Why the late Carl Weathers loved working on The Mandalorian so much

The late Carl Weathers took great pleasure in his role as Greef Karga on The Mandalorian, whom he played for three seasons up until his death aged 76.

Beginning his arc as the overseer of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild before becoming Nevarro’s high magistrate, Greef was a close ally of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and most significantly, introduced the chrome-helmeted killer to the cuddly yet powerful entity known as Grogu.

For his work as Greef in the Star Wars spin-off show’s second season, ex-sportsman Weathers received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, which he ultimately lost to Courtney B. Vance, who appeared in Lovecraft Country as the character Uncle George.

Already a cult star thanks to credits in four Rocky films, the original Predator opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, Adam Sandler comedies, and the sitcom Arrested Development, he reached a whole new generation of fans with The Mandalorian, but across multiple interviews over the years Weathers suggested it what his directorial input that brought him the most joy from the project, having helmed both ‘Chapter 12: The Siege’ and ‘Chapter 20: The Foundling’.

He played Greef Karga in the Star Wars show. (Lucasfilm)

“I wanna see a really diverse [background],” the actor told SYFY ahead of the first season’s premiere.

“And when I say diverse, I’m not just talking about the colour of a person’s skin. I wanna see height. I wanna see somebody who’s got a limb missing. I wanna see in an albino, I wanna see small people, I wanna see children. I wanna see anything that we have experienced in the world to be in that universe, because they’re disparate creatures coming from every part of the universe. So why wouldn’t they be there? Why would it be this kind of homogenised world?

“That to me isn’t Star Wars at all. And that’s what I find fascinating and great about it.”

During an interview with Empire Magazine, Weathers said of calling the shots as director: “It’s my passion. This show gives you so much opportunity to deal with all these different characters. Even though they’re different episodes, it’s not like typical episodic television – it’s not a whodunnit, it’s not a dark comedy, it’s not a procedural.

“It’s so many different things, and it’s action-adventure on top of that. As a director, you get a chance to exercise your talent, and also your ability to deliver in those different areas.”

Last year, he also explained to Hypebeast that the “wonderful sandbox” of Star Wars offered him plenty of space to explore his “artistic bent” as well as performative.

Pictured in a season 2 scene alongside Gina Carano and Pedro Pascal. (Disney+)

In a statement shared by his family, Weathers’ loved ones were “deeply saddened” to announce his death to the world this week.

“He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024,” it read. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

The Mandalorian seasons 1-3 are streaming on Disney+, with a movie spin-off officially on the way.

Watch: Carl Weathers best TV and movie moments as actor dies aged 76