One of Star Wars’ upcoming Disney+ releases carries an emotional connection audiences may not expect.
The project brings viewers back to a familiar corner of the galaxy, revisiting major characters from the franchise’s streaming era. Yet one return comes with circumstances that separate it from the others.
Lucasfilm faced a decision after losing a beloved member of the Star Wars family. Its answer involves a performer Disney audiences may recognize from another major franchise.
One Character Left Lucasfilm With a Decision
Carl Weathers brought Greef Karga to life across all three seasons of The Mandalorian, with the character becoming more important as Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu’s adventures continued.
Weathers died on February 1, 2024, at age 76.
Greef remained alive on Nevarro after his final appearance, meaning Star Wars could potentially use the character again without the actor who had portrayed him from the beginning.
For his next appearance, Lucasfilm has decided not to leave Greef behind.
His Next Appearance Will Look Very Different
Greef Karga will return in LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian, an upcoming Disney+ special that revisits events from The Mandalorian in LEGO form.
Rather than extending the story beyond Season 3, the special retells familiar adventures.
Gavin Hammon will voice Din Djarin instead of Pedro Pascal, while Eric Bauza will take over Luke Skywalker rather than Mark Hamill.
Greef will similarly have a different voice, but his change became necessary following the death of the actor who originally played him.
The Recast Has Major Disney Connections
Carl Lumbly will take over as Greef Karga for LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian.
Marvel audiences know Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first portrayed Bradley in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, then returned in Captain America: Brave New World (2025).
Lumbly also voiced Martian Manhunter in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited and later appeared as M’yrnn J’onzz in Supergirl.
His latest role now brings him into the Star Wars galaxy.
There Is a Reason This Recast Carries More Weight
Greef started The Mandalorian as a leader within the Bounty Hunters’ Guild before becoming a trusted friend to Din and Grogu.
He eventually rose to the rank of High Magistrate on Nevarro and even offered Din a home there during Season 3.
Weathers also joined the series' behind-the-camera team. He directed “Chapter 12: The Siege” and “Chapter 20: The Foundling,” while his performance as Greef earned him an Emmy nomination.
His connection to The Mandalorian, therefore, extended beyond playing a recurring character.
This Does Not Settle Greef’s Future
Lumbly taking over the role does not mean Lucasfilm has permanently recast Greef Karga for live action.
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a comedic retelling rather than a continuation of Season 3. Lucasfilm has not announced Lumbly for any future live-action Star Wars project.
Several original actors are returning for the special, including Giancarlo Esposito, Rosario Dawson, Bill Burr, Timothy Olyphant, and Taika Waititi.
For now, Lumbly’s casting applies specifically to this project.
Star Wars Has Been Here Before
Lucasfilm has previously continued a character after losing the actor behind the role.
Ray Stevenson died in May 2023 after portraying Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 1. With Baylan’s story continuing, Lucasfilm eventually cast Rory McCann in the role.
Greef’s circumstances give Star Wars more flexibility. His last appearance did not end on an immediate cliffhanger, leaving Lucasfilm room to decide what comes next.
For Now, This Return Stands on Its Own
Carl Weathers helped Greef Karga grow from a business associate into one of Din and Grogu’s most dependable allies.
Carl Lumbly now gets the responsibility of revisiting that character for Disney+.
Whether his performance will remain a one-time voice role or eventually lead to something more has not been announced. For now, the special allows Star Wars to include Greef while leaving his live-action future unanswered.
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian premieres on Disney+ on September 2, 2026.
