In the galaxy far, far away, The Mandalorian has captured hearts with its tale of a stoic bounty hunter and his adorable companion, Grogu. While Pedro Pascal is celebrated as the face (and voice) of Din Djarin, a recent discussion on The Sackhoff Show, hosted by The Mandalorian star Katee Sackhoff, has brought renewed attention to the unsung heroes behind the beskar armor: stunt performers Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder. Wayne, who has doubled for Pascal since the show’s debut in 2019, opened up about the collaborative effort behind the iconic character and addressed the swirling controversy over who truly “is” the Mandalorian.
Wayne, a seasoned stuntman and actor, has been a key part of The Mandalorian since its first season, often donning the heavy beskar armor and helmet that conceal Din Djarin’s face. Alongside fellow stunt performer Lateef Crowder, Wayne has brought physicality to the character, executing complex action sequences and embodying the Mandalorian’s stoic presence. However, the character’s helmeted nature—tied to the sacred Creed of the Children of the Watch, which forbids removing the helmet—has sparked debates among fans about who deserves credit for bringing Din Djarin to life, especially when Pascal’s face is rarely seen.
On Katee Sackhoff's podcast, Wayne spoke candidly about the collaborative dynamic with Pascal and Crowder, emphasizing the teamwork that defines the role. “I’ll tell you right now, Pedro and I talk about it, and we both laugh, because we both know what we’re doing,” Wayne said. “He’s like, ‘You’re the guy in the suit, you’re the one making it look cool.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, but you’re the voice, you’re the heart.’ We’re both just trying to make this character work.” This mutual respect highlights the unique partnership behind The Mandalorian, where Pascal’s voice work and occasional on-screen moments blend seamlessly with Wayne and Crowder’s physical performances.
The controversy over credit stems from the nature of Din Djarin’s character, whose face is rarely shown due to his adherence to the Mandalorian Creed. When Djarin broke this vow in key emotional scenes—revealing his face to Grogu or others—it was Pascal under the helmet, delivering the character’s emotional depth. However, for much of the series, Wayne and Crowder have been the ones in the suit, performing the grueling stunts and bringing the Mandalorian’s physicality to life. This division of labor has led some fans to question how credit should be distributed, with occasional tensions flaring online about whether Pascal’s role is overstated given his limited physical presence in later seasons.
Wayne addressed these perceptions directly on the podcast, expressing frustration with being pigeonholed as “just a stunt guy.” “When it bothers me is when I’m trying to get a job and they’re like, ‘You’re a stunt guy,’” Wayne shared. “No, I’m an actor who does stunts. I’m creating a character in there, too. It’s not just about jumping off stuff—it’s about making Din feel real, even when you can’t see his face.” His words underscore the artistry involved in stunt work, particularly in a role where body language is everything. Wayne’s performance, alongside Crowder’s, ensures that Din Djarin’s movements convey the weight of his armor, his resolve, and his bond with Grogu.
The discussion also touched on the camaraderie among the The Mandalorian team. Wayne recounted a moment of validation from a Hollywood legend: “Then there’s moments you meet Sigourney Weaver, and she walks up to you and she goes, ‘Your work is seamless. It’s absolutely beautiful.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m Brendan.’” This anecdote, tied to Weaver’s upcoming role as New Republic Adelphi Ranger Col. Ward in the The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, set for release on May 22, 2026, reflects the respect Wayne has earned from peers in the industry.
Wayne’s comments also shed light on his dynamic with Pascal, dispelling any notions of rivalry. “Pedro’s always been supportive,” Wayne said. “He’s the one telling me, ‘Go out there, talk about what you do. You’re part of this.’ He’s never made it feel like it’s just him.” This collaborative spirit was further evidenced in The Mandalorian Season 3, where Wayne and Crowder’s names were added to the main credits sequence, a move that acknowledged their integral contributions to the character.
As The Mandalorian and Grogu approaches, with Jon Favreau at the helm and new cast members like Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White joining the adventure, the spotlight on Din Djarin’s portrayal is brighter than ever. Wayne’s insights on The Sackhoff Show serve as a reminder that creating a cultural phenomenon like The Mandalorian is a team effort, where every contributor—from the voice to the stunt performers—helps forge the Way. For fans, it’s a chance to appreciate the seamless artistry that makes Din Djarin a beloved figure, whether he’s wearing the helmet or not.
Source: Katee Sackhoff - YouTube
