Clock off a little earlier, throw some beverages in the fridge, and dust those screens… because the long-awaited occasion is upon us. After the slowest year in recent history, The Mandalorian season 2 will finally be hitting Disney+ this Friday – marking the return of Din Djarin/Mando/the titular Mandalorian (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), and of course, The Child (otherwise known as Baby Yoda).
When we last saw our favourite adopted father-son duo, they had narrowly evaded capture at the hands of former Imperial officer Moff Gideon (portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito) and the surviving Stormtroopers. But this grand escape wasn’t an entirely conclusive affair.
Right before the credits rolled, it was revealed that not only did Moff Gideon survive the crash of his TIE Fighter; he was also in possession of a legendary Mandalorian artefact – the Darksaber. Suffice it to say, there’s certainly some unfinished business (as well as a deeper connection to the wider Star Wars mythology).
Click here to stream The Mandalorian on Disney+
While The Mandalorian season 2 trailer has kept its cards close to its chest, what the footage does indicate is the current objective: The Child must be reunited with its own kind i.e. the Force-sensitive. Meaning a major part of this season will ostensibly involve locating the resurgent Jedi Order (“enemy wizards”) established by Luke Skywalker after the events of the Original Trilogy.
“The new season is about introducing a larger story in the world,” says showrunner Jon Favreau.
“The stories become less isolated, yet each episode has its own flavour, and hopefully we’re bringing a lot more scope to the show.”
“Everything gets bigger, the stakes get higher, but also the personal story between The Child and the Mandalorian develops in a way I think people will enjoy,” says executive producer and director Dave Filoni.
As already implied, both Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni are back at the helm to craft this masterful continuation of the Star Wars universe. Guest directors who have come aboard this time around include Peyton Reed (Ant-Man, Ant-Man & The Wasp), Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Alita: Battle Angel), as well as The Mandalorian cast member and Apollo Creed actor, Carl Weathers.
Click here to stream The Mandalorian on Disney+
In addition to Pascal, Esposito, and Weathers, Gina Carano is set to return as ex-rebel shock trooper/mercenary Cara Dune, Werner Herzog is set to return as “The Client”, with several intriguing newcomers integral to The Mandalorian season 2’s story arc. Katee Sackhoff has joined the gang as former Mandalore ruler – Bo-Katan Kryze – Timothy Olyphant as former slave in possession of the legendary Boba Fett’s armour – Cobb Vanth – and plenty potentially surprising appearances on the way.
As we reported back in March, former Disney CEO Bob Iger has hinted certain appearances from certain characters may serve as a backdoor pilot for additional spin-off content.
“The Mandalorian season two coming in October, and then more coming from The Mandalorian thereafter, including the possibility of – infusing it with more characters and the possibility of taking those characters in their own direction in terms of series.”
The first episode of The Mandalorian season 2 will be available to stream on October 30th with subsequent episodes released weekly thereafter. To visually refresh your memory about The Mandalorian season 1 – or to simply revisit the Star Wars universe in general – be sure to visit Disney+.
