Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1.The Mandalorian season 3 has introduced an exciting new character in the form of the Pirate King, Gorian Shard, but which actor portrays the infamous lawless ruler? The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1 - entitled "The Apostate" - sees Din Djarin and Grogu returning to the planet Nevarro to reunite with their old friend Greef Karga, played by Carl Weathers. Upon landing on Nevarro, the titular Mandalorian crosses paths with a group of outlawed pirates who were former colleagues of Karga.
This leads to a brief Mexican stand-off with the leader of the pirates, Vane, and his boss is name-dropped - Gorian Shard, the Pirate King. Pedro Pascal's titular Mandalorian swiftly guns down several of the pirates, but lets Vane leave - a decision that leads to another conflict, when Shard seeks retribution. A dogfight ends when Din Djarin discovers Shard's flagship, with the new character immediately cutting quite an impression.
Nonso Anozie Plays Gorian Shard In The Mandalorian
Gorian Shard has a fascinating design, perhaps loosely inspired by the animated corpses from Pirates of the Caribbean. He's played by Nonso Anozie, an English actor and producer. Viewers can be forgiven for not recognizing Anozie instantly, given that Gorian Shard's exceptionally overbearing design allows little of Anozie to shine through beyond his voice.
Shard is shown as a hulking figure, with green skin and green hair emulating seaweed. He wears a giant overcoat, with a silver armored shoulder pad. Shard uses a stick to help walk and threatens the Mandalorian to give up his Naboo Starfighter in reparations for killing his men. Din tells Grogu never to trust a pirate, before jumping into hyperspace to avoid the Pirate King.
Where You Know Nonso Anozie From
As mentioned, Nonso Anozie is known for a variety of roles, with his most notable coming in the world of TV. Arguably the most high-profile TV role Anozie has played was that of Xaro Xhoan Daxos in Game of Thrones. This character appeared in Game of Thrones season 2, as one of the leaders of Qarth attempting to aid Daenerys Targaryen. Other notable TV roles include R. M. Renfield on NBC's Dracula, Tommy Jepperd on Netflix's Sweet Tooth, and Ola Obisanya on Apple TV's Ted Lasso, potentially including the upcoming season 3.
Some film roles portrayed by Nonso Anozie include Sergeant Dap in Ender's Game, Embee Deng in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and the Captain of the Guard in the 2015 live-action remake of Cinderella. As is evident, Anozie has played a variety of roles across film and TV over the years. With Gorian Shard in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1, Anozie takes a step into a galaxy far, far away, with one of the premiere's most exciting characters.
New episodes of The Mandalorian release every Wednesday on Disney+.