The hit Disney+ show, The Mandalorian, has finally returned for season 3, and it kicks off right into the action. Our heroes, Djarin and Grogu, are off to restore his place as a Mandalorian in The Watch. The “religious zealots” hold their members to the strict code and expect pure dedication and integrity. His journey to forgiveness will be full of adventure, danger, and plenty of massive monsters. 

The expansion of the fauna within the Star Wars universe has given the series more substance and the fans a chance to immerse themselves in the surroundings. George Lucas never shied away from creating Galactic beasts, as his six movies are full of amazing-looking monsters that have always captivated audiences. Favreau and The Mandalorian crew are keeping that theme alive by bringing more beasts into the Star Wars encyclopedia.

Clan Mudhorn to the Rescue

The season kicks off with much of the teaser footage we had seen. The Armorer forges a new set of Beskar armor for a youngling as we crash a Mandalorian ceremony. Unfortunately, that ceremony is cut short by a giant crocodile-like leviathan. This water version of the Krayt Dragon made quite the entrance as it almost immediately snatched up a Mandalorian for a snack. Its thick hide didn’t allow the blasters or grenades to do any damage, so there was a rather lengthy battle that could only end in retreat. 

The monster was a great addition to the episode. Peace by the waterside seems impractical in the Star Wars universe. And as Qui-Gon said, “there’s always a bigger fish.” Although it closely resembles something straight out of the Jurrasic period, it maintained a Lucasesque feel. 

The turtle-like shell of the beast and the close resemblance to an already existing creature helped push it into the sci-fi category and away from leaning too far into fantasy. 

That is until Djarin and Grogu swooped in to save the day. The swift-modified N-1 Starfighter dropped a proton torpedo in the monster’s midsection and sent giant croc jerky everywhere. With a year’s supply of meat falling from the sky, the Mandalorians shouldn’t have any trouble hiding out in those caves. 

Rebel Monsters

The croc-beast wasn’t the only giant creature to take the screen in this kick-off for season 3 of The Mandalorian. Purrgil made it to the live-action screen, beasts that originate from the animated show, Rebels. These beasts can travel through the Galaxy with their natural ability to travel through hyperspace. The whale-like species are what inspired sentients to develop hyperdrive technology.

The significance of these creatures also means that we could be getting closer to finding Ezra Bridger. In the Rebels finale, he sacrifices himself to save the crew from the clutches of Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Empire by attaching himself and Thrawn to the purrgil just before they jump to hyperspace. Getting a glimpse of these creatures in their natural habitat as they soar through the Galaxy acknowledges the previous series and sets up Ahsoka and where the show may take viewers. 

Through showing the purrgil, Favreau and The Mandalorian crew are setting up where the future of the Star Wars universe, shows, plots, and what we can expect to see. 

Other Creatures In The Mandalorian Season 3

A few other creatures made it to the season premiere, although not as large as the previous two. We get to see more Kowakian monkey lizards and Anzellan mechanics, the race of The Rise of Skywalker’s Babu Frik. Although, the Anzellan are not necessarily “creatures” as they are anthropomorphic, speak languages, comprehend complicated work, and are generally self-aware. 

There is no denying just how cute-ugly those aliens are. Even Grogu couldn’t help himself. 

I Have Spoken

The Mandalorian season 3 premiere gave us a lot, from monsters to plot to characters, a lot was going on in this first episode. The creators really hit the ground running with this premiere as they wasted no time setting up the plot, sacrifices, and more that will be necessary for this season. 

Grogu and Djarin will return Wednesdays on Disney+ for a new adventure each week. The Bad Batch will continue to release on Wednesdays, so fans can look forward to a good amount of Star Wars mid-week. Ahsoka is expected sometime later this year. What did you think about The Mandalorian season 3 monsters? 

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