Werner Herzog is perhaps the most peculiar member of the cast of Lucasfilm’s new Disney+ series, “The Mandalorian.” That’s not because he doesn’t act much (he has a fair number of roles under his belt), but instead, it’s because you don’t immediately think that the filmmaker would find himself on the set of a “Star Wars” project. But yet, he was. And according to a new interview with Variety, he knows exactly why ‘Mandalorian’ creator-writer-producer Jon Favreau approached him about the role.
“I think there are two reasons: One, he has seen some of my performances as an actor and is completely convinced that I should be part of his new series,” said Herzog. “Second, I think it’s a bit of an homage to my films and to my storytelling and to my way of putting emphasis on world stories, fever dreams in the jungle, quasi-science fiction stories. I think he sees a kindred spirit in me.”
God bless Werner Herzog. He really is a treasure.
When the filmmaker-actor was asked about the idea of feeling pressure working with Favreau, considering the director has made some massive films, including this year’s “The Lion King,” Herzog responded in perhaps the best answer to a question ever given.
“I do not know what other films he has made,” admitted Herzog.
If you don’t immediately bow down and give thanks to whatever higher power you believe in (or don’t) for the gift they have given us with Herzog, then you’re crazy. Who else would admit to working with a director as high profile as Favreau, on a series as massive as “The Mandalorian, and admit that you have no clue what else the filmmaker has done? *Chef Kiss*
Herzog would go on to admit, once again, that he’s never seen a single “Star Wars” film and doesn’t think that should disqualify his performance in “The Mandalorian.” He said that he only watches a few films a year and would rather read. However, he does admit to watching some TV. And not the shows you might expect.
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“I do, I watch the news from different sources,” he revealed. “Sometimes I see things that are completely against my cultural nature. I was raised with Latin and Ancient Greek and poetry from Greek antiquity, but sometimes, just to see the world I live in, I watch ‘WrestleMania.’”
Again, and even harder this time — *Chef Kiss*
He added, “You have to know what a good amount of the population is watching. Do not underestimate the Kardashians. As vulgar as they may be, it doesn’t matter that much, but you have to find some sort of orientation. As I always say, the poet must not close his eyes, must not avert them.”
Does that mean he’ll give “The Mandalorian” a shot when it debuts on Disney+? Ha, not likely. You see, he’d rather watch Criterion.
“So far, I have only signed up for one streaming platform, and that’s Criterion,” he said. “They have hundreds of films, and every one of them is great.”
Werner Herzog and John Carpenter need to start a podcast. I could listen to these two talk about pop culture and the world, in general, for hours. Someone, make this happen!
“The Mandalorian” arrives on Disney+ today.