Disney+ has released a new TV spot for The Mandalorian in which we get a first look at Ming-Na Wen’s character, the assassin Fennec Shand. You can still watch the first two trailers for the live-action Star Wars series, premiering on the streaming service Nov. 12th, here and here.
The Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Mulan actress also talked more about Fennec Shand with Vanity Fair. The character crosses paths with Pedro Pascal’s bounty hunter midway through the first season.
“We got our inspiration really from the name. The idea of a fennec fox came to mind,” Wen said. “She’s tricky, and yet she’s able to maneuver and survive, and be stealthy—so very graceful and agile. I just love that whole image with the name.”
Is she on the light side or the dark side? “Thinking that she’s a mercenary, it can go either way,” Wen added. “I think it remains to be seen. She is definitely someone who’s loyal to herself.” Her backstory is also a moving target. “It will evolve, it will change. I mean, I think that’s what’s so wonderful about creating a new character,” Wen said. “I think she has a good sense of humor about it all as well, which is also fun. You can’t really pinpoint which direction she’s going to go.”
And what is her weapon of choice? “She has quite a few weapons because she’s a very skilled fighter,” Wen said. “Just her body is a weapon in and of itself. And she does carry…a big, big gun. A big boy.”
The Mandalorian is written and executive produced by Jon Favreau, with Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) directing the first episode and serving as executive producer alongside Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Additional episodic directors include Deborah Chow (Jessica Jones), Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Bryce Dallas Howard (Solemates), and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok).
The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal (Narcos) in the title role as a lone Mandalorian gunfighter, alongside Gina Carano (Deadpool), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Emily Swallow (Supernatural), Carl Weathers (Predator), Omid Abtahi (American Gods), Ming-Na Wen (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man), and Nick Nolte (Warrior).
Ludwig Göransson, an acclaimed composer and record producer, will write the score for the series. Göransson has composed soundtracks for films like Black Panther, Creed, Creed II, Venom, and Fruitvale Station, as well as TV series like Community and New Girl.