Mandalorian Season 3 Set Photos Show Possible Sequel Trilogy Connection

New set photos from The Mandalorian season 3 reveal a possible connection to the sequel Star Wars trilogy. Season 2 of the series, along with Din Djarin’s (Pedro Pascal) appearance in the latter half of The Book of Boba Fett, hinted strongly at a journey to Mandalore for The Mandalorian season 3. Whether it be his call to the duty of leading the Mandalorians thanks to his acquisition of the Darksaber or his desire to seek atonement in “the living waters beneath the mines of Mandalore” for breaking his creed, Din will likely find himself joining Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) in the effort to retake Mandalore for their kind.

Mandalore isn’t the only connection being made to Din’s story. Ever since the cloning patch was first spotted on Dr. Pershing’s uniform in “Chapter 1: The Mandalorian,” viewers have wondered if Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) and the fallen Empire’s intentions with Grogu have had to do with the cloning that eventually leads to Palpatine’s return in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. This theory was further supported by Din and the Nevarro crew’s adventure into an Imperial facility in “Chapter 12: The Siege,” where they found transparent chambers filled with Snoke-looking beings. With The Mandalorian being the first live-action media to take place between the events of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, it’s no surprise that the series is making attempts to set up the rise of the First Order.

Now, new set photos shared by Making Star Wars have revealed yet another possible connection to the sequel Star Wars trilogy. The main photo shows 3 red Mandalorian helmets that are extremely reminiscent of those worn by the Elite Praetorian Guard in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, who protected Supreme Leader Snoke. This would bring Din’s story even closer to that of the sequel Star Wars trilogy, in terms of how the cloning the audience has already seen in the series will bridge these two eras together. Two other set photos revealed the empty hallway of an Imperial facility as well as some kind of docked transportation or battle device.

Ever since Bo-Katan revealed that Mandalore is being occupied, viewers have been wondering who exactly is on the planet. This photo could confirm the idea that the Empire, despite having fallen, still maintains its influence on Mandalore and may even be one of the covert homes for the rise of the First Order. However, it’s also possible that the Praetorian Guard is on an Imperial ship that’s ambushed by Din, and Mandalore isn’t necessarily their home. Despite how these details may shake out, it’s still exciting to see how Din’s story in The Mandalorian season 3 could be fitting into the larger Star Wars universe.

On a smaller scale, The Mandalorian season 3 is going to be a huge chapter in Din’s story. Much of his character growth and development thus far has led up to the moments being teased for the upcoming batch of episodes. Removing his helmet and being banished from his tribe has given Din an incentive to return to Mandalore, and the Darksaber gives him a reputation amongst Mandalorians that places him directly into a leadership role. Whether or not Din would choose to rule will likely be evident by the conclusion of season 3, but this journey seems to be making the shift from Grogu’s Jedi pursuits to Din’s Mandalorian pursuits, something that will continue to expand the growing Mandalorian universe.