Uncovering Hidden Treasures: Tiny Details in The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian universe, with its rich history and deep lore, invites fans to discover myriad hidden treasures in each episode. Here, we delve into some of these subtle details that open new doors to the Star Wars universe.

1. Krykna Spiders: A Homage to Ralph McQuarrie

The animated series The Mandalorian is replete with Easter eggs and hidden treasures, one of which is the Krykna Spiders. These creatures form a bridge between The Mandalorian and the classic films, thanks to their conceptual beginnings by Ralph McQuarrie.

In the episode The Passenger, the Razor Crest lands on the ice planet Maldo Kreis, where Grogu is seen opening a mysterious egg. This scene is reminiscent of Ralph McQuarrie's concept art for The Empire Strikes Back; specifically, his visuals of the giant, tree-like creatures in the forest of Dagobah. These creatures were originally called giant spiders in McQuarrie's sketches, which closely resemble the Krykna Spiders seen in the series.

Historical Context

Concept art for The Empire Strikes Back (left) and The Mandalorian (right)

2. The Blurrgs: Another Nostalgic Appeal

Another notable detail is the appearance of the Blurrgs, which are a familiar sight from the 1984 Ewok movie, Caravan of Courage. In the starkest of contrasts, the Blurrgs from the animated series are depicted with kinematic depth and detail, making them more captivating than ever before.

Early on, The Mandalorian introduces the audience to Din Djarin's training by Quill the Ugnaught to ride a Blurrg. These creatures, originally designed through stop-motion animation in Caravan of Courage, now command attention with their hyper-realistic appearances. Despite this evolution, their unique and engaging characteristics remain unchanged, providing fans with a sense of nostalgia while highlighting the advancement in animation and special effects.

Historical Context

Blurr first appearance in Caravan of Courage (left) and their appearance in the new series (right)

3. Jon Favreau’s Voice Talent and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Auf der Hayward, Sechs, the voice of Paz Vizla, a recurring character in the series, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Jones's background as a fan and producer of The Clone Wars has contributed significantly to the story's continuity. His involvement spans from producing The Clone Wars to voicing Pre Vizsla, Paz Vizla's predecessor, in The Mandalorian.

Prior to his role in The Mandalorian, Favreau joined Dave Filoni at Skywalker Studios, where they worked together on The Clone Wars. This collaboration laid the groundwork for Favreau's portrayal of Paz Vizla, drawing on his extensive experience and passion for Star Wars. These connections create a seamless narrative flow, enriching the viewer's experience by grounding the series in familiar characters and mythos.

Behind-the-Scenes

Conclusion

From the Krykna spiders to the Blurrgs and the voice of Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian is a treasure trove of Easter eggs and nostalgic callbacks. These details not only enrich the series but also connect its audience to the broader Star Wars legacy, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for fans.