Inside The Subtle ‘Star Wars’ Nod To The Late Carl Weathers

The late actor Carl Weathers is being honored in the brand new “Star Wars” movie, “The Mandalorian & Grogu.” After three seasons on Disney+, the titular Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal, is finally heading to the large screen. Although Weathers has sadly passed away, Lucasfilm honored the late actor by sneaking his name into The Mandalorian’s latest adventure.

In the primary few seasons of “The Mandalorian,” that are currently available to stream on Disney+, Carl Weathers plays the role of Greef Karga. The character became an agent of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild and Guild Master of the Nevarro Hunters following the collapse of the Galactic Empire. He later became the High Magistrate of Nevarro and have become someone the Mandalorian could trust.

Nonetheless, that wasn’t Weathers’ only contribution to a galaxy far, far-off. He also directed two episodes of the show. He directed “Chapter 12: The Siege” (Season 2, Episode 4) and “Chapter 20: The Foundling” (Season 3, Episode 4). Fans loved his character, but additionally praised the work that he did behind the camera.

Eagle-eyed fans who watched the trailer that dropped on February 17 noticed a nod to Carl Weathers when a creature smashes through a door that’s marked with the name “WEATHERS APOLLO” written across the highest.

“Weathers” is clearly a reference to the late actor, while the name “Apollo” is clearly a nod to considered one of his best-known roles. Weathers portrayed Apollo Creed in the primary 4 “Rocky” movies, from 1976 to 1985. Although he began as the first antagonist to Rocky Balboa, he eventually became Rocky’s close friend and mentor.

In accordance with a death certificate obtained exclusively by The Blast, Weathers passed away on February 2 at 12:18 AM at 76 years old. His death certificate listed “atherosclerotic heart problems” as his official reason behind death.

His family confirmed the news in an announcement, saying, “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”

They praised him as an “exceptional human being who lived a unprecedented life. Through his contributions to film, television, the humanities, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

Along with Weathers, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese can even appear in a galaxy far, far-off. Polygon confirmed that the Ardennian shopkeeper seen at first of the trailer is voiced by none apart from Martin Scorsese.

The film can be bringing some serious star power with “Alien” actress Sigourney Weaver, playing Ward, a colonel and leader of the Latest Republic’s Adelphi Rangers who previously served as a pilot for the Rebel Alliance. “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White can be voicing Rotta the Hutt, the son of deceased crime lord Jabba the Hutt.

“This trailer makes it feel more like a movie and not only an episode of the show,” one fan commented.

“That is the best way you do an actual trailer,” one other user agreed.

“Hope there is a longer version of the Star Wars theme music at first of the trailer on the soundtrack,” a 3rd fan chimed in. “I like it!”

Others expressed shock to listen to Scorsese’s voice within the trailer, with one fan writing, “Martin Scorsese in Star Wars wasn’t on my 2026 Bingo card, but I’m blissful.”

“The Mandalorian & Grogu” hits theaters on May 22, 2026. Seasons 1-3 of “The Mandalorian” are currently available to stream on Disney+.