear if Disney has actually green-lit a second season for the Disney+ streaming service. You can watch the interview below (the relevant part starts around 11:45).
At least six characters have been revealed for the series so far:
The Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, Narcos) - the titular bounty hunter which will serve as the series' main protagonist.
IG-11, voiced by Taika Waititi (voice of Korg in Avengers: Endgame & Thor: Ragnarok) - a bounty hunting IG type droid, often mistaken for IG-88.
Greef Carga, played by Carl Weathers (Predator & Rocky franchise) - head of the bounty hunters' guild that asks the Mandalorian to take on a special job that no one wants.
Cara Dune, portrayed by Gina Carano (Angel Dust in Deadpool) - a former Shock Trooper turned mercenary that served the Rebellion during the Galactic Civil War.
Doctor Pershing, played by Omid Abtahi (American Gods) - a scientist that has loyalties to the Empire.
Moff Gideon, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) - a former governor turned regional warlord after the Empire's collapse.
There were also four additional actors announced whose exact roles in the series are not yet known:
Emily Swallow (Supernatural)
Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D)
Nick Nolte (The Ridiculous 6, Warrior)
Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man documentary)
Favreau previously revealed that the show will be set seven years after the Battle of Endor, which is roughly 23 years before the start of The Force Awakens. So I wouldn't expect to see many, if any, familiar characters from the sequel trilogy. And any of the actors from the original trilogy would obviously be too old to play themselves - unless they weren't human, I guess. But Favreau more or less put a nail in that coffin when he stated that the show would "feature all new characters."
Favreau has dropped a number of teasers for the series on his Instagram page that are worth a look. Among them is a weapon prop that fans (if there are any) of the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special may recognize.
Episodes will be released on a schedule, rather than all at once like some other streaming services. Below is the planned episode release lineup:
Episode 1: Tuesday, November 12
Episode 2: Friday, November 15
Episode 3: Friday, November 22
Episode 4: Friday, November 29
Episode 5: Friday, December 6
Episode 6: Friday, December 13
Episode 7: Wednesday, December 18
Episode 8 (Season Finale): Friday, December 27
If the Geeks hear any additional news before the November 12th debut, we'll be sure to keep you up to date! May the Force be with You!