Pedro Pascal was as surprised as everyone else when Lucasfilm unceremoniously announced The Mandalorian and Grogu on social media

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Disney and Lucasfilm’s announcement of The Mandalorian and Grogu on social media, back in January 2024, was as much of a surprise to Pedro Pascal as it was to Star Wars fans.

In a new interview with Empire magazine, the actor, who reprises his role as titular hero Din Djarin in the new sci-fi movie, recalled hearing “whispers” about the big screen spin-off around that time. He didn’t know, though, that it was actually happening until he saw news of the project being shared online.

“I suppose I mistook the information,” Pascal laughed. “I can only interpret that as me managing my expectations.”

Also starring Sigourney Weaver and the voice talents of Jeremy Allen White and Martin Scorsese, The Mandalorian and Grogu will see bounty hunter Din Djarin and the titular Force wielder team up with the New Republic following the fall of the Empire – and take a stand against the scattered warlords of the Imperial Army.

While Grogu won’t be striking up a conversation anytime soon, according to former Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy, Din will be going against Mandalorian Creed and taking his helmet off in the movie. “When we got to that part, all I can say is that it made perfect sense, and it was what I was hoping would be the reason,” Pascal added during his chat with the magazine. “If I were to pitch something, I would say, ‘The only thing that makes sense is…’ And that’s exactly it. He filled that blank. I said immediately, ‘Jon, that’s exactly what I was hoping to hear!'”

Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters on May 22. For more on a galaxy far, far away, check out our guide to the other upcoming Star Wars movies and shows.