"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau), the first theatrical release in the "Star Wars" (SW) film series in seven years, has surpassed 2.5 billion yen in box office revenue and attracted over 1.5 million viewers, making it a hit. We spoke with Pedro Pascal, who played the Mandalorian, during his visit to Japan.
◇ "I slept well" after coming to Japan. What was the reason?
Pascal was born in Santiago, Chile in 1975. After fleeing to Denmark with his parents, he moved to the United States. He gained popularity in 2014 with his role in the drama series "Game of Thrones." Since 2019, he has been starring in "The Mandalorian." Other films he has appeared in include "Wonder Woman 1984" (2020), "Gladiator II" (2024), and "Fantastic Four: First Step" (2025).
This was Pascal's second visit to Japan, following his visit for "Star Wars Celebration" last year. This time, Japan was the final stop on his promotional tour.
"For the promotional tour of this film, I visited various cities in Europe, North America, the East Coast and West Coast (of the US), and Japan was the final stop. Actually, when I arrived in Tokyo, I was extremely tired. But for the first time, I was able to sleep well. I felt a sense of soul and spirituality, and it was incredibly gentle. That's why I had the experience of truly getting a good night's sleep for the first time. There's something in Japan that touches the heart—the food, the people, the beautiful cityscapes. There's something here that touches the heart. So next time, I want to come back without work."
Regarding food, he recalls that the sushi he ate on his last visit to Japan was "the best meal I've ever had." He smiles and says, "I love Mexican food just as much. I want to come back to Japan as a food rival and try all sorts of different foods."
◇The reason why the Mandalorian wearing a helmet appears to be smiling
Speaking of Japan, Pascal mentioned that director Favreau asked him to watch Akira Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" (1961) when preparing for his role as the Mandalorian. How did he incorporate elements of period dramas and Japanese bushido into his performance?
"Like with 'Yojimbo,' I had the character of the protagonist played by Clint Eastwood in Sergio Leone's 'A Fistful of Dollars' (1964), which was based on that film, in mind. I always feel like I'm returning to Japanese cinema with this project. Even the Mandalorian's attire feels close to that of a samurai or bushido, and personally, when I put on the Mandalorian suit and helmet, it reminded me of when I studied Kabuki in acting school. It reminded me of the stage presence and how to convey what you're feeling through simple gestures."
The Mandalorian's face is hidden by his helmet, but strangely, he appears to be smiling as he looks at Glogoo.
"I think what's important when playing a character is whether you can truly believe what's happening in the story. This time, playing the Mandalorian, I didn't have to worry about my face, so I could let my imagination run wild. As a result, I was able to truly return to my childlike self, use my imagination, and act with genuine belief in each and every scene. I think that's why I looked that way."
Grogoo's cuteness has become a hot topic among Japanese fans, but what is the appeal of Grogoo from Pascal's own perspective and from the Mandalorian's point of view?
"I think there's something incredibly pure about him. He's innocent, yet at the same time intelligent. Both the Mandalorian and Glogu are orphans. Perhaps that's why a bond (like that of a parent and child) developed between them unconsciously. When you're with Glogu, you can return to your childlike, innocent self, just like him. I think that's wonderful."
◇To Japanese fans, "I just want them to enjoy it."
Regarding the film's highlights, he says, "The production team has an incredibly deep love for 'Star Wars,' and it's an action-adventure that can only be truly appreciated on the big screen."
"What I like about this film is that it's a large-scale adventure, but at its core is a very human relationship between two people. When I was a child, I used to go to the movie theater and watch not only 'Star Wars' but also 'Indiana Jones' on the big screen, and I was influenced by the works of Akira Kurosawa and others, and those are very good memories for me. The director wants everyone to have that experience, and this film was made with the hope that young people in particular will have the experience of going to see a good movie."
Addressing Japanese fans, he said, "The very beginning of 'Star Wars' was influenced by Japanese films, and this film, in particular, is more influenced by Japanese films than other works in the series, so it's magical that we've come to Japan. I hope everyone in Japan will enjoy it."
◇ Box office revenue surpasses 2.5 billion yen, surpassing "Solo: A Star Wars Story".
The film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" is set after the death of Darth Vader and the collapse of the Empire. In a lawless galaxy, the Mandalorian, a solitary bounty hunter who perfectly completes any job while adhering to strict rules under the motto "Our Way," gradually develops a father-son-like bond with Glogo, the mischievous and gluttonous "The Child," who possesses immense Force powers, during their journey together. "He'll outlive me. I can't protect him forever..." The story follows these two bound by an unbreakable bond as they confront destiny to prevent a new war aimed at the resurgence of the Empire.
Released on May 22nd, the film topped the box office in Japan for three consecutive weeks. Now in its fourth week of release, as of June 16th, it has surpassed 2.5 billion yen in box office revenue and attracted over 1.5 million viewers. This surpasses the 2.14 billion yen box office revenue of "Solo: A Star Wars Story," released in 2018. Worldwide box office revenue has reached $315 million (approximately 50.517 billion yen, calculated at 160 yen to the dollar, according to Box Office Mojo, as of June 16th).
