The Mandalorian Chapter 21: Fans Are Losing Their Minds Over That Rebels Cameo

Karabast! Just as fans had calmed down after the surprising sight of giant space whales in the opening episode of "The Mandalorian," a very familiar Lasat walked into a bar, causing a stir without even realizing it. No, your eyes weren't playing tricks on you. That really was "Star Wars Rebels" hero and former Ghost crew member Garazeb Orrelios, aka Zeb, speaking to Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee). Switching animated terrain for the purple CGI-infused flesh, he was a sight for sore eyes that looked absolutely perfect in live-action. It also came as a total shock given that the character hasn't been seen since the finale of the animated show in 2018. If you spat your blue milk in total disbelief, don't worry, you weren't the only one.

Brought to life by voice artist Steve Blum in 2014, Zeb was the much-loved muscle of the Ghost rebel faction alongside Ezra Bridger (last seen on a purrgil). Admittedly, those that skipped the animated series might not have been excited about just another alien (this is "Star Wars," after all). However, the rest of the "Rebels"-loving rabble would've been understandably buzzed to see Zeb alive and in New Republic threads. Of course, with a cameo of this size, it was inevitable that Reddit would begin firing off theories about where he's been and what it could mean not just for the future of "The Mandalorian" but another anticipated show on the horizon. 

Brief as his appearance was, "Star Wars Rebels" fans still couldn't believe their eyes when Zeb shuffled up to Teva before duty called. This marks another live-action debut of an animated "Star Wars" character after the likes of Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), and Cad Bane (Corey Burton/Dorian Kingi). Understandably, the r/StarWars subreddit lit up like Boonta Eve, with fans trying to wrap their head around what they were seeing. Some needed time to process, with u/njrebecca saying, "I had to pause for a straight minute to process, that voice was too familiar!" Thankfully, other keen-eared fans already knew exactly who it was, as u/ColdSteel added, "I'd recognize Steve Blum's iconic gruff drawl anywhere!!! Great to finally see what the last member of the Ghost crew got up to after Rebels!"

All in all, the channel's response to Zeb's surprise appearance was overwhelmingly positive. "Rebels is my favorite of the animated shows, so I was super mega pumped. I really want him to be in more stuff now!" u/SpaceForceAwakens summed up the sentiment.

Despite his quick drop-in, fans are already speculating if there's more space for Zeb to return either in Mando's ongoing adventure or another upcoming series they can't wait to see. Redditor u/tquad24 was certain, and already willing to place a bet: "We are absolutely getting a full Rebels reunion in the Ahsoka series and I couldn't be happier." 

Meanwhile, u/thewetpuddle was already turning their gaze toward even further "Rebels"-themed live-action debuts, expressing hope that Zeb joining the live-action "Star Wars" gang might indicate that another "Rebels" mainstay might also be due for a grand entrance — namely, Sabine Wren (voiced by Tiya Sircar). "I love how casually they dropped this cameo and it just fits. Now is it too much to hope for Sabine, perhaps in the season finale?" they wrote. 

Regardless of how big Zeb's role will be in "The Mandalorian" or other Disney+ "Star Wars" shows going forward, his cameo in this episode is certainly giving fans hope for great things to come. With a certain Star Wars Celebration just around the corner, we won't have long to find out if that really is the case.