Pedro Pascal responds to the question of Din Djarin’s redemption in The Mandalorian season 3. The actor made his debut as the helmeted hero in 2019 with the Star Wars series’ first season, which instantly became a global hit. Din has since embarked on a transformative journey for both himself as well as his foundling Grogu, though his story is far from over as The Mandalorian season 3 awaits on the horizon.
One of the most transformative parts of Din’s story so far has been his decision to remove his helmet for Grogu. It culminated in season 2 of the series, following a quick decision where Din had to choose between breaking his creed and saving his child. He chose the former, which paid off when he was able to rescue Grogu from Moff Gideon. The next time he removed it, however, was just to show Grogu his face before his foundling left for Jedi training, something Pascal has since said was a choice made out of his own desire to experience that kind of intimacy in their father-son relationship. Din has since had to deal with the consequences of his actions, including banishment from his tribe by the Armorer and an insistence that he’s no longer a Mandalorian.
Now, Pascal himself has offered his thoughts on whether or not Din can be redeemed for this transgression. While speaking to Variety at Star Wars Celebration, Pascal spoke directly about the heavy weight of such a question. With Din forming such a strong bond with Grogu, he’s now found something “more important to him” and “in competition with” the creed that keeps him from removing his helmet. Still, even as Din craves more of this sweet relationship with his son, Pascal describes him as trying his hardest to cling to that Mandalorian identity he’s known and had for so long in a relentless tug-of-war. The actor then pleas for Din to get a break and a vacation, especially since he “always rises to the occasion” on his challenges. Read Pascal’s full quote below:
[His redemption] is definitely a question [Din] wants answered. … The fact that he has found something that could be more important to him, or in competition with his creed — which has been the center of his identity — and then the idea of losing that identity and trying to get it back, it’s just… I don’t know, it’s a challenge. Oftentimes, I feel bad for him, and I just am like, ‘Give him a break! Just give him a break! You beat the crap out of him all the time, you know what I mean? You give him all these challenges, he always rises to the occasion — when does he get a vacation?’
Pascal perfectly describes the hard challenge Din will have to face in The Mandalorian season 3. Unlike seasons 1 and 2, this journey isn’t a physical one. While Din will surely have many physical conflicts along the way, the main conflict won’t be protecting Grogu from Imperials or fighting off bounty hunters. Din will have to grapple with his identity and who he’s meant to be, whether that means seeking his redemption on Mandalore at the Armorer’s request or deciding to carve a new path alongside his foundling. It’s likely going to be the hardest challenge Din’s had to face yet, especially given the terms of how he came to be a Mandalorian himself.
Teasers of The Mandalorian season 3 shown during Star Wars Celebration have all pointed toward an action-packed and thrilling adventure for Din and Grogu. Footage even confirmed a return to Mandalore for the first time in live-action, which only further emphasizes this transformative journey for Din and his Mandalorian identity. Katee Sackhoff has also been confirmed to return as Bo-Katan Kryze, which means Din will also be facing an external conflict of her desire for the Darksaber he currently possesses that will no doubt mess further with the difficulty of his inner battles. With so much at stake for Din in The Mandalorian season 3, anticipation only continues to grow for the next chapter in the saga.
Key Release Dates
Rogue Squadron
Release Date:2023-12-22
