The MandalorianSeason 3 had something unique up its sleeve. This season of the acclaimedStar Warsseries went against the grain by adopting a hopeful tone, with all the heroes prevailing in the Battle to retake Mandalore from Moff Gideon. This outcome was an unexpected treat for fans who were speculating on the possibility of internal betrayals among the Mandalorians who were fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with Din Djarin and Grogu.
One character that got caught in a whirlwind of speculation was Axe Woves, portrayed by Simon Kassianides. The Season 3 finale had fans on the edge of their seats as Axe Woves took a pivotal turn in the narrative. He valiantly embarked on a mission that seemed like a one-way ticket - commandeering the squad’s mothership in orbit and using it as a kamikaze missile against Moff Gideon and his covert base on Mandalore. However, in a heart-pounding twist, Axe Woves narrowly escaped by jet-packing out of the cockpit at the last moment.
Now, let’s turn the clock back and delve into the unexpected journey of Axe Woves. In the Disney Gallery’sMaking of Season 3episodeforThe Mandalorian, a revelation took the fans by storm. Axe Woves, who made his debut in the Season 2 episodeChapter 11: The Heiress, was initially slated to meet his end in that very episode. The director, Bryce Dallas Howard, shed light on this and credited Simon Kassianides for the change of plans. Kassianides' remarkable performance struck a chord with the creators, leading them to retain Axe Woves in the series.
In a heartwarming tidbit, Kassianides himself was taken aback by the evolution of his character. The actor shared that he had no inkling of Axe Woves' journey stretching beyond what was initially planned. His gratitude and exhilaration are palpable as he said,
“I had no idea I’d be back. And not only am I back, but I’ve come back to this arc. That just knocks my socks off".
RELATED:Dave Filoni Admits He Thought Having Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian Was a Terrible Idea
Axe Woves and the Art of Unpredictable Storytelling
In the history ofStar Wars, countless characters have carved a niche for themselves, and Axe Woves is no exception. He has miraculously survived yet again in Season 3, beating the odds that seemed stacked against him. The series has thrown a curveball, and now all eyes are on what lies ahead for Axe Woves. Star Wars has an illustrious history of morphing seemingly minor characters into legendary figures. Will Axe Woves follow suit and cement his legacy in theStar Warsuniverse? Only time will tell.
As we anticipate the next chapter inThe Mandalorian, Axe Woves stands as a testament to theimpact an actor’s portrayalcan have on the character’s arc. Simon Kassianides' enthralling performance not only saved Axe Woves from an early exit but breathed new life into his journey. This turn of events is a quintessential example of the dynamism and unpredictability of storytelling in the entertainment industry.
