Mandalorian's Grogu/IG-11 Rumor Fixes 2 Problems - But May Be Ridiculous
Rumors of IG-11 returning on The Mandalorian season 3 could solve two problems with regard to Grogu but it could also be too ridiculous for the show. Star Wars' inaugural live-action series may be taking longer to return on Disney+ with other projects set to debut on the streaming service from the space opera. But as the production for The Mandalorian season 3 continues, new claims about what to expect from it have popped up, including the potential re-appearance of the beloved droid, IG-11.
Voiced by Taika Waititi, IG-11 was introduced at the end of The Mandalorian premiere as a bounty hunter who's also after "the Child." He was since then reprogrammed by Kuiil (Nick Nolte) to become a nurse droid who helped Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) battle Moff Gideon's (Giancarlo Esposito) Imperial remnant group. IG-11, however, had to sacrifice himself in order for Mando, Grogu, and their allies to escape. He wasn't featured on The Mandalorian season 2, although a statue was erected in his honor in Nevarro. Now, rumor has it that the droid will be part of The Mandalorian season 3.
There hasn't been any concrete indication that this is the case, but in the event that this news comes to fruition, IG-11’s possible appearance can solve two problems for Grogu. Firstly, the droid could help "the Child" get around more easily. As seen in The Mandalorian season 1, IG-11 has a built-in slot to carry Grogu. Ever since his carrier was destroyed in The Mandalorian season 2, Din either had to physically carry him which has hindered his mobility when he's in the middle of fighting off bad guys. Secondly, it also allows Grogu to not use the Force as much, which he does in times when he has to move on his own. This way, he could save up his energy and only use it in dire situations. That being said, while IG-11's return makes things easier for Grogu and Din logistically, the idea of a droid carrying around "the Child" everywhere might look too ridiculous for The Mandalorian.
Plot details for The Mandalorian season 3 remain tightly under wraps. As the current rightful wielder of the Darksaber, it's safe to say that Din will have to ultimately face Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), who will want to re-acquire the weapon herself to unite Mandalore. Many presumed that this was going to be the next chapter in Mando's story after Grogu joined Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to be a Jedi-in-training. But, as seen in The Book of Boba Fett, Din and Grogu's reunion came much earlier than expected. As a result, IG-11's reintroduction arguably becomes more important than ever. However, just because the series' pair is once again together, it doesn't mean that the battle for the Darksaber won't pan out anymore, rather that it more likely won't be the sole focus of The Mandalorian season 3. In any case, IG-11's rumored appearance could help ease the burden on Din to always keep an eye on his quasi-son.
Aside from IG-11's potential role on The Mandalorian season 3, it's also curious how the droid can be resurrected. When he died in Nevarro, his remains were also left there, so it's possible that Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) collected and tried to re-assemble it. Otherwise, it could be a brand new Star Wars character — after all, Pascal did tease that the series will introduce a series of fresh faces.