How The Latest Episode of The Mandalorian Connects to the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

Angry Star Wars Youtubers may be peddling the idea that Lucasfilm is looking to defunct the Sequel Trilogy, but The Mandalorian has been slowly embracing the era, with references here and there.

What’s cool is, Chapter 23 of The Mandalorian goes even harder with the First Order hints. Let’s start with the Praetorian Guards:

3 lessons to learn from this week episode
1- Unless you have a small green guy to throw them against the wall with the force don’t try to fuck with the Praetorian Guard
2- Never try to fight them hand to hand without a lightsaber
3- FUCKING RUN #Mandalorian #ThisIsTheWay ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/iClObVJmMK

— Stevie Ray (@HollowSquadron) April 12, 2023

In The Last Jedi, the Praetorian Guards were used by Supreme Leader Snoke for protection, and it’s them that Rey and Kylo team-up and fight against in the throne room. Take note, they’re not Palpatine’s Crimson Guard, but specifically Praetorian which was the word used for the Sequel Trilogy soldiers.

Next we have the introduction of Brendol Hux in the meeting played by Brian Gleeson. Hux is the father of First Order General Armitage Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), who was the ‘Moff Tarkin’ of the ST. Though I didn’t love how his character arc ended with TROS, I still think he’s one fun character to pit against Kylo. I guess it’s also worth mentioning that Brian and Domhnall are brothers.

#themandalorian spoilers

the fact that brian gleeson (domhnall gleeson’s brother) played brendol hux (armitage’s father) is so freaking cool pic.twitter.com/YZoguGOttm

— .• linds •. (@acosmiclove) April 12, 2023

Besides the Praetorian and Hux, there are also smaller references, like Gideon specifically saying he’ll create a new ‘Order’ to the galaxy; as well as the mention of ‘Project Necromancer’ which could hint at the Emperor’s revival. The last thing you know, we’ll get the reveal of the planet that will become Starkiller Base—Illum, which is also the planet where the Jedi get their kyber crystals to make their lightsabers.

Catch the finale episode of The Mandalorian when it airs next week on Disney+.