This article contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1.The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1, "The Apostate" introduces a pirate called Vane, and the identity of who plays this new character was a question raised. Vane is an old criminal associate of now-High Magistrate Greef Karga, representing the past that Nevarro struggles to leave behind and foreshadowing a conflict with pirates in The Mandalorian season 3. "Vane" also proves an appropriate name, as the pirate produces no results other than delivering a message. Even so, he's clearly someone that Karga knows to be wary of, so while Vane isn't the actual leader of the pirates, he'll more than likely be showing up again in later episodes of The Mandalorian.
Vane's refusal to back down from High Magistrate Greef Karga also makes clear that Nevarro negotiating with the pirates is out of the question. Karga's old acquaintance immediately resorts to drudging up his criminal past and demeaning him in front of his people, and his demands are only a small example of what the pirates will require from Nevarro in the rest of season 3. This mixture of assertive dominance and cowardice is handled well by Vane's actor, with a great deal of personality conveyed even through the heavy prosthetics. The actor's performance, combined with his past roles, means he's sure to make an impression in The Mandalorian season 3.
Marti Matulis Plays Vane In The Mandalorian Season 3
Vane is played by Star Wars newcomer Marti Matulis in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 1 "The Apostate." No stranger to playing characters who require heavy makeup, Matulis does an impressive job showing off a range of expressions as his confrontation with Greef Karga progresses. From his wide eyes making him seem on the verge of attacking to the little satisfied smiles when he thinks he has the upper hand, Vane manages to impress in only a few minutes thanks to Matulis' commitment to the part. The camera makes sure to capture little changes in Matulis' eyes and mouth as the tension builds towards the drawing of weapons.
The Mandalorian and its spinoff, The Book of Boba Fett, have both done an impressive job in creating alien characters that feel believable. Cad Bane's return in live-action was one of the best examples, as well as many alien side characters throughout The Mandalorian season 2. However, stunning makeup is nothing without the actor underneath, and Marti Matulis did a stellar job with only a short scene for a completely new character. Vane is sure to pop up at least one more time in The Mandalorian season 3, but Marti Matulis could easily join the regular cast as a recurring character.
Where You Know Marti Matulis From
Outside his appearance in The Mandalorian, Marti Matulis can be recognized from a number of notable roles. One of his most prominent jobs is having played multiple characters across 26 episodes of Evil on Paramount+, where he gained experience playing a memorable character in heavy makeup. He also played the Monstrosity in the movie Smile, and the title role in The Erl King. These parts in particular showcase Matulis' history of playing creepy and threatening villains across movies, shorts, and TV shows. This proves he was a smart choice to play Vane in The Mandalorian, and provides additional evidence that he would be a good recurring antagonist.
Some of Matulis' other roles include minor appearances as different characters in Star Trek: Picard, with similar parts in previous Star Trek movies and TV shows. He also appeared in a few episodes of Westworld as Drone Host, and played different characters across 26 episodes of Teen Wolf. Matulis' ability to play multiple characters in a TV show's run means that he could play other characters in The Mandalorian season 3 too, or he could appear in different Star Wars projects. Whether Vane the pirate becomes a recurring character in The Mandalorian season 3 remains to be seen, but Marti Matulis managed to convince the need for more of the character in a short amount of time.
The Mandalorian season 3 is now streaming on Disney+. New episodes release on Wednesdays.