Did you watch The Mandalorian and wonder who is voicing the main character? Well, you’re not the only one. After the show was released on Disney+, audiences everywhere began to wonder about the actor behind the iconic mask.

There’s no doubting The Mandalorian’s success! The show has been watched by thousands and was an immediate hit with the Star Wars fandom.

Audiences everywhere gravitated to the show’s fast-pace action, amazing special effects and cast of morally grey characters. And, of course, there was also Baby Yoda. But many have still wondered — who is the man behind the mask? Who is voicing the Mandalorian? 

Well, the answer to that question is an interesting one. Because the man behind the mask, may not exactly be the man who is credited with bringing the character to life. What does that mean? Well, let’s tale a look at all the components that come together to bring the Mandalorian character to our screens. So that fans may truly understand just how much work goes into playing a character who always wears a mask.

Who is The Mandalorian?

Mandalorians are a group of intergalactic bounty hunters, who populate the Star Wars universe. Made up of different species and ethnicities, they are not a single race. Instead, they all come together to form a single clan-like unit. One with its own culture, beliefs and code!

They are known to work alone. And are recognisable by their iconic armour and helmet, which they never take off!

The first time we ever saw a reference to the Mandalorian in the Star Wars franchise, was back in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, with the character of Boba Fett.

Although Boba Fett was never referred to as a Mandalorian in the film, and was also not part of the cult, he did wear some of the iconic equipment, the character’s popularity soon inspired more media about the futuristic bounty hunters.

Now the Mandalorians have their own extensive history, home planet and language!

The new television show follows a single Mandalorian. One who wanders through the galaxy alone, relentlessly collecting his bounty.

Over the course of the first season, we see the Mandalorian grow to care for a strange creature called ‘The Child’ — otherwise known as Baby Yoda. The Mandalorian chooses to protect the child after he discovers its ability to use the force!

For a character who spends most of his time hidden behind a mask, the new Mandalorian has proven very popular among the fandom. But who is really beneath the helmet?

Now, this may surprise you! But the man we see playing the Mandalorian on screen is not actually the same man who lends his voice to the role. In fact, the character is split between two men – Brendon Wayne and Pedro Pascal.

Pedro Pascal – Voice of The Mandalorian

Pedro Pascal is an American actor who started his career in television in 1999. During this time he performed small roles in shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Law and Order.

Pascal did not reach universal recognition until 2014 when he was cast as Oberyn Martell in the fourth season of Game of Thrones.

It was this short, yet acclaimed role, that pushed Pascal into the mainstream. Since then the actor has garnered starring roles in Kingsman: The Golden Circle and in the upcoming Wonder Woman 1984.

And although the actor gets top billing for playing the Mandalorian in the Star Wars series, he did not actually appear in every episode!

Bryce Dallas Howard, who directed the show’s fourth episode, stated in an interview that Pascal didn’t even appear on her set:

“He was in rehearsals for King Lear on Broadway. And so, while we were doing my episode, I wasn’t working with Pedro.”

However, Pascal still continued voicing the Mandalorian’s dialogue. Goes to show the advantages of having a main character who always wears a helmet!

But there is another key figure who helps to fully realise the Mandalorian’s character, and his name is Brendan Wayne.

Brendan Wayne – The Man Behind The Mandalorian

Who is Brendan Wayne? He’s an actor and body double who has been working consistently in Hollywood since 2001. He has appeared in television shows such as Angel and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and even obtained small roles in films such as Cowboys and Aliens.

But as of 2019, he is now known as for his work on The Mandalorian, where he performs primarily as Pascal’s body double.

It was Brendan Wayne, who worked with Howard on the show’s fourth episode, with the director praising the actor’s dedication to the role:

“He absolutely just brought everything to that character, and we were able to find the moments and figure them out together.”

But this does not mean that Wayne and Pascal have never met. In fact, the two actors worked closely throughout the show’s first season. Making sure that their physical performances were similar and consistent.

Speaking about his time working with Pedro, Brendan Wayne had this to say:

“I would ask him the same question, which is, ‘Why do you move like this during that moment?’ We would go back and forth….The great thing about him is he’s not impressed with himself. He’s just an actor…He likes to learn and he likes to collaborate and he’s very good at it.”

This shows just how much of the character is a collaboration of various performers, body doubles and stuntmen. Pedro Pascal will be forever known for voicing the Mandalorian, but he is only one piece in a very big puzzle!

And it looks like we’re going to see the Mandalorian quite soon!

The Mandalorian Season Two – Where is it?

Principal filming on The Mandalorian season two finished in early March. The show is slated to hit streaming in October of this year.

Pedro Pascal will return for the second season, once again voicing and portraying the titular Mandalorian. Brendan Wayne has also confirmed his involvement in the show’s second season.

The new season will also see the return of fan favourite – Cara Dune (portrayed by Gina Carano), as well as a whole host of new and exciting characters! Rosario Dawson has been cast as the first live-action portrayal of iconic Star Wars character – Ahsoka Tano. While Temuera Morrison will return as Boba Fett!

Are you excited for The Mandalorian season two? Let us know your theories for the upcoming season in the comments below!