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Just as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker closed the book on one era of the saga, Disney+ came around to kick open a new one. The Mandalorian proved to be an instant hit for the streaming service. In fact, Lucasfilm is working on The Mandalorian season 3 before season 2 even premieres. Now one star teases where his character fits into the show’s future.

'The Mandalorian' press day | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
‘The Mandalorian’ press day | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

‘The Mandalorian’ Season 1 ends with a huge callback

Much of The Mandalorian Season 1 centers on the mystery behind the bounty on The Child aka “Baby Yoda.” But bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) doesn’t come face to face with the villainous Grand Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) until nearly the season’s end.

After a showdown with Gideon’s troops, the Mandalorian winds up taking down Gideon’s TIE fighter. Only after the bounty hunter leaves does the show reveal Gideon’s survival. Moreover, he cuts himself out of the ship with the Darksaber, a key part of Mandalorian lore.

While the moment might have confused casual viewers, Star Wars fans who are caught up on the animated series recognized the weapon. The person who carries the Darksaber is often viewed as the rightful ruler of Mandalore. So how did Gideon get it in the first place?

Could Grand Moff Gideon use the Force? Giancarlo Esposito thinks so

Another big question is not only how Gideon got the Darksaber but what he can do with it. Star Wars has featured characters who fight with lightsabers despite no Force sensitivity. But in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Esposito teased what Gideon will be up to in The Mandalorian season 2.

To be in the position of having that regal, graceful power but have this saber which delineates a different part of me than any other character. To have this saber means I can use it, and I can do my own dirty work, that I’m a fighter, that I’m a warrior. That’s part of me. … It also creates the possibility that he is one of the ones. He possibly has [the Force], and that to me is interesting because: is he really that fallen hero? Is he a descendant of Darth Vader? Who is he?

If Gideon does bring the Force with him, The Mandalorian could lead up to a showdown between him and Baby Yoda. As fans know, the diminutive creature has proven himself to be just as powerful as his namesake. And considering how much season 2 expands the show’s scope, we wouldn’t be surprised for Gideon to reveal himself capable of the dark side.

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‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2: Will the Prequel Trilogy’s Daniel Logan Finally Wear the Armor?

The Disney+ show will add a lot of fan-favorite elements in season 2

The Mandalorian Season 2 doesn’t even debut until October 2020. And yet, fans already have an exciting picture of what’s in store. The show will reportedly include a variety of past fan favorites. Temuera Morrison’s Boba Fett will have an integral role to play, as will Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano.

In fact, rumor has it The Mandalorian could be the launchpad for an entire interconnected universe of live-action Star Wars shows. Fans have a while to wait to see if that plan comes to fruition. But at least they’ll have more answers on Esposito’s character when The Mandalorian Season 2 debuts on Disney+.

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