Pedro Pascal, the acclaimed actor at the forefront of two major television series, The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, recently faced a humorous yet telling moment during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
Pascal, known for his charismatic portrayals of Joel in The Last of Us and Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, inadvertently broke a seemingly minor yet significant rule related to his role in the Star Wars universe.
In both series, Pascal notably plays the role of an adoptive father figure. In The Last of Us, his character Joel navigates a post-apocalyptic U.S. with Ellie, searching for a cure to the Cordyceps infection. Meanwhile, in The Mandalorian, he is seen traveling the galaxy with the beloved character commonly referred to as Baby Yoda.
However, it is this endearing nickname that led to Pascal’s slip-up.
His Name is Grogu!
During the interview, while discussing the practical effects in The Mandalorian, Pascal casually referred to the character as ‘Baby Yoda’. This moment of realization was marked by a sudden pause and a flash of recognition in Pascal’s expression. It revealed a behind-the-scenes rule: the character should only be referred to by his official name, Grogu.
This policy is not just a trivial preference but serves a significant purpose. The nickname “Baby Yoda” has caused considerable confusion regarding the Star Wars timeline, leading to a common misconception that Grogu might be a reincarnation of Yoda. This confusion stems from the timeline of The Mandalorian, which is set after the events of the original Star Wars trilogy and long after Yoda’s death.
Pedro Pascal’s reaction and the subsequent clarification from Graham Norton underscore the intricate attention to detail and the level of secrecy maintained in the production of The Mandalorian. This incident highlights the challenges actors face in navigating the complex lore and fan expectations associated with such expansive and beloved franchises.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is Coming
As The Mandalorian continues to captivate audiences, with its third season released and a fourth season (Mandalorian Season 4) on the horizon, along with the announcement of The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, Pascal’s portrayal of Din Djarin remains a central focus.
Moreover, his commitment to the character and the series, even in the face of such strict guidelines, is a testament to his dedication to the role.
Furthermore, this incident also reflects the broader context of how details in popular franchises are closely guarded and managed. In an era where fans eagerly dissect every piece of information, maintaining the integrity of the storyline and character identities is paramount.
Pedro Pascal, balancing roles in both The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, demonstrates the importance of adherence to these details, even if it means occasionally navigating through the perilous waters of accidental spoilers.
