"Really have a knowledge of it": Giancarlo Esposito reveals why Star Wars fans stand out

2026 Toronto International Film Festival - The Only Living Pickpocket In New York - Source: Getty
Giancarlo Esposito spoke highly of Star Wars fans (Image Source: Getty)

Giancarlo Esposito saw something special in Star Wars fans: their great knowledge of the franchise’s vast fictional universe. The actor, who plays Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian, says their knowledge of its characters, storylines, and events makes them particularly memorable.

Esposito spoke to the Deseret News at FanX, a major pop culture convention in Utah, about his experiences meeting fans and why the franchise inspires such dedicated followers. His observations suggest the depth of connection audiences can have with a fictional world that has been built up over generations.

He said:

"It’s a very complicated show with a lot of different characters and a lot of different scenarios that take place within the storyline, and the ‘Star Wars’ fans really have a knowledge of it that’s unsurpassed".

The actor said that fans of this franchise really know a lot about the universe. There are so many characters and events happening, and fans are aware of them all. Esposito even compared the knowledge of devoted Star Wars followers to familiarity with a history book.

Want to know what else the actor shared in this discussion? Read below!


Giancarlo Esposito explains what makes Star Wars fans different

Giancarlo Esposito plays Moff (Image Source: Getty)
Giancarlo Esposito plays Moff (Image Source: Getty)

In the same Deseret News interview, Giancarlo Esposito explained that Star Wars fans are like people who have great knowledge of historical events and can easily talk about anything related to it. In the fictional universe, there are characters and plots that may sound a little confusing to some, but devoted fans understand them really well.

And that's what makes them different. The different and evolving stories give fans opportunities to discover relationships between characters and understand how separate events fit into the larger narrative.

Esposito has seen this enthusiasm firsthand in his role as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian, the franchise’s first live-action television series. His appearances at conventions also allow him to interact directly with fans who have been following the fictional universe for years.

The actor is also used to playing intimidating characters, but he gives a much warmer perspective on his real-life convention experiences. He loves meeting people, hearing their stories, and seeing how free they are to express their excitement about the entertainment that they love.


Star Wars continues to connect generations of passionate fans

Star Wars fans made sure that their love for the franchise was noticed at FanX, where they showed up dressed as their favourite characters and enjoyed meeting others who shared their interest. Deseret News reveals that Dominic Jensen, who watched the first 1977 film, attended as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a costume he made from old bedsheets.

This shows how much the franchise is loved, and fans always want to express their respect for the fictional world and their favorite characters. It's been almost five decades since the first movie, and even today, people of different ages enjoy its stories, characters, and adventures. Its upcoming 50th anniversary also shows how long it has remained part of people's lives.


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Edited by Alisha Khan