The Mandalorian is proof that a live-action series can exist in a galaxy far far away
By Pete Hernandez III
Fans no longer are regulated to exploring a galaxy far, far away just once a year during the holidays. The Mandalorian has shown that a live-action series, once a week through eight episodes works just as well, if not better.
The brand “Star Wars” has long been synonymous with the Jedi versus the Sith, the Skywalker saga, and the empire versus the rebellion, among others. As of late, those same storylines would encompass our lives every other year or so, particularly during the holidays. But while blockbusters are all the rage at the box office, they aren’t the “future” of entertainment as we know it.
Just like the battles in a galaxy far far away before it, streaming wars have arrived on our doorstep and in our living rooms, and Star Wars is the latest to revel in the action. And from what we’ve seen through its inaugural season, The Mandalorian is proof that a galaxy far far away can exist in a live-action series as well.
What The Mandalorian has successfully achieved in its debut on Disney+ is deliver what any Star Wars fan (should) want from future content: something new, something fresh, and something worth exploring. It is a goal that Disney and Lucasfilm in conjunction have found mixed success with in the past and on the big screen.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was a grounded and gritty tale of how the original Death Star plans came to be stolen and delivered to the hands of the rebels. Case in point: something new and fresh that fans have generally wanted to explore (if given the opportunity).
Rogue One was meant to initiate a line of spin-off films to explore the uncharted stories of a galaxy far far away, and that followed up with 2018’s Han Solo: A Star Wars Story. Only this time, it wasn’t something new, fresh, and more accurately, a film that fans really wanted. With the original trilogy so revered (sometimes to a fault) in the eyes of fans, did we really need to see a younger Han Solo portrayed by someone other than Harrison Ford (so essentially, not Han Solo?)
Thankfully, with The Mandalorian, Jon Favreau and the team have hit the mark in delivering a story worth telling, and most importantly, doing so in a manner that is worthy.
The history behind the Mandalorians is a story that has been relatively unexplored in Star Wars lore, and leveraging an entirely new character (Mando) was strategic as opposed to using a familiar name like Boba Fett (something new).
Not being stifled by a two-hour timeframe on the big screen was vital. To effectively build a story, produce lasting relationships between characters, and to create real stakes requires time across multiple episodes. A live-action Star Wars series had never been done before, but it sure was time to construct one (something fresh).
Lastly, with a fan base like Star Wars who can be very particular, at times to a fault, none of the above matters if it is not a story that is wanted. For years, fans have wanted a film of the cult-favorite bounty hunter Boba Fett (you can add me to that group). But there’s a reason why these films are called “adaptations.” Not everything works on the big screen or on television, thus it must be shaped in order to work.
In The Mandalorian, a new character at the forefront helps set the expectations for the series itself, not adhere to others. How can a fan be livid at how a character is portrayed when, well, this is the first introduction of said character? It’s a know frustration arguably unique to the Star Wars fandom, but The Mandalorian may have sidestepped that obstacle already.
Just because something works does not mean it cannot be improved. In the case of Star Wars, prolonged success on the big screen should not restrict exploring a galaxy far far away solely in theaters. Through its first season, The Mandalorian makes the compelling case that there are other areas and paths worth exploring.
The hope is that The Mandalorian helps usher in more storytelling via a live-action series medium. Already an Obi-Wan series and Cassian Andor series have been announced. If Jon Favreau’s inaugural series is any indication, then there is a bright future ahead in exploring a galaxy far far away.
