Brendan Wayne, the grandson of Hollywood icon John Wayne, has recently shared insights into his role within the expansive Star Wars universe as the physical embodiment of the titular character in the hit series, The Mandalorian. Speaking to PEOPLE, Wayne discussed the weight of his family’s legacy, the influence of his grandfather, and his own experience in the beloved franchise.
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Brendan Wayne, aged 54, stepped into the limelight as the man behind The Mandalorian since the show debuted in 2019. However, he was unaware of a remarkable family connection to the Star Wars saga until well into his involvement. His grandfather, John Wayne, provided his voice for the character Garindan ezz Zavor in the 1977 classic, Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, in what would be his last film role before he passed away in 1979.
Reflecting on this revelation, Brendan mentioned that during the film’s editing, John’s voice was discovered on the floor, having been extracted from another film, True Grit. “They took his voice and they did whatever they do, their magic,” he explained, adding with a sense of humour that he had hoped to be the family’s first representative in the Star Wars universe, only to find out he was following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
Initially unaware of this connection, Brendan continued his audition for The Mandalorian without any inkling of the family ties to the franchise. He recalled how he and his family were shocked to discover this shared link when The Mandalorian was released. “We were like, ‘What? Seriously? I can’t even beat them to this?'” he shared, highlighting the surreal nature of his dual heritage within the franchise.
Brendan’s portrayal of The Mandalorian imbues a Western spirit that he later realised may stem from John Wayne’s influence. He described the audition process, where he aimed to give the character a sense of physical restraint to match the narrative arc. Under the guidance of showrunner Jon Favreau, he was encouraged to minimise his movements, which Brendan complied with only to be comically compared to Woody from Toy Story.
Wayne’s unique stature and the physical challenges it presented became an amusing talking point during production. He was outfitted with size 12 boots despite wearing a size 10, an adjustment that created an amusing moment when Favreau discovered the oversight. Brendan laughed, stating, “I didn’t want to be any trouble,” but the result led to the perfect physicality for his character.
As an integral part of The Mandalorian, Brendan expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Star Wars community. He revealed that his childhood experiences with fandom—receiving fan mail meant for his grandfather—helped shape his understanding of storytelling and the significance of characters that extend beyond their screen time.
Brendan shared a poignant memory of meeting fans during his travels, which reinforced the idea that icons like John Wayne wield a transcendent influence, reaching and resonating with diverse audiences. “To watch it is one thing, but to be in it is a whole different world,” he reflected. He emphasized the profound impact that the stories have on fans, stating that what may seem trivial to some is immensely meaningful to others.
The actor acknowledged the societal impact of the Star Wars saga and the solace it has provided to countless individuals around the globe. “If I’m able to make somebody happier, to take them somewhere, to make them feel stronger, I’m incredibly blessed to be a part of it,” he remarked, stressing his commitment to giving his all to the role.
In portraying The Mandalorian, Brendan aims to emulate the morally complex characters that his grandfather embodied, explaining that he views his character as a sheriff who constantly seeks to uphold good in a nuanced world. He draws inspiration from John Wayne’s legacy, noting that true characters are often multifaceted, embodying both strength and vulnerability.
As excitement builds for the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu in theatres on May 22, Brendan Wayne is aware of the responsibility he carries as a member of two storied legacies, keen to honour both his grandfather and the iconic franchise that captivates audiences worldwide. Through his role, he not only continues the family tradition but also contributes meaningfully to a cherished cultural phenomenon that unites fans across generations.