Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1.The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1 hints that a maor Star Wars theory involving Din Djarin and the Darksaber may prove true. Whereas The Mandalorian season 2 was focused on Grogu’s past and the mysteries about the child, The Mandalorian season 3 appears to be centered around Din Djarin himself. Mando is now heading to Mandalore to find out whether the planet is still habitable, and if so, find redemption in the Living Waters beneath the mines of Mandalore. Such a journey could change the fate of his homeworld forever.
Considering how disconnected from the larger, complicated Mandalore history Din’s journey was in The Mandalorian season 1, it is interesting to see Mando get himself involved in the future of the planet. Ownership of the Darksaber means Din is a Mandalorian ruler, a role he doesn't particularly want. What's more, it's entirely possible he will have competition for the role, perhaps from Bo-Katan Kryze.
The Mandalorian Season 3's Premiere Sets Up Din Djarin Becoming The Mand'alor
The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1, “The Apostate” adds to the theory Din Djarin will become the next Mand’alor, that is, Mandalore’s next leader. Though Din Djarin only knew one specific Mandalorian creed for most of his life, Mando saw himself in the middle of a bigger adventure after meeting Bo-Katan and the Nite Owls during the events of The Mandalorian season 2. Din would never imagine himself rallying the surviving Mandalorians from across the galaxy and becoming leader of an entire planet. He is far from the ideal choice, given Din Djarin won the Darksaber without any idea of its significance. Still, it's telling that even Bo-Katan is now suggesting he should become leader of the Mandalorians.
There was, however, a bit of irony in Bo-Katan’s words during The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1; she either doesn't believe Din is up to the challenge, or simply doesn't believe the Mandalorians can ever be united. Still, Bo-Katan learned the hard way that the Darksaber must be won through combat, rather than simply received; she was given the legendary blade by Sabine Wren in Star Wars Rebels without winning it in a fight, and watched the Mandalorians suffer in the Night of a Thousand Tears. Bo-Katan would never accept the saber or try to lead her people without the blade. Mando is now heading to Mandalore, a place no one has had the courage to visit in years, which adds to Din becoming a true leader.
What Din Djarin Becoming The Mandalorians' Leader Would Mean
Considering The Mandalorian began as the journey of a wandering, lonely bounty hunter, Din Djarin becoming the next Mand’alor would flip how the character perceives himself. Unlike Bo-Katan Kryze, who was born into one of Mandalore’s most important clans and was raised as a potential leader along with her sister, Duchess Satine, Din never had any aspirations of becoming the leader of Mandalore. Still, he certainly cares a great deal about the ancient Creed - the very reason he is returning to Mandalore in the first place. The Mandalorian has proved Din has enough of a good heart to lead his people if they need it.
Considering how many battles have been fought over the Darksaber in Star Wars’ history, it may be perfect for Mandalore if its next leader is someone who never aspired to rule. Mandalore has been a fractured planet for years, with civil wars and coup attempts that go back to the Clone Wars. Between Darth Maul trying to take over the planet twice and Bo-Katan failing in reuniting her people - as revealed in The Mandalorian season 3’s premiere - it may be time for the planet to have a new type of leadership. Din Djarin, a Mandalorian Foundling who could not care less about power or prestige, might be the answer.
The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1 is now streaming on Disney+. New episodes release Wednesdays.