The Mandalorian Season 1 - 10 Easter Eggs, Secrets & References Explained

5. R5-D4

Mandalorian Darksaber
Lucasfilm

Whether they make up an aggressive army or help you pilot your fighter, droids play an incredibly key role in the Star Wars universe. In The Mandalorian, they're a key part of Djarin's journey, both physically and emotionally. IG-11 becomes one of his staunchest allies in short order, breaking through Djarin's hatred of droids.

One droid whose journey deserves deeper investigation is R5-D4. Fans first meet the red and white bucket in A New Hope when the Jawas stop by Luke's moisture farm. His Uncle Owen initially buys R5-D4 before he breaks down, leading him to buy R2-D2 instead. Without this moment, Luke might never have joined the Rebellion.

Reputedly, R5-D4 intentionally caused his own malfunction to make sure R2-D2 was purchased and could get Luke's help in delivering Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi. R5 was also a member of the Rebellion, and returned to Tatooine after the end of the war. It was there that he briefly encountered Din Djarin.

Contributor

Ian Goodwillie is a freelance writer based out of Saskatoon, SK, Canada. He has a BA in English Literature from the University of Saskatchewan and completed the Writing Program at Vancouver Film School. More importantly, Ian is also a wrestling fan, comic book reader, video game player and photographer. He loves to write and writes about what he loves. Ian's also an unrepentant, unapologetic Cougar Town fan, a show he will defend until the day he dies.