‘The Mandalorian’: Details On ‘Mulan’ Star Ming-Na Wen’s Character Revealed

This past summer, Ming Na-Wen was honored as a Disney Legend. Her work as the voice of Mulan in the 1998 film and as Agent Melinda May on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has solidified her legacy in film and TV. However, Wen is not done there. The actress will have a big role to play in the upcoming Disney+ series set in the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian.
Variety recently revealed the first look at Wen’s character, Fennec Shand. Additionally, during an interview with the actress, the publication obtained some details on the character’s motivations. Fennec Shand will reportedly cross paths with Pedro Pascal’s masked bounty hunter midway through the first season. The character also appeared in the newest trailer for the series claiming “your name will be legendary” presumably to the Mandalorian himself.
“We got our inspiration really from the name. The idea of a fennec fox came to mind,” Wen told Vanity Fair. “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.” “Thinking that she’s a mercenary, it can go either way,” Wen said. “I think it remains to be seen.”
READ: ‘The Mandalorian’ Will Supposedly Explore The Rise Of The First Order
On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Wen’s Agent May was prone to taking down bad guys with her bare hands. However, her Star Wars character is taking a different weaponry route.
“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.”
Wen also revealed Shand is “loyal to herself.” This independent notion may be a recurring theme in the Disney+ series. It will take place years after Return of the Jedi and deal with the fall of the Empire and the end of the Rebellion.
What do you think of Ming-Na Wen’s upcoming role in the Star Wars universe? Let us know in the comments!
The Mandalorian will premiere on Disney+ when it launches on Nov. 12.
Additionally, the series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Nick Nolte, Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers, Bill Burr, Taika Waititi, and Werner Herzog.