Original-Cin Chat: 'The Duke's' grandson Brendan Wayne on Being One-Third of The Mandalorian
By John Kirk
Playing the title character in one of the most recent iterations of arguably the most recognizable fantasy franchise of all time is a dream role.
In fact, it’s a role that takes three people to pull off.
At Fan Expo Canada 2026, Original-Cin had a chat with Brendan Wayne. He’s the talented actor who’s behind the mask and provides the emotive physical performances in the hit Star Wars series, The Mandalorian.
Brendan has an extensive list of film and TV career credentials, with roles on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Cowboys & Aliens, Sons of Anarchy and Fast & Furious. But his work in the Star Wars franchise has definitely fan attention.
Brendan Wayne and his bounty-hunting alter-ego
With three daughters who keep him busy at home, we asked what the conversations were at home given his work in a galaxy far, far away.
“You know, I’m kind of lucky that I had a grandfather who was kind of legendary.”
NOTE: Brendan is the grandson of Hollywood icon, John Wayne.
“So, I was raised under the auspices of it doesn’t matter what you do out there. It’s what you do in your home. If you want to make something better in life, then that’s where you do it: at home.
“See, I think because my kids got to go behind the curtain and they saw that the wizard was just me? I’m just Dad. That’s the greatest thing – it’s awesome and there’s nothing that can compare to being a dad. If you can be an award-winning dad, then you’ve done something right in the world”
How the role of the Mandalorian came to Brendan was the next question on our list.
“At the time, I was bartending and in between jobs. I have three daughters getting ready for college (my oldest now runs my professional life) – I couldn’t afford anything. I got a call from my agent for a gig to go try on a costume. I said: ‘I want to take a night off; I don’t know what kind of kink you got going on!’” he recalled with a laugh.
It was a paying gig though.
“Yeah. I asked. They said they’d pay me, and I’m like: ‘Good!’ So, I go down there and it’s a real heavy security kind of place. And it’s a residence, right? Not a studio. I go in – it’s super security and I can’t shake this feeling that it’s kind of shady.
“But when I walk in, I see the T-100 Terminator – right in front of me. Then later I see James Cameron’s Avatar – like ten feet tall! Then I get to the costume box and they ask me to pop it open and I look in. I see a helmet and I go – Oh my God. It’s Boba Fett!”
Obviously – it wasn’t. But we had to ask Brendan to add more context.
“They denied it. But I’ve seen the movies and I said, ‘C’mon guys!’ I had signed the NDAs and everything, but they were still like ‘It’s not Boba Fett!’ Anyway, I tried it on, it worked, and after a few screen tests, I had the part!”
Though Pedro Pascal has the top billing, it actually takes three people to play Mando. Brendan handles the in-costume dramatic parts, and stuntman Lateef Crowder Dos Santos does the rest. We asked Brendan about this.
“Lateef Crowder Dos Santos is a the most incredible capoeira martial artist ever. When he and I started working, he tried to teach me. I know I’ve been listed as a stuntman, but I am not a stuntman.
“But the western motif, I’ve played characters like Mando, I live in his world, but it’s Lateef who informs the character. I’m an athlete and used to playing boss characters, but it was Lateef who said that if you’re thinking why you’re in that suit, then you shouldn’t be in it.”
Brendan had some more details to share about his partner.
“My kids call him the Dorito! He’s shaped like a Dorito! Big shoulders and a tiny waist! He’s a 48-year-old man with a 29-inch waist! He holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the hardest kick – over 1800 pounds of pressure! I’d never take credit for his work. He’s beautiful to watch. And he’s family. There’s blood and there’s your family. He’s my brother.”
Wayne added this about Pedro.
“There’s a reason why Pedro is a movie star. He’s a class act all the way. He can adapt in like three seconds. It’s really annoying!” (Laughs) “But he’s gracious and learns whenever he can. He’s got a great spirit and makes the work we do easier.”
Having a screen icon like the late Carl Weathers on set had an effect on the Mandalorian as well.
“It was the first time I ever cried in front of my buddies, when he was killed by Ivan Drago (in Rocky IV). To sit across from him when we did that first scene in Season One – whoa. I’m saying my lines and he says to me: ‘Hey man, I’m gonna need you to speak up.’ Of course, I can’t, because of the helmet. I explain and he says: ‘Okay. So be louder!’ Carl never compromised on work and he made me a better actor.”
“I grew up around famous people. I don’t get star struck. But with him? I did. Apollo Creed. He was the epitome of what my grandfather represented. He was a real mentor.”
Brendan added this heartfelt message about playing the Mandalorian.
“Fans are the reason we get to do this. Not Lucas, not Disney, not me. So, I want to say this from all my heart, from being able to provide for my family in a life like this – thank you to the fans who allowed me to do this. They’ll never know where I was when I got this and I want to say thank you.”