Din Djarin has faced several enemies throughout the three seasons of Star Wars: The Mandalorian, but it can’t be denied that none of them is as formidable as Moff Gideon. Fans seemed to see the last of him in the third season finale after he apparently died in a battle against Bo-Katan, Din, and Grogu when the spaceship plowed into the base, leaving him consumed by fire. Sure, he’s believed to be dead, but Giancarlo Esposito seems to hint that Gideon is still alive and may return to the franchise.
In an interview with GQ Magazine to answer fans’ questions, Esposito discussed his potential return to the Star Wars universe. Though nothing is known about it, and The Mandalorian Season 4 is yet to be officially greenlit, there’s one project the Breaking Bad star can return to: Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu. But as the actor confessed his love for the franchise when asked if he had any plans to return, he revealed he hadn’t received a call yet to reprise his role.
“I love the Star Wars universe,” he said. “I don’t have any plans because they haven’t called me. [I] love Moff Gideon because you have something I want.”
Though fans already saw Gideon’s fate in The Mandalorian Season 3, many are still convinced he may still be alive. However, as no one knows how he could have escaped that ball of fire, Esposito hints at how he may return. And by the looks of it, he knows something that fans don’t.
“Come on. I came back to the third season. I didn't have a mustache,” he teased. “Then you see all these clones. Put it together.”
Is Moff Gideon still alive in Star Wars: The Mandalorian?
Though The Mandalorian Season 3 finale seemed to make fans believe that Gideon died during the massive battle, there’s one way that he can return to the franchise. With Esposito’s mention of “clones” and Gideon's known for dabbling in cloning, he may return through his replicas.
Din found numerous bacta tanks with Gideon clones waiting to be activated. Though Mando ensured they would never have a chance to live, making Gideon lose many of his clones in a snap, it might not be the only stash he had. He might have several cloning facilities where copies of himself wait for activation. And knowing how smart Gideon is, there’s a theory that the Mandalorians fought was his clone. Well, he’s an evil Imperial, and he won’t let anyone outsmart him. So, amid the belief that he’s dead, he may be starting building his own foothold on the galaxy.
Will Giancarlo Esposito appear in Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu?
Details about The Mandalorian & Grogu remain scarce. Since the movie was announced in January, nothing has been known about it besides featuring the father-and-son duo. Its cast members and characters are also yet to be revealed. However, knowing that Esposito is the main villain of The Mandalorian, and he may still be alive, he may continuously be the big bad of the film unless Lucasfilm wants to feature a new or another antagonist.
During the film’s announcement, Jon Favreau, who would direct the movie, revealed that bringing the eponymous pair to the big screen made him “extremely” excited. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, alternatively, claimed this new story would be a perfect fit for fans to see in theaters.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to kick off the slate of new Star Wars movies, and it’s scheduled to premiere on May 22, 2026. Fans who want to catch up on The Mandalorian can stream it on Disney+. Though it’s yet to be revealed if Esposito will be seen in this movie, fans may see his return as Gideon one way or another.
