By George Bate & Josh Bate
WARNING: The following review contains spoilers for The Mandalorian – Season 3, Chapter 22
The Mandalorian Season 3 continued in unexpected fashion with a mystery episode packing three extraordinary cameo appearances. Check out the easter eggs, references, and trivia facts from The Mandalorian – Season 3, Chapter 22: Guns for Hire below.
The Mon Calamari Viceroy’s son at the beginning of the episode is played by Harry Holland, Tom Holland’s younger brother.
Jack Black, who also stars as Bowser in the new The Super Mario Bros. Movie this week, plays Captain Bombardier in the episode. Black previously expressed his love for Star Wars and The Mandalorian with this amazing rendition of the show’s theme song.
Playing Bombardier’s wife and the Duchess of Plazir-15 is Lizzo. The famous musical artist is known for her hit records, but has also previously acted in 2019’s Hustlers.
Back to the Future’s Doc Brown himself makes his Star Wars debut in Chapter 22. Christopher Lloyd plays Commissioner Helgait, a scorned former Separatist who is behind the battle droid attacks on Plazir-15.
As a Separatist, Helgait’s role in the episode touches on a number of political plot threads from Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars. Most overtly, Helgait praises the late Count Dooku for his role in leading the Confederacy of Independent Systems that broke away from the Galactic Republic.
Helgait says the Star Wars spin on “The pot calling the kettle black,” which is “The Quadra calling the Stifling slimy.” This line was first spoken by Boba Fett in Chapter 16 of The Mandalorian and was also used by Cad Bane in The Book of Boba Fett.
Bryce Dallas Howard returned to direct Chapter 22 and included her husband Seth Gabel in a small role! Gabel, known for his roles in Fringe and Salem, plays the Bartender Droid.
The idea of a droids-only bar is in stark contrast to the Mos Eisley Cantina in A New Hope, which specifically barred droids from entering.
Chapter 22 easter eggs also reference the prequels! The B1 and B2 battle droids at the heart of Chapter 22 made their debuts in the prequel trilogy. They’ve since appeared in The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.
One of the species at the Duchess’ dinner gathering is the same species as the Frog Lady, a fan favorite from The Mandalorian Season 2 played by Misty Rosas.
Mando and Bo-Katan’s investigation takes them to Ugnaught droid smiths. Ugnaughts first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back, but the most prominent Ugnaught is Kuiil. Kuiil appeared in The Mandalorian Season 1 and sacrificed himself to ensure the safety of Grogu. Kuiil’s characteristic “I have spoken line” is used by Din Djarin as a sign of respect.
Read our review of The Mandalorian – Season 3 Chapter 22 below!