Inside The Subtle 'Star Wars' Nod To The Late Carl Weathers

The late actor Carl Weathers is being honored in the new "Star Wars" movie, "The Mandalorian & Grogu." After three seasons on Disney+, the titular Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal, is finally heading to the big screen. Although Weathers has sadly passed away, Lucasfilm honored the late actor by sneaking his name into The Mandalorian's latest adventure.

In the first few seasons of “The Mandalorian,” which are currently available to stream on Disney+, Carl Weathers plays the role of Greef Karga. The character became an agent of the Bounty Hunters' Guild and Guild Master of the Nevarro Hunters following the collapse of the Galactic Empire. He later became the High Magistrate of Nevarro and became someone the Mandalorian could trust.

However, that wasn’t Weathers’ only contribution to a galaxy far, far away. He also directed two episodes of the show. He directed "Chapter 12: The Siege" (Season 2, Episode 4) and "Chapter 20: The Foundling" (Season 3, Episode 4). Fans loved his character, but also praised the work that he did behind the camera.

Eagle-eyed fans who watched the trailer that dropped on February 17 noticed a nod to Carl Weathers when a creature smashes through a door that is marked with the name “WEATHERS APOLLO” written across the top.

“Weathers” is clearly a reference to the late actor, while the name “Apollo” is clearly a nod to one of his best-known roles. Weathers portrayed Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films, from 1976 to 1985. Although he began as the primary antagonist to Rocky Balboa, he eventually became Rocky’s close friend and mentor.

According to a death certificate obtained exclusively by The Blast, Weathers passed away on February 2 at 12:18 AM at 76 years old. His death certificate listed “atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” as his official cause of death.

His family confirmed the news in a statement, saying, "He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers."

They praised him as 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 recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

In addition to Weathers, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese will also appear in a galaxy far, far away. Polygon confirmed that the Ardennian shopkeeper seen at the beginning of the trailer is voiced by none other than Martin Scorsese.

The film is also bringing some serious star power with “Alien” actress Sigourney Weaver, playing Ward, a colonel and leader of the New Republic's Adelphi Rangers who previously served as a pilot for the Rebel Alliance. “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White is also voicing Rotta the Hutt, the son of deceased crime lord Jabba the Hutt.

Overall, fan reaction to the trailer was positive after the disappointing “The Mandalorian & Grogu” Super Bowl ad that aired earlier this month.

“This trailer makes it feel more like a movie and not just an episode of the show,” one fan commented.

“This is the way you do a real trailer,” another user agreed.

“Hope there's a longer version of the Star Wars theme music at the beginning of the trailer on the soundtrack,” a third fan chimed in. “I love it!”

Others expressed shock to hear Scorsese’s voice in the trailer, with one fan writing, “Martin Scorsese in Star Wars wasn't on my 2026 Bingo card, but I'm happy.”

"The Mandalorian & Grogu" hits theaters on May 22, 2026. Seasons 1-3 of "The Mandalorian" are currently available to stream on Disney+.