There is a vastness in theStar Warsgalaxy, one that sees a constant return of memorable faces, droids, species, and phrases.The Mandalorianseems to be a celebration of all ofStar Wars, and inThe Mandalorianseason 3, episode 1, fans of the franchise will have plenty of Easter eggs in their favorite galaxy far, far away.
Easter eggs can often be hard to spot, whether that’s due to the quickness or the subtlety of their reference.The Mandalorianseason 3, episode 1 features plenty of Easter eggs forStar Warsfans to feast on, with some more obscure than others. Here’s what even longtime fans might have missed.
8Space Pirates
Pirates lurk in every corner of space inStar Wars. Space pirates are not uncommon, and they have been a plague to many planets, innocents, and even Jedi. However, perhaps the most famous of pirates is the proclaimed Pirate King Hondo Ohnaka, who as yet, has not been seen in live-actionStar Wars.
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Hondo Ohnaka is a Weequay pirate, and yet another Weequay is seen causing a disturbance to the reformed planet of Nevarro. The fact that space pirates are showing just how much of a nuisance they can be further cements them inStar Warscanon, and brings hope for the arrival of Hondo Ohnaka.
7The Crystallizing Of Mandalore
In both the Legends timeline ofStar Warsand the canonStar Warstimeline, Mandalore has been under siege anddestruction by the Galactic Empire, stripped of its resources and people. It’s interesting to see Din Djarin provide evidence of the surface of Mandalore with this green crystal.
The green crystal in question is fused with a Mandalorian inscription, suggesting that perhaps Mandalore is not lost. The act itself of crystallizing Mandalore is an unspeakable act of genocide. It is on par with the devastation of a Death Star, rendering the planet inhabitable through orbital bombardment leaves warning and a graveyard planet.
6Hyperspace Purrgils
One of the greatest mysteries surroundingStar Warsis the question of whathappened to Ezra Bridger. Ezra was the protagonist ofStar WarsRebels, and alongside Thrawn, disappeared with the Purrgils in theStar WarsRebelsfinale. As Grogu and Din Djarin travel through Hyperspace, this rare species of hyperspace-traveling whales can be seen.
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PerhapsThe Mandalorianseason 3 indicates that Ezra Bridger will be found sooner than audiences think. The beauty of the Purrgils is yet to be seen, but they bring to light the fact that Purrgils can provide Hyperspace with its mystical realm.
5What Happened To Cara Dune?
A recent controversy surroundingStar Warsinvolved the actor Gina Carano, who played the New Republic marshal Cara Dune. The departure of Gina Carano fromThe Mandalorianleft many questions surrounding her character, who had quite the role in the two seasons before.
The first episode of season 3 ofThe Mandalorianprovides answers as to Cara Dune’s fate. She will remain alive, but as part of the High Republic Special Forces. This means that although audiences may not see her character again, she is certainly doing her own thing in a galaxy far, far away.
4Protocol Droids
As Nevarro continues to thrive and grow into a gem of the Outer Rim, it’s no surprise that the planet will no longer be controlled by bounty hunters, but assisted by the servitude of protocol droids. Audiences are familiar with protocol droids, especially the likes of C-3PO, who have familiar designsaround Nevarro.
C-3PO is one of the most iconic droids inStar Wars, and it’s good to see the recognition of the way this droid walks, looks, and interacts with the world around them. Protocol droids are important to maintaining peaceful life, even if they can be a tad annoying.
3Anzellans
The Disney Plus content ofStar Warshas not recognized the divisive sequel trilogy as much as it has the original films or the prequels. However, the return of the Anzellans indicates that sequels are still a thing inStar Wars. Anzellans were seen inThe Rise of Skywalker, and are known for being master droidsmiths.
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The most well-known and cute Anzellan is Babu Frik, but the race is entirely skilled droidsmiths that want to help Mando on his quest to revive IG-11. The only issue with the Anzellans is the fact that they are so adorable that even Grogu cannot resist hugging one.
2City Of Sundari
Din Djarin’s journey sees him reunite with Bo Katan, who is now abandoned and festering in what she believes is her failure after her people left her for her lack of Darksaber. However, she offers Din Djarin one nugget of advice: if he wants to accomplish his goal, he will have to head to the city of Sundari on Mandalore.
Audiences may be familiar with Sundari, as it is the capital city of Mandalore that has beenseen in otherStar Warsmedia. If Din is successful and ventures to Sundari, audiences will see the ruins of the city from the Empire in live-action.
1IG-11’s Return
One of the biggest surprises fromThe Mandalorianseason 3, episode 1 is the dependency on IG-11. This assassin droid was last seen inThe Mandalorianseason 1 and heroically sacrificed itself to protect Grogu. Since the death of IG-11, it has been honored with a statue on Nevarro, until Din Djarin found a use for its parts to help navigate the ruins of Mandalore.
IG-11 returned, albeit briefly, with a returning voice from Taika Waititi. IG-11’s story is not over, as Din Djarin plans to receive a new memory board to bring back the droid, as a less murderous version of its original self.
The Mandalorianseason 3 releases weekly episodes every Wednesday on Disney Plus.
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