Star Wars has managed to recruit a wide range of talent over the years, and this is especially true when it comes to The Mandalorian. In its first two seasons alone, the show has brought plenty of noteworthy stars, from franchise newcomers like Pedro Pascal and Rosario Dawson to veterans such as Katee Sackhoff and Temuera Morrison. Actor and comedian Bill Burr, who portrays the character of Migs Mayfield, falls under the former category. Many were likely surprised that the star found his way into the franchise, given his tendency to rip on Star Wars fans… a lot. But as it so happens, it was this very thing that helped land him the role.
In the past, Bill Burr hasn’t shied away from making a joke or two at the expense of Star Wars fans. The comedian recently discussed his work on the series and, while doing so, he explained how exactly he came to be a part of the beloved show:
I went to Mike Binder’s birthday party, and Jon [Favreau] was there, and he said, ‘Hey, we’re writing this thing. We kind of have you in mind. Do you want to do it?’ And was like, ‘I don’t know, Jon. I’ve teased Star Wars people a lot.’ He goes, ‘I know. I listen to the podcast a lot. I think it would be funny if you got in it. My wife was kicking me under the table and I was like, ‘All right, I’ll do it.’
As history will tell you, Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau has never strayed from making a casting decision that was viewed as risky by some. But in most cases than not, it works out, and this has been the case for Bill Burr. Many fans were thoroughly entertained when Migs made his Star Wars debut in Season 1’s “Chapter 6: The Prisoner.” This is likely the reason Favreau brought Burr back for a Season 2, in which Mayfield was the focal point. Believe it or not, there was actually a time when the actor didn’t even think he'd be back for the second season.
While speaking with Tom Segura of the Your Mom’s House podcast, Bill Burr also wanted to set the record straight on something. During the chat, he clarified his actual feelings on Star Wars fans and the franchise as a whole:
There’s this misconception that I truly hated [Star Wars]. I was just hating on it as a comic. You see 1,000 people excited about something, you’re going to make fun of it.
Bill Burr also stated that he and the crew have “a blast” when working on The Mandalorian. Though Burr doesn’t say anything in regard to his future with the show, one could assume that he may be willing to return should he be asked. Migs was left in an interesting position when fans last saw him, and it certainly left the door open for him to return. You can check out Burr’s performance by streaming The Mandalorian on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.
Despite an unclear future with the franchise, we can probably assume that Bill Burr will continue to make jokes about Star Wars fans. But at least fans now know the jabs are merely coming from a comedic place as opposed to one of legitimate contempt.
