The Mandalorian Villain Actor Teases Possible Return in New Star Wars Movie (2024)

Luke Skywalker once said "No one's ever really gone." Giancarlo Esposito is hoping that's the case for his character in The Mandalorian, Moff Gideon. While walking the red carpet for the premiere of his new film MaXXXine, Esposito expressed his hope that he may reprise his role as the Darksaber-wielding villain in the upcoming Star Wars film The Mandalorian and Grogu. Deadline asked him directly about the possibility of donning the black cape as Moff Gideon once again, the Breaking Bad actor said coyly:

Release Date

December 18, 2026

Director

Jon Favreau

Cast

Pedro Pascal

Franchise

Star Wars

While Esposito was clear that he had no knowledge or insight into a possible return to the Star Wars franchise, he noted his admiration for The Mandalorian series creator and showrunner Jon Favreau and executive producer Dave Filoni, and hoped to work with them again:

You know, I don't know anything about that at the present, but I put out there that if they need me I'll be there. I love what Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Disney does with Mandalorian – and who knows? There may be a moment where I can swoop down and take over once again.

Esposito's Moff Gideon was a memorable villain throughout the first three seasons of The Mandalorian, as he led a remnant of troops from the Galactic Empire against the New Republic. He became obsessed with Grogu, and hoped to harness his ability to use the Force. His legion of Dark Troopers posed a major threat to the galaxy, at least until he was seemingly killed in an explosion on Mandalor in season three. Fans, however, hope that he managed to survive to fight another day.

Giancarlo Esposito's Legacy of Iconic Villains

MaXXXine is only the latest role in the prolific career of Giancarlo Esposito, which has been punctuated by some iconic villain roles. In addition to his role as Moff Gideon, Esposito earned iconic pop culture status playing drug kingpin Gustavo Fring in Breaking Bad and its prequel/sequel series Better Call Saul. His other notable villain roles include Stan Edgar in The Boys, Magic Mirror in Once Upon a Time, and Ra's al Ghul in the animated film Son of Batman. His voice and likeness were used to create the role of Antón Castillo, the main antagonist of the video game Far Cry 6.

The Mandalorian & Grogu will be directed by Favreau, who is co-writing the script with Filoni. Besides Pedro Pascal, no other cast members have been announced, nor has the plot been revealed. If Esposito does not return as Moff Gideon, a potential villain has emerged, thanks to the Star Wars series Ahsoka. Lars Mikkelsen made his long-awaited appearance as the live action version of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant Imperial officer with a thirst for power. The character was first introduced in 1992, in the Timothy Zahn Star Wars novel Heir to the Empire.

Among Esposito's upcoming roles is an unnamed character in Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World.