Details regarding the still upcoming 3rd season of The Mandalorian seem to be eternally up in the air. It's not surprising, seeing as how the series is currently on the backburner while Disney Plus gears up to premiere several new Star Wars shows this year like The Book of Boba Fett and the always intriguing Obi-Wan Kenobi. But even so, occasionally some tidbits slip through, and hopefully, that's the case with Giancarlo Esposito's recent interview.
Esposito, who plays the ruthless Moff Gideon on The Mandalorian, recently spoke about his role in the series going forward. For those who have somehow forgotten that incredible season finale (along with its unforgettable secret cameo), season 2 ended with Gideon in the custody of the New Republic. Following a big rescue mission where Din Djarin (the titular Mandalorian) and his allies stormed Gideon's cruiser to save young Grogu, Esposito's character attempted one last breakout attempt before turning a blaster on himself. While he was knocked out before he could pull the trigger, it shows that the Imperial officer still has plenty of fight left in him.
When asked whether audiences would see him in the next season of The Mandalorian, Esposito appeared optimistic (perhaps to hide his own knowledge of the show going forward). "I have to imagine you would," he said in a short chat on the Creative Arts Emmys red carpet. "I can't speak for them, but I know I have desire. I think we need to see Moff to continue the story and to continue the pressure that - and the edge - that someone with the big brain that Moff has thinks about. So, I could almost guarantee it, but you know, there's never a guarantee, but you know... you'll see me, baby. Come on! I mean, the fact that I'm here tonight and in the position I am to be nominated for Moff Gideon. I just, I thank Jon Favreau and I thank Dave Filoni and thank Disney and Kathleen Kennedy for producing. This show, though, it's taken people by storm, because there's so much to love."
Esposito seemed to be saying as much as he could while also saying as little as possible since season 3 is still so far off. But the main takeaway could be his focus on how Gideon simply must appear again given not only his popularity but how there's still more of his story to tell. The Mandalorian could very well move on and never see the Moff again after this point, especially considering how the story will likely take a hard turn to primarily deal with Katee Sackhoff's Bo Katan and her quest to reclaim the Darksaber. Aside from ending with Grogu being rescued and then going off to train with Luke Skywalker (instantly making a million fanfiction writers fist pump at once), season 2 represented a big turning point for the series. So anything could happen.
The Mandalorian is already no stranger to big changes going forward. The Darksaber storyline is one thing, but then there's also the big controversy regarding Gina Carano's toxic and hateful comments, resulting in her being fired from her role as Cara Dune the show. So that's already one big casting change that will be instantly noticeable next season, that is, if Cara Dune is even recast at all. Season 3 of The Mandalorian has reportedly only barely begun production, so there's likely a lot that still hasn't even been set in stone.
The point is, it wouldn't be all that surprising if Moff Gideon doesn't show up in season 3 due to all the changes going on. But Esposito's comments do make sense, and a character like that might feel wasted if he disappears now. Hopefully, things will become more clear as its premiere next year draws closer.
The Mandalorian seasons 1-2 are now available on Disney Plus.
Source: Variety/Twitter