NOT EVERY EPISODE OF THE MANDALORIAN IS STACKED

with celebrities like in a recent episode starring Jack Black and Lizzo as prosperous leaders of Plazir-15, but the Mandalorian has shared screen time with some heavy hitters (other than Christopher Lloyd). Many of which have played significant roles before appearing in the Star Wars spinoff series.

Pedro’s Mandalorian is the galaxy’s most charming bounty hunter, making many friends and enemies during his adventures. Let’s take a look back through some of the memorable guest appearances from this Disney Plus award winning show.

10 WERNER HERZOG: The Client is an empire loyalist played by Werner Herzog who hires Mando to kidnap the Child as it was known in the early episodes. The actor, screenwriter and pioneer of cinema surprised many, fitting so well into this fantasy genre.

9 NICK NOLTE: Another Hollywood celebrity was present in these early episodes as the voice of Kuiil. Nick Nolte helps Mando by training him to ride a blurrg. Impatient with his progress, Mando attempts to give up, but Kuiil reminds him that his ancestors were known for riding the Mythosaur. Is that an Easter egg? Maybe the creators are just obsessed with taming giant beasts.

8 CARL WEATHERS: Those early episodes were jam packed with stars as Disney showed the audience that they were dedicated to the success of this show. Carl Weathers appeared in Chapter 2 in a supporting role as Greef Karga, an agent of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild who goes against Mando before reforming and becoming a great ally to Din as the series progresses.

7 AMY SEDARIS: Other early appearances saw SNL star Amy Sedaris develop a heart warming relationship with Grogu as Peli Motto, a sketchy mechanic who has served as Din’s confidant, inspiration and occasional babysitter.

6 MING-NA WEN: As The Mandalorian really started to hit a groove with critics, they were presented with another gift in the form of Fennec Shand, a mercenary and assassin. This important character took on a new life in the Boba Fett show. Ming-Na Wen has become a favorite of many fans since her successful role as Agent May in Marvel’s Shield, another Disney property.

5 TAIKA WAITITI: The Disney/Marvel connection may have brought Taika Waititi to voice IG-11. Although not a full appearance, the stories containing IG-11 were quite moving, and the impression this character made must have driven the creative decision to bring IG-11 back in Season 3 and hopefully Season 4 as well.

4 BILL BURR: Some actors seem like a no-brainer but other actors may have you scratching your head on the decision making process such as the casting of Migs Mayfield. I don’t think anyone expected Bill Burr to appear on the show, but probably even less people predicted that Burr’s role would have been so iconic as Mayfield remains one of the few beings who truly “know” the real Din Djarin.

3 GIANCARLO ESPOSITO:

As the nefarious Moff Gideon, it is clear to see why so many shows have chosen this amazing actor to play the most diabolical character. Esposito’s performance in this role is reminiscent of the early Darth Vadar appearances. He has definitely earned his right to wear a black spacesuit and wield a Darksaber.

2 ROSARIO DAWSON: Star Wars fanatics anxiously awaited seeing a live action Ahsoka Tano after the character became a fan favorite from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The prospect of Grogu being trained by a Jedi Master is very exciting. We hope this is in the works for the future of The Mandalorian or the Ahsoka series.

1 MARK HAMILL: The most memorable guest appearance had to be when the original Jedi apprentice, Luke Skywalker, made his way to rescue Grogu from Moff Gideon’s ship. Who better to guest star than the fan’s most beloved actor and savior of the universe, Mark Hamill. There was a lot of hype leading up to this episode, and it was a special moment for the show and the Star Wars franchise to bring these two stories together in such an exciting way.

The show’s writing doesn’t require a star studded cast, but with the Star Wars name and quality of the show, the creator’s must have a great time placing the perfect person for each portrayal. I can’t wait to see who’s going to be the next to surprise me in future seasons of The Mandalorian. Whether it is a friend or foe, I know it’s going to be something you won’t want to miss.

BY ROBERT LOCKETT