Summary
In The Mandalorian season 2, Pedro Pascal advocated for the elimination of a particular scene wherein Din Djarin's face was supposed to be disclosed. He firmly believes that the unveiling of his character's face should occur only when the circumstances are at their most critical.
Pascal's commitment to portraying Din Djarin and his deep understanding of the character is evident in his decision to conceal his face. He willingly sacrificed his personal desire for recognition in order to ensure the success and authenticity of the show's narrative.
While Pascal's face has only been unveiled on three occasions thus far, it is highly probable that there will be future instances if the circumstances demand it. The upcoming Mandalorian-era film by Dave Filoni, which will introduce Grand Admiral Thrawn as a formidable antagonist, could present a promising opportunity for another revealing moment.
In The Mandalorian season 2, there was a scene where Din Djarin's face was about to be shown, but actor Pedro Pascal prevented it. Unlike other Mandalorians in Star Wars history, Din's strict adherence to keeping his helmet on has been a defining aspect of his character. This contrasts with characters like Bo-Katan Kryze and Sabine Wren, who were comfortable removing their helmets. Din's commitment to this rule has made the rare appearances of Pascal's face in the show even more significant. Throughout the three seasons of The Mandalorian, his face has only been revealed three times, with one notable moment in The Book of Boba Fett. The first time showcased his injuries from a battle with Moff Gideon, while the other two represented his character growth as he chose to break his creed for Grogu. Interestingly, there was supposed to be a fourth reveal, but Pascal himself prevented it.
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Pedro Pascal Resisted Another Mandalorian Season 2 Face Reveal
During an interview with Variety, Pascal discloses that a scene in The Mandalorian season 2 initially intended to depict Din without his helmet in an unconventional attire. However, he insisted on discarding it. This notion caught his collaborators off guard, as Pascal believed that unveiling his face should only occur "when the stakes feel the highest." Given the context of this particular scene, the sense of jeopardy simply wasn't significant enough.
This appears to be a surprising decision for someone who rarely appears in the role, which unfortunately often leads to Pascal being underestimated. However, Pascal was willing to forego his desire for visibility in order to ensure the success of the show and the story. This not only showcases his commitment to portraying Din Djarin, but also highlights his deep understanding of Mando's character, particularly in relation to the potential outcome of this scene in Season 2 of The Mandalorian.
Which Mandalorian Season 2 Episode Was This Scene Meant For?
Based on Pascal's remarks regarding the importance of waiting for higher stakes, it is likely that this content fragment was intended to commence one of the initial four episodes of The Mandalorian season 2. Furthermore, one of these four opening scenes already contains a clue. In episode 4, titled "Chapter 12: The Siege," there is a heartwarming scene where Din momentarily lifts his helmet, allowing himself to sip soup together with Grogu. This significant moment not only strengthens their bond but also marks the first instance of Grogu expressing curiosity about glimpsing his guardian's face.
Pedro Pascal Was Right To Hold It
:In this relaxed scene, Din could have been seen reclining on the Razor Crest, possibly with some of his armor removed, preparing for their next adventure. Unlike the other opening scenes of the season, which either involve other characters or intense action, this scene would have provided an opportunity for Din to have a complete costume change. Intriguingly, in "Chapter 12: The Siege," this particular scene featured Mando double actor Brendan Wayne under the helmet, although it is highly likely that it would have been Pascal if he hadn't advocated for the scene to be modified.
Pascal's decision was the right one, despite how much fans adore catching glimpses of Din whenever possible. The initial unveiling of Din's face in season 2 of The Mandalorian occurs in episode 7 titled "Chapter 15: The Believer." During this episode, Din removes his Imperial helmet in order to acquire the coordinates to Moff Gideon's light cruiser. The stakes are incredibly high during this pivotal moment, as the Imperial commanding officer Valin Hess approaches Din immediately afterwards and compels him to remain unmasked while they share a drink. This particular moment exemplifies Din's willingness to do the one thing he fears more than death in order to safeguard Grogu: forsaking his creed.
If Din's face had been revealed earlier in the season, the impact of this moment would have been significantly diminished. Because Din never casually exposed his face to viewers in The Mandalorian season 1, doing so in the early episodes of season 2 would have diminished the shocking effect of the moment on Morak. It would have made Din's sacrifice for Grogu appear less significant, as viewers would have already grown accustomed to seeing the vulnerability of his face. Instead, the moment in "Chapter 15: The Believer" is exquisitely executed, striking a perfect balance between Din's sacrifice and his heartfelt love for Grogu as he surrenders such a cherished part of himself.
Will Din Djarin Ever Remove His Helmet Again?
Regardless of the redemption he earns in Season 3 of The Mandalorian, it is inevitable that Din will once again remove his helmet. Pascal's explanation of this discarded moment from Season 2 simply emphasizes the need for high stakes in order for a face reveal to occur. However, the story of The Mandalorian Season 3 lacks such a moment. Even if his helmet were forcibly removed - an idea that many speculated for the Season 3 finale after Din's capture - it would not carry any significant consequences. The three existing face reveal scenes hold profound significance, and any future face reveal must possess equal importance.
There is a strong possibility that this crucial moment could occur in Dave Filoni's upcoming movie set in the era of The Mandalorian. Grand Admiral Thrawn poses a formidable threat, and if he conducts sufficient research on Din as his adversary, he could manipulate Mando into a high-stakes situation that would require him to reveal his face once again, particularly if it directly involves Grogu's safety. Thrawn might even obtain the facial scan of Din from Morak, potentially allowing him to navigate both worlds, just as Bo-Katan does. Without a doubt, Pascal's portrayal of Din Djarin will not be absent from The Mandalorian, and his next opportunity to shine will arise at the perfect moment.