The Epic Mandalorian Reveal: Unearthed Cameo from George Lucas in Return of the Jedi Will Shock You!

The Mandalorian has introduced various new alien races to the Star Wars universe. Interestingly, one of these species may have actually appeared briefly in Return of the Jedi. This potential connection could lead to the introduction of a new character in season 3 of The Mandalorian. The attention to detail shown by the crew is commendable, as it provides the opportunity to explore background characters in future Star Wars projects. This is not the first time that a background character has inspired the creation of a new character, as seen with Jedi Master Quinlan Vos in The Phantom Menace. It is possible that The Mandalorian has taken a similar approach, potentially giving this background character from Return of the Jedi their own story in the future. It is certainly worth considering whether this alien species has influenced the creation of a new character in The Mandalorian.

One Of Jabba's Prisoners May Be The Same Species As Gorian Shard

The Gorian Shard from season 3 of The Mandalorian bears a striking resemblance to a prisoner at Jabba's palace in Return of the Jedi. This plant-like being is covered in vines, much like the alien that reaches out to C-3PO in the palace's prison level. Although the prisoner in the film has a less vibrant complexion and fewer vines, it is possible that this is due to long-term imprisonment or a different variation of the same species. Regardless, the uncanny resemblance suggests that the species of Gorian Shard may have made its first appearance in Return of the Jedi.

Did Gorian Shard's Species Really Appear In Return Of The Jedi?

The species of Gorian Shard remains unidentified, leaving uncertain whether this alien race made an appearance in Return of the Jedi. In The Mandalorian, Nonso Anozie portrayed Gorian Shard and shared a picture of the character on Instagram, likening him to "Swamp Thing." It is plausible that Aaron McBride and the other concept artists drew inspiration from DC's Swamp Thing rather than any previously seen Star Wars creatures. However, considering that Star Wars Rebels drew inspiration from unused artwork from the original trilogy to create its characters, it is still feasible that The Mandalorian followed a similar approach.

There is a possibility that Shard and Jabba's prisoner in the same species, even if it was not the crew's intention. Dave Filoni, the creator, hinted that Captain Rex appeared as a rebel soldier in Return of the Jedi, despite originally being known as Nik Sant. Star Wars has also released anthologies such as Tales from Jabba's Palace, which delved into the lives of background characters from Return of the Jedi. The upcoming anthology, From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi, is expected to do the same and potentially confirm the presence of Gorian Shard's species in Return of the Jedi, predating its appearance in The Mandalorian.