Disney+’s original Star Wars series The Mandalorian, created by Jon Favreau, showcases an array of new creatures from the Star Wars universe, which were previously unexplored in a live-action rendition. Adding to the franchise’s existing collection of unique and distinctive creatures, which are a part of Star Wars’ exceptional world-building, The Mandalorian introduces three species of alien creatures: blurrgs, ravinaks, and mudhorns.
The Mandalorian takes place five years after the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, following Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a Mandalorian bounty hunter, as he tries to protect The Child (more commonly referred to as Baby Yoda) from the remnant of Imperial officers hunting him. The Mandalorian explores multiple planets outside of the New Republic, making it the perfect series to introduce new creatures as each episode involves a stand-alone mission in a different location within the Star Wars universe.
The one new creature that is featured the most throughout the first season of The Mandalorian is blurrgs, the bipedal dinosaur-like creature that first appeared in “Chapter 1: The Mandalorian.” Mando’s first encounter with a blurrg introduces him to Kuiil (Nick Nolte), the hospitable Ugnaught who helps him travel to the compound where The Child is being kept. Blurrgs can not only be used for transportation like horses, but are part of what sells The Mandalorian as a Western, since Din must bond with the creature before being able to ride it, a common archetype found in classic Western films. While the film may not be considered Star Wars canon, blurrgs have previously been seen in the made-for-television 1980s film Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, as well as made a brief appearance in season 1 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Expanding the list of live-action Star Wars creatures, The Mandalorian also introduces two other species onscreen who make the blurrgs appear like docile house pets: the ravinak and mudhorn. The ravinak makes an appearance in the first episode when Din returns to his ship intending to deliver the Mythrol (Horatio Sanz) for a bounty. While the walrus-like creature takes a bite out of the Raven Crest’s landing gear, Din shakes the creature off of his pre-empire ship using an electrostaff. Inspired by an extinct species of rhinoceros, Mudhorns are arguably the most influential creature in The Mandalorian series since the creature later becomes the signet for the Mandalorian clan formed by Din Djarin and The Child during the season finale. The Mudhorn is representative of their familial bond after the young creature used the Force to save the bounty hunter from being attacked by a Mudhorn during “Chapter 2: The Child.”
Another notable creature that is mentioned within The Mandolorian, but is never officially introduced onscreen, is the Mythosaur, a legendary creature known for its connection to the Mandalorian people. In episode 1, when Din Djarin is learning to ride the blurrg, he asks if Kuiil could instead lend him a speeder bike to reach his destination. Kuiil berates him for not trying hard enough to ride the blurrg stating, “You are Mandalorian! Your ancestors rode the great Mythosaur. Surely you can ride this young foal.” While this creature isn’t explored beyond this honorary mention, it’s possible the series may feature the return of the Mythosaur since the creature holds such a significance within the Mandalorian community.
According to series creator Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian season 2 will air on Disney+ in Fall 2020; Favreau further hinted with a post on social media that the Gamorrean species will make an appearance in the sophomore season. Since the pig-like alien species originates from the planet Gamorr, it’s safe to assume that Star Wars fans can look forward to meeting new creatures domestic to the Outer Rim planets in the upcoming season.
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