Martin Scorsese Surprises Fans with a Role in ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Trailer Revealing His Character

Fans got a delightful shock when the latest trailer for ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ dropped, featuring the unmistakable voice of acclaimed director Martin Scorsese in a small but memorable cameo. The legendary filmmaker lends his talents to voice an Ardennian, a four-armed, furry alien species known for its simian-like appearance. This brief encounter happens in a bustling marketplace scene where Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin, the armored bounty hunter, approaches the character seeking information about a Hutt. The Ardennian shopkeeper quickly brushes off the inquiry with a humorous line before scurrying away, adding a lighthearted moment to the action-packed preview.

Scorsese’s involvement marks his entry into the Star Wars universe, though it’s not his first time in voice acting. Many recall his role as the anxious pufferfish in the 2004 animated film ‘Shark Tale’. Here, the cameo feels like a fun nod, especially since director Jon Favreau once appeared in Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. Lucasfilm and Disney confirmed the casting after eagle-eyed viewers spotted the voice in the trailer released on February 17, 2026. The character runs what appears to be a food stall or store, stacking items while chatting briefly with Mando before shutting down the conversation at the mention of the notorious crime family.

The movie itself promises to bring the beloved Disney+ series to the big screen as the first theatrical Star Wars film in seven years. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as the stoic Mandalorian alongside the adorable Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda. Jon Favreau directs the project, drawing on his experience revitalizing franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe with ‘Iron Man’ and launching ‘The Mandalorian’ in 2019. The story seems to lean into a family-friendly vibe with plenty of adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments between the father-son-like duo. This approach aims to welcome younger audiences to theaters while still delivering the thrilling bounty-hunting action fans love.

Online reactions have been largely enthusiastic, with many praising the trailer for reigniting excitement after earlier teasers felt underwhelming. Some viewers on platforms like Reddit noted how the footage captures a sense of fun that Star Wars could use right now. Parents expressed particular eagerness, seeing it as a perfect opportunity for their kids to experience a Star Wars story on the big screen for the first time. Even if it plays like an extended episode of the series, most anticipate an enjoyable popcorn experience with potential for deeper surprises.

The film arrives in theaters and IMAX on May 22, 2026, positioning it as a major summer event. Scorsese’s unexpected appearance adds an extra layer of charm to an already promising project, blending high-profile cinema talent with the galaxy far, far away. With its mix of familiar faces, new threats, and that signature Star Wars magic, this could be the boost the franchise needs to draw in both longtime devotees and newcomers.

What do you think about Martin Scorsese popping up in ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’—share your thoughts in the comments.