The late Carl Weathers joined Star Wars: The Mandalorian as Guild Master Greef Karga. As part of the Disney+ series from Seasons 1 to 3, the actor-director made a significant impact on the show, becoming one of the fan-favorite characters. Episodic director Bryce Dallas Howard acknowledged the former footballer's significance in The Mandalorian and spoke about his great impact.
Howard delivered a speech to honor the Rocky star during Weathers’ Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony (via Variety). The actress talked about Weathers’ influence as an actor and a director for The Mandalorian. Weathers helmed Season 3 Episode 4, Chapter 20: The Foundling.
“I worked as a director beside Carl for four seasons on the franchise, and I, like everyone else, was amazed by this titan of a man,” she said. “Carl was not only one of the central stars of The Mandalorian, he was also one of the show’s regular directors.”
The 43-year-old star admitted that she was astonished by Weathers’ ability to wear both hats, acting and directing at the same time, especially considering the Star Wars series’ tech was revolving and the IP was so revered. Despite the sky-high stakes of pulling off the show, she was amazed by the level of genius Weathers had.
“Carl did it with grace, ease, and enthusiasm,” she continued. “Make no mistake, what he pulled off by simultaneously acting and directing was a feat of expertise and human excellence at the highest level very few people, if any, could do.”
From there, Howard revealed that Weathers did The Mandalorian as a favor to showrunner Jon Favreau. He was only meant to appear in three episodes. But with his talent, he made a great impact, and his small role became a defining personality and character that many craved for more.
“Carl was an integral part of The Mandalorian family,” she added. “As Jon put it, he was not just a wonderful, enthusiastic team member; he was like a team captain. He had a positive attitude and the work ethic of an athlete; everybody learned from him because he was a natural leader.”
What was Carl Weathers’ role in The Mandalorian?
Serving as Weathers’ last project before his demise in February due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, his role as Greef Karga became one of the most important characters in The Mandalorian. From disgraced magistrate, he became the High Magistrate of Nevarro. He, too, was a close ally and a true friend to Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal).
In The Mandalorian Season 3, he gave Din Djarin and Grogu the home they needed. This had another great impact on his character, providing the adoptive father and his son a true home and establishing their relationship as a family. This also gave Karga a lasting memory in the series.
Sadly, Karga may no longer be part of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Though it remains to be seen how Lucasfilm will write out his character, he will surely be given the honor he deserves.
All episodes of The Mandalorian Seasons 1 to 3 are available on Disney+. The Mandalorian and Grogu, alternatively, is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026.
