Pedro Pascal isn’t in the suit as much as your kids think he is, and honestly, that’s the most interesting thing about the show. While his voice remains the soul of Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, the physical heavy lifting is a collaborative tag-team effort between stunt performers Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder. It’s not "fake"—it’s a masterclass in how modern myth-making actually works, and Pascal’s recent interviews about this shift offer a surprisingly grounded look at what it means to grow up, set boundaries, and embrace vulnerability.
TL;DR
Pedro Pascal has confirmed he is primarily a voice actor for The Mandalorian now, a move driven by the physical toll of the armor and his busy schedule with The Last of Us. For parents, this is a perfect "peak behind the curtain" moment to discuss how collaboration works in big-budget media. If your kids are bummed by the "truth," pivot them toward Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian to see the artistry involved, or check out our best shows for kids list for more character-driven epics.
If your kid is a Star Wars obsessive, they might have stumbled onto the clip of Pedro Pascal explaining that his role has evolved into "mostly a voiceover gig." To a ten-year-old, this can feel like finding out the mall Santa is just a guy in a beard. But the "truth" is actually way cooler than the illusion.
Pascal has been open about the fact that the Mandalorian suit is, in his words, "like going blind" and incredibly taxing on the body. By stepping back and letting Brendan Wayne (the gunslinging movement) and Lateef Crowder (the high-octane stunts) take over the physical presence, Pascal has actually made the character better. He provides the emotional nuance through the microphone, while the stunt team provides the physicality.
The conversation to have here: This isn’t a "fake" performance; it’s a team performance. It’s a great way to talk to kids about specialization. One person is a genius at movement; another is a genius at emotional delivery. When they work together, you get a character that neither could have created alone.
In his latest 2026 press rounds, Pascal has moved past the "Internet’s Daddy" memes and started talking more seriously about the concept of "growing up." For a guy who plays two of the most iconic "protector" figures in modern media—Mando and Joel in The Last of Us—his take on maturity is refreshing.
Pascal often notes that "growing up" isn't about becoming an invincible, stoic wall. It’s about realizing how much you need other people. In The Mandalorian, Din Djarin’s entire arc is about moving from a rigid, solitary code to a messy, vulnerable life with Grogu.
When your kids see Pascal in interviews, they aren't seeing a tough guy; they're seeing a guy who is frequently anxious, openly emotional, and very funny. That contrast is a gift for parents. It’s a chance to point at the screen and say, "See? The guy who plays the toughest bounty hunter in the galaxy thinks it’s okay to be nervous."
If your family is leaning into the "Pascal-verse" or just loves the vibe of a reluctant hero, don't just default to another rewatch of the same three episodes. Here’s how to deepen that interest.
The "How It's Made" Deep Dive: Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian
This is the antidote to "it's fake" disappointment. This docuseries shows the Volume (the massive LED screen tech), the puppeteers behind Grogu, and the stuntmen in the suit. It turns the "lie" of movies into a technical marvel that kids—especially those into LEGO or Minecraft—will find fascinating.
The Gritty Protector: The Last of Us
This is for the high schoolers. It’s Pedro Pascal without the helmet, showing exactly why he’s the most sought-after actor in Hollywood right now. It deals with heavy themes of grief and survival, but the core—a man learning to care about someone again—is the same as Mando. It’s a masterclass in acting that isn't hidden behind Beskar.
The Found Family Vibe: The Wild Robot
If your younger kids love the "grumpy protector and cute kid" dynamic of Mando and Grogu, this is the move. It hits those same emotional beats of a solitary being forced to adapt and care for something small and vulnerable. It’s gorgeous, emotional, and fits the "Pascal-adjacent" theme perfectly.
The Interactive Journey: Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If they want to be the lone wanderer in a vast world, this is the gold standard. It captures that Star Wars feeling of "I see a mountain, I can go there" better than almost any other game. For more like this, check out our best games for kids list.
The biggest friction point with Pedro Pascal’s interviews isn't the "suit" revelation—it's the adult-oriented nature of the shows he's often promoting. While The Mandalorian is generally the "safe" entry point for elementary-aged kids, Pascal’s other work (like Game of Thrones or The Last of Us) is decidedly not.
The pro-tip: If your kid is Googling Pedro Pascal, they’re going to find clips of his very violent death in Game of Thrones. If they aren't ready for that, keep their search queries focused on "Mandalorian behind the scenes" or "Pedro Pascal Grogu interviews."
Q: Is Pedro Pascal actually in The Mandalorian Season 3 and 4? He is almost exclusively the voice actor now. While he occasionally appears for face-reveal scenes, the physical performance is handled by stunt doubles Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder. Pascal records the dialogue in a studio later, similar to how an animated movie is made.
Q: Is it okay for my 8-year-old to watch Pedro Pascal interviews? Generally, yes. He’s charming, thoughtful, and professional. However, he does occasionally use mild profanity in "unfiltered" late-night appearances or podcasts. If you're strict about language, stick to his appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show or The Tonight Show.
Q: Why did he stop wearing the suit? Pascal has cited the physical discomfort and the "blindness" of the helmet as major factors. Additionally, his schedule became packed with other projects like The Last of Us and Gladiator II, making it impossible for him to be on the Star Wars set for months at a time.
Q: What should I tell my kid if they feel "cheated" that he's not in the suit? Explain that it’s like a superhero team. One person provides the voice and the heart, another provides the cool moves, and another does the dangerous stunts. It takes a whole village to make one Mandalorian look that cool.
Pedro Pascal’s honesty about his role in Star Wars isn't a "gotcha" moment—it's an invitation to see how much work goes into the characters we love. By being open about his own physical limitations and his need for a team, Pascal is modeling a version of "growing up" that's based on honesty and collaboration rather than ego. Whether he’s in the suit or in the recording booth, the character remains the same, and the conversation about how we build these heroes is well worth having at the dinner table.
- Explore our best movies for kids list for more epic adventures.
- Check out our digital guide for middle schoolers if your kid is starting to dive into fandom culture.
- Ask our chatbot for more family-friendly Star Wars content
