Giancarlo Esposito returns in The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 7

The team behind The Mandalorian appeared onstage at Star Wars Celebration today, where they confirmed that Giancarlo Esposito will reprise his role as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian in Season 3 Episode 7.

Gideon is the main antagonist of The Mandalorian, having first been introduced in Season 1. He’s a key figure in the Imperial Remnant, and caused chaos for the titular character, played by Pedro Pascal, in the second season.

We last saw him in the New Republic’s custody after losing the Darksaber, with fans eagerly awaiting for his return.

Although Esposito previously teased his comeback, we weren’t exactly sure if or when the villain was set to make an appearance – until now.

Giancarlo Esposito’s Moff Gideon to return in The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 7

During Lucasfilm’s Studio Showcase at the Star Wars Celebration event today, guests were treated to a special screening of the first eight minutes of The Mandalorian’s next episode – Season 3 Episode 7 – which included a sneak peek of Gideon’s return.

This means big news for Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff), Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), and Grogu, as he no doubt will scupper the plans to finally retake Mandalore – you can read more about that in our Season 3 Episode 6 review.

In a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Esposito teased that “the odds are good” that Gideon would pop up in the series again soon.

“The odds are good you’re going to see me soon. That’s all I can say,” he said. “The show is just a fantastic show to be on. They want the audience to be in anticipation, and wonder, and joy, and excitement.”

With the confirmation that he’ll be back, The Mandalorian’s final two episodes look set to be an action-packed ride, with executive producer and director Rick Famuyiwa saying, “Things have been building.” He went on to promise that the team will “pull all threads together in Episodes 7 and 8,” adding that there’ll be “some resolution.”

The Mandalorian Season 3 Episodes 1-6 are streaming on Disney+ now. Check out the rest of our coverage here.