By Straight from the horse’s mouth, we have a roster update for our galactic scoundrels and space-Spartans (it just sort of occurred to me, but that’s totally what the Mandalorians are based on, right?) set to star in the upcoming Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. And, well, there’s a face I didn’t expect to see!
Joining previously-announced leading man Pedro Pascal (perhaps of Game of Thrones fame, in which he, well, y’know…) are Gina Carano (Deadpool) and Nick Nolte (Cape Fear, Affliction, Warrior), also known before today’s news.
Joining the cast is Giancarlo Esposito, who you may recognize as Gus from Breaking Bad (and Better Call Saul, which I really think is head and shoulders better than Bad!), but need to see in Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee’s late-80s masterpiece, if you haven’t already.
We also have Emily Swallow (Supernatural and Netflix’s Castlevania) and Omid Abtahi (American Gods, Argo) joining the crew. Make way also for Carl “DILLON!” Weathers (Predator, Rocky) who will have to be some sort of grizzled badass. I can’t wait.
Oh, but there’s more. Rounding out the announcement is everyone’s favorite Jack Reacher villain, award-winning filmmaker Werner Herzog joins The Mandalorian. It’s laugh-out-loud funny to think of such a bleak, serious artist as Herzog (Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Grizzly Man) pairing with Disney, but his mannerisms and acting work makes perfect sense for the Star Wars universe, no stranger to casting esteemed elderly actors in its pulpy world.
The Mandalorian is looking to be no slouch behind the camera as well. Written and executive produced by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), the show will feature episodes directed by heavyweights like Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, The Hunt for the Wilderpeople), with Star Wars guru Dave Filoni (Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) set to direct the pilot and executive produce alongside Favreau.
The Mandalorian is set to premiere exclusively on Disney’s upcoming streaming service Disney+, which will launch sometime during the summer of 2019. And we all know we’re going to subscribe just for this show.