While The Mandalorian was initially conceived to explore uncharted corners of the Star Wars universe, its second season proved it can be used as a terrific vehicle for cameo appearances by fan-favorite characters like Ahsoka Tano and Boba Fett. As the series branches out into a handful of spin-offs that will all cross over into one another, the show’s cameos don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
But it should focus on its original characters. There’s plenty of room for cameos, but returning characters like Luke Skywalker shouldn’t steal the spotlight from Din Djarin and his pals completely.
Great Vehicle For Cameos: The Adventure-Of-The-Week Format Allows For One-Off Appearances
There are ongoing storylines in The Mandalorian, like Mando’s quest to reunite Grogu with his people and the rise of the Imperial Remnants, but it mostly follows an adventure-of-the-week format. In most episodes, Mando is sent on a side quest with a handful of new people.
This format allows for one-off appearances by supporting characters, either original characters like Paz Vizsla or returning icons like Ahsoka.
Focus On Original Characters: It’s Their Story
While it’s fun to incorporate characters from the wider Star Wars universe, Din Djarin and his supporting players are the ones who are driving this story.
After being orphaned by the Separatist droid army in the Clone Wars and becoming a bounty hunter, Din learned to care when he picked up the cutest bounty in the galaxy. The Mandalorian is his story — the title being his name is a dead giveaway — so it should remain focused on him.
Great Vehicle For Cameos: Mando Is A Great Foil For Everybody
Since he’s a man of few words who hardly ever removes his helmet, the Mandalorian is a fascinating foil for any character he crosses paths with. Whether the character is similarly softly spoken like Boba Fett or more outgoing like Migs Mayfeld, Mando can develop an interesting dynamic with any character.
As a result, his adventures are open to appearances by familiar characters. From fellow Mandalorian Bo-Katan to former Jedi Ahsoka Tano, Mando makes a great foil for everybody.
Focus On Original Characters: Grogu Is A Global Sensation
Although it’s his resemblance to the familiar Yoda that led to his initial success, The Mandalorian’s most popular character (by far) is Grogu. After being left out of all the marketing, “Baby Yoda” became an overnight worldwide phenomenon after the show’s first episode dropped.
There’s even more mystery surrounding Grogu than Mando himself. While he’s left his helmeted father figure behind to train in the ways of the Force with Luke Skywalker, Grogu’s on-screen journey is far from over.
Great Vehicle For Cameos: It Can Give Animated Characters Their Live-Action Debut
It’s always exciting to see a character who originated in animation realized in live-action form. The Mandalorian is a perfect vehicle for beloved animated characters from the Star Wars universe to get a live-action debut.
Although Ahsoka has proved to be popular enough to land her own series, Bo-Katan was never going to get her own movie or TV show and The Mandalorian gave the character a chance to debut in live-action.
Focus On Original Characters: The Upcoming Spin-Offs Can Feature More Cameos
While The Mandalorian is specifically focused on Mando’s adventures, the recently announced spin-offs will be exploring larger sections of the galaxy. They seem like more appropriate vehicles for Star Wars cameos than The Mandalorian.
Rangers of the New Republic can introduce a young Han and Leia to join The Mandalorian’s young Luke; Ahsoka can feature a handful of beloved characters from the Jedi Order and the animated series; and The Book of Boba Fett can see its title character engaging in showdowns with such characters as Mace Windu.
Great Vehicle For Cameos: Famous Fans Are Clamoring To Be On The Show
Famous Star Wars fans will accept any role in any of the franchise’s media, because it’s every fan’s dream to go to a galaxy far, far away, but The Mandalorian’s enviable spot at the top of the streaming charts has every A-lister clamoring to appear on the show – whether they’re a fan of the saga or not.
Like The Simpsons and Friends, no one will turn down an offer to guest-star on The Mandalorian. Shooting it is a lot of fun and it’s the most popular show in the world. Favreau and co. can pretty much cast anyone they want in any role.
Focus On Original Characters: The Mandalorian Is One Of Star Wars’ Most Compelling Protagonists
Since his mysterious introduction in the pilot episode, the Mandalorian has been one of Star Wars’ most compelling protagonists. Din Djarin is nothing like Luke Skywalker or Rey, but he’s just as easy to root for.
Pedro Pascal’s ice-cool performance has essentially translated Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name spaghetti western character into the Star Wars universe with more depth than Jeremy Bulloch had the screen time to do with the role of Boba Fett in the original trilogy.
Great Vehicle For Cameos: Directors Can Craft Their Own Character Arcs Alongside Mando’s Ongoing Arc
When Rick Famuyiwa, the director of two of season 1’s best episodes, returned to helm “Chapter 15: The Believer” in season 2, he brought back Bill Burr’s wisecracking ex-Imperial marksman Migs Mayfeld. This episode significantly deepened Mayfeld’s characterization. He was defined by his acid-tongued wit when he was introduced in “Chapter 6: The Prisoner,” but “The Believer” revealed the depth of his remorse and PTSD as he confronted his old commanding officer about an operation that cost his friends’ lives.
With any luck, Burr will continue reappearing on the show and Famuyiwa will continue to guide his character arc. One of the great things that cameoing characters allow is for each individual director to craft their own supporting story arcs alongside Mando’s ongoing arc.
Focus On Original Characters: That Was The Point Of The Show
After the sequel trilogy rehashed the Death Star plot and Rogue One and Solo remained hung up on the original movies, The Mandalorian arrived as a breath of fresh air because it promised to introduce new characters and explore uncharted territory in a galaxy far, far away.
If the show focuses too much on familiar characters like Luke, then its promise to distance the Star Wars stories from the Skywalker bloodline will be pretty much moot.