5 behind-the-scenes facts that make 'The Mandalorian' epic
16 Sep 2025

The Mandalorian has captivated audiences with its engaging storytelling and stunning visuals.

While viewers enjoy the on-screen action, there are many fascinating details behind the scenes that contribute to the show's success.

From innovative technology to unique production choices, these elements play a crucial role in bringing this beloved series to life.

Here are five intriguing behind-the-scenes insights about The Mandalorian that fans might find interesting.

Innovative use of virtual sets
Technology

One of the most impressive elements of The Mandalorian is its use of virtual sets, termed "The Volume."

Using this state-of-the-art tech, environments are rendered in real time, giving actors immersive backdrops to perform in front of.

Unlike traditional green screens, The Volume provides dynamic lighting and reflections, making things more realistic.

This method also saves time and costs of location shoots.

Practical effects over CGI
Effects

While CGI dominates contemporary cinema, The Mandalorian frequently chooses practical effects for realism.

The series utilizes puppetry and animatronics for characters like Baby Yoda (Grogu), making his presence real on set.

This choice elevates performances by providing actors with something tangible to work with. It leads to more authentic reactions and a more immersive experience.

Influences from Westerns and samurai films
Inspirations

The Mandalorian takes inspiration from classic Westerns and samurai films, which is evident in its storytelling style and visual aesthetics.

The lone gunslinger motif is a mirror to iconic Western heroes, while themes of honor reflect samurai traditions.

These influences mold the narrative structure and the character development throughout the series, offering a fresh yet familiar take on the Star Wars universe.

Unique costume designs
Costumes

Costume design also does a lot of character work in The Mandalorian.

Every outfit feels carefully crafted to reflect cultural backgrounds or personal histories.

For example, Mando's armor is a progression of sorts as he picks up new pieces through his journey. It represents growth both physically and emotionally, while staying true to the Star Wars lore.

Collaborative directing approach
Direction

Unlike many TV shows where a single director handles multiple episodes in a row, The Mandalorian takes an anthology-style directing approach with different directors each season.

Each brings their own vision while still closely following the storylines created by showrunner Jon Favreau.

This creative approach gives the filmmakers room to explore and offer varying viewpoints to add to the overall depth without losing consistency.