In the wake of the tragic passing of beloved Star Wars actor Carl Weathers, writer-director Dave Filoni has taken a moment to honor their time together on the set of The Mandalorian. As one of the most highly acclaimed Star Wars television shows ever created, Weathers' presence in the galaxy far, far away will forever be felt. Notably integral to The Mandalorian's cast, it was highly anticipated that Weathers would continue to contribute to future Star Wars projects, including the upcoming potential storylines for The Mandalorian Season 4 and the recently announced The Mandalorian & Grogu movie.
However, with the unfortunate news of Carl Weathers' passing, his invaluable contributions to the Star Wars universe will now become a part of his magnificent legacy. Dave Filoni shared his reflections on their time together in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, paying homage to the man who played a significant role in revitalizing Star Wars through its recent dominance on the television front. In a series of heartfelt comments, Filoni expressed his admiration for Weathers as both an actor and a director.
'He was the best, I dunno how to describe it,' Filoni began fondly. 'Just the fact that I got to meet him, to know him… He was one of the first people I directed, and he’s such an exceptional director… and he is great on and off camera.'
Filoni continued to express his and Jon Favreau's satisfaction with Weathers' portrayal of Greef Karga in The Mandalorian and his subsequent role as an episodic director. The energy and power that Weathers brought to his character were simply unmatched.
'We’re gonna miss him dearly… and his legacy will continue on in ways we can’t even imagine,' Filoni concluded in a somber tone.
Filoni's touching tribute underscores the immense impact that Carl Weathers had on the Star Wars legacy. While the franchise had ventured into television before The Mandalorian, this particular show catapulted the galaxy far, far away into an unprecedented era of dominance in the medium within Lucasfilm. And much of this legacy, which will persist as Star Wars' television installments move forward into the future, can be credited to the exceptional cast of The Mandalorian, including the remarkable Carl Weathers.
Weathers played the vital role of Greef Karga in Star Wars' first live-action television venture, instantly becoming a core member of the ensemble. His character remained an integral part of the series throughout the second and third seasons. On top of his acting prowess, Weathers also flexed his directorial skills by helming a standout episode in The Mandalorian Season 2, episode 4, titled 'The Siege.'
Beyond his contributions to Star Wars, Carl Weathers impacted the lives of countless fans around the globe. His indelible legacy transcends the boundaries of the franchise, leaving an irreplaceable mark on the hearts of many as he becomes one with the Force.
Source: Entertainment Tonight (via Ash Crossan on Twitter/X)
