Ming-Na Wen took what was supposed to be a one-episode appearance on The Mandalorian and turned it into a co-starring role in the latest addition to the Star Wars universe.
She’ll be co-starring with Temuera Morrison on The Book of Boba Fett on Disney Plus beginning December 29.
The Disney Legend introduced her character Fennec Shand on season one of The Mandalorian. Producers decided her appearance created so much buzz they brought the mercenary back for season 2. Now her character’s development continues with Boba Fett.
The Pittsburgh native told her hometown paper, the Post Gazette, she’s excited to see how the two navigate the criminal underbelly together.
“There’s a lot they have in common, but they also complement each other because she’s more street smart and has had to live on her own,” Wen said. “He sort of needs Fennec’s street smarts. It’s an exploration of how they’re able to handle this underworld of ‘Star Wars’ that has never been explored before.”
Disney released the first trailer for the series over the Christmas weekend. It’s clear Fennec won’t be afraid to assert herself to get what she wants.
According to Screen Rant, Boba and Fennec will work together to take control of the territory that once belonged to Jabba the Hutt. Although Wen won’t be playing the titular role, Screen Rant says it’s clear she’s a partner with Fett to fill the power vacuum left by the death of Jabba.
Wen is quick to credit Mandelorian director Deborah Chow for the opportunity. Fellow actress Tamara Tomita introduced Wen to Chow.
“[Deborah and I] ended up talking and we had a lot in common,” Wen said to Bleeding Cool. “And then we eventually got around talking about ‘Star Wars.’ Now events like this, when someone says, ‘you would be amazing’ for a part that they’re looking for, nine times out of 10, you’re just like, ‘OK, great, thank you.’ But lo and behold, [‘The Mandalorian’ exec producer] Dave Filoni calls my team and says they wanted to offer me a part. As they say, the rest is history.”
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