The Mandalorian season 3, episode 5 started bringing together disparate plots while also laying the groundwork for the Star Wars universe’s future. Despite taking place over two decades after the events of The Mandalorian, seeds have been sown throughout the season that will ultimately lead to the second series. The fate of The Mandalorian this season will have far-reaching consequences for both the show and other Star Wars initiatives.
Season 2 of The Mandalorian built up the return of Boba Fett and Fennec Shand in The Book of Boba Fett and brought Ahsoka Tano to the live-action world. It’s fair to presume that The Mandalorian season 3 will try something similar, as there have been Easter eggs establishing numerous series and pointing at character returns.
Given the forthcoming lineup of Disney+ programs, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni set up shows like Ahsoka in the same way they did The Mandalorian. Not only is the method compelling, but it also helps to tie the world together by setting the groundwork for the future.
Skelton Crew, a Disney+ show, is one of the forthcoming Star Wars entries. Although little is known about the show, Jude Law will make his Star Wars début as an unnamed main character. The series, directed by Jon Watts of Spider-Man: No Way Home, will be a coming-of-age tale starring a younger ensemble led by Law’s character. The program will take place around the same period as The Mandalorian, which means that a quasi-backdoor pilot may be included after season 3.
It’s unclear whether Vane will return
The pirate Vane is one figure who could reappear in Skelton Crew. He was one of the few who escaped the Mandalorians’ assault on Nevarro, leaping into hyperspace to an unknown destination. If Vane encounters Jude Law’s character and his squad, he could be an intriguing foe – or even an unexpected friend.
Vane may be looking for a new start now that he has no boss over him; and the Skelton Crew provides him with that chance. It’s unclear whether Vane will return; but reintroducing a minor character from The Mandalorian season 3 could be a wonderful way to connect the broader world.
Since The Mandalorian season 2, when it was revealed that Ahsoka Tano was searching for him; Grand Admiral Thrawn has been promised to return. Thrawn, the primary adversary of Star Wars Rebels’ later seasons, could be the link between the original and sequel trilogies.
Thrawn is said to have been drawing various threads from the background; so his ultimate comeback (and move to live-action) could help set up the First Order. With Thrawn as the newest phantom threat in the Star Wars world; it stands to reason that his influence would stretch to the First Order and the sequel series.
With Bo-Katan Kryze now guaranteed to appear in The Mandalorian season 3; Ahsoka may cross paths with the Mandalorian once more. The two characters worked together briefly in season 2; and their tales are linked by their hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn. Sabine Wren, who is a close companion and ally of both Ahsoka and Ezra Bridger; could also make a cameo in The Mandalorian.
All of these various links and crossovers between Star Wars products contribute to a more cohesive and linked world. With Disney+ taking over as the primary venue for Star Wars material; it’s obvious that the streaming service will be the primary tool for linking all of the various brands and stories.
The Mandalorian season 3 has a lot of promise to build up future Star Wars shows and movies; and showrunners Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have a strategy for the franchise’s future. The addition of characters such as Boba Fett, Ahsoka Tano; and Grand Admiral Thrawn has already piqued viewers’ interest; and it will be interesting to see what other shocks the show has in store.
