The Mandalorian sent off its second season with a thrilling cameo that stunned die-hard and casual fans alike by bringing back Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) aboard a lone X-Wing. The reactions were so overwhelming that a Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian episode will dedicate itself to them.
Disney released a press statement pertaining to the special episode, saying that it "is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this celebrated 'chapter' of The Mandalorian, with a focus on the technology used for recreating Luke Skywalker. It delves into the collaborative process, including working with Mark Hamill, to create an authentic and fitting recreation, and explores the immense pressure and responsibility the filmmakers had in bringing back one of the most important characters in film history."
Series creator Jon Favreau opened up about the difficulties that came along with keeping Skywalker's return such a secret. "It was very tricky because it's very hard to keep a secret nowadays, especially with Star Wars, because people are so curious about it," Favreau said during an appearance on Good Morning America. "There are so many people involved with the process, with visual effects finishing, making it, filming it, the studios, everything."
Favreau continued on that "we were so scared right up until it aired that our surprise cameo was going to leak too But we started off the whole series with the Baby Yoda reveal, with the Grogu reveal, that was a secret that everybody was really blown away by. Part of that is not telling too many people, not having merchandise that’s being tooled up and announced, and that kind of thing."
Disney announced the specialty episode following the news that The Mandalorian has been nominated for 24 Emmy Awards by the Television Academy. Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian - Making of the Season 2 Finale will exclusively air on Disney+ on August 25, 2021.