WhileThe Mandalorianseason 3 on Disney Plus earned a bit of a divided response from some fans, two things largely agreed upon regarding the most recent episodes of thisStar Warsseries are the high quality of its effects and visuals. This was partially due to the consultation of a legend in the sci-fi visual effects field. But not just that, he also helped create some of the most iconic aspects of classicStar Warsfilms.
Despitereversing aspects ofThe Mandalorianseason 2, the third season still managed to keep plenty of fans for several reasons. The presence of Jack Black and Lizzo in one episode likely didn’t hurt. But a large part of this may have been due to the incredible visuals and set pieces seen on the planet Mandalore, where much of the season’s story took place. Iconic visual effects creator Phil Tippett, known for his work on films likeJurassic Parkand the originalStar Warstrilogy, stepped in to lend a hand in creating the world’s unique look. Good thing, too, because it turned into one of the most incredible parts ofThe Mandalorianseason 3.
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In a preview on theStar WarsYouTube channelfor the upcoming 3rd season of the behind-the-scenes seriesDisney Gallery: The Mandalorian, Jon Favreau (creator ofThe Mandalorian) revealed Tippett’s involvement with season 3. “Phil Tippett was one of the original collaborators with George Lucas, and we thought that Phil would be great to collaborate with on what Mandalore would look like, to create something that was both tech and nightmarish because we wanted the mines of Mandalore to look different from anything else we had in the show,” Favreau explained in a voice-over. “And of course, Phil Tippett’s aesthetic was something that we thought we would really benefit from. We actually used his models to do photogrammetry and help build it into the volume and into the CGI.”
Tippett is such a beloved and recognized figure in the industry that most who don’t know his name still know his work. He even indirectly inspired an episode ofRian Johnson’s Natasha Lyonne-led murder mystery seriesPoker Face, which coincidentally starredThe Mandalorian’s own Nick Nolte as a character based on Tippett himself. From his work as the “dinosaur supervisor” inJurassic Parkto his recognizable stop-motion artistry in films likeThe Empire Strikes Backand evenRoboCop, the man is a household name in the industry. So it was just a matter of time before he returned toStar Wars.
Favreau has said he has aton of fun withThe Mandalorian, and it’s clear from the passion he brings in himself and through everyone else who helps with the show. That passion from him and Tippett brought the brilliantly bleak and awe-inspiring look of Mandalore in the latest season, from the desolate glassy surface to the abandoned tech and chilling creatures seen in the mines. It’s no wonder why they’re both legends in their fields.
It would certainly be nice if Tippett stuck around to keep the series delightfully weird. Or maybe he’ll return to creatinghis own animated horrors likeMad God. Either way, having him on board was great, even for a little bit. The man has earned a long retirement, yet he keeps returning to the addictively twisted world of animation. That’s the sign of a true love for the craft right there.
