“–‘Tis verily the Way.” (Act II, Scene 3, 43)
When I was told there was a retelling of The Mandalorian, Season One, in Shakespearean verse and verbiage, I took no further convincing to agree to read such a tome. My expectations were tempered – what must surely be a novelty would be a fine distraction. I knew if I took on such a task it would be little more than a fanboy summation with the occasional “thou” or “forsooth” tossed in at dramatic intervals. Luckily, we have the talented Ian Doescher at the helm of this project.
What has emerged is much more than a mere novelty. William Shakespeare’s Star Wars – The Mandalorian of Nevarro is a perfect juxtaposition of Space Opera and Shakespearean Drama. Doescher explains in the afterward the way he approached Mando’s language choices. Particularly noting that the hero never has a weak ending of iambic pentameter.
He also split some of his lines with Omera, deepening the romance only intimated in the television series. He gives some of the beasts dialogue. Which is especially delightful in the case of the mudhorn, who speaks in constant rhyme, all ending in -orn. It’s evident to the reader that Doescher is a sharp student of both Shakespeare and Lucas rather than some humorist who asked Chap GPT to “Bard up” a plot summary.
Easter eggs abound throughout all five acts, hailing from both worlds. As well as frequent metacommentary. A personal favorite is a bit of dialogue from Greef Karga, portrayed by Carl Weathers in the Disney+ show, as he congratulates Mando after successfully capturing the elusive Child, Grogu. Of the jealous eyes befalling his ill-gotten beskar armor, Karga assures:
“ Yet not I, Mando, nay–
Like pugilist who triumphs in the ring,
And lifts his arm with victory’s salute,
Who wants no rematch for to prove his might,
And only in the win doth live his creed.
I gladly celebrate thy wondrous feat,
For thy success is also my success.” (Act II, Scene 4, 27-36)
That’s clever. That’s good writing, and it’s that attention to detail that makes William Shakespeare’s Star Wars – The Mandalorian of Nevarro stand above the endless parade of hybrid “bestsellers” out there that lean on, rather than in, to gimmick. As if that weren’t enough, the novelization by Insight Editions is beautifully bound and cleverly illustrated by Dennis Przygodda. While Przygodda could just have easily recreated scenes from the television show to our delight, he also leans into the schtick and offers scenes as they would appear in an archaic staging of such adventures in a galaxy far, far away. A favorite is the AT-ST as it descends upon the citizens of the Sorganian village:
William Shakespeare’s Star Wars – The Mandalorian of Nevarro is actually Ian Doescher’s tenth in the series now known as William Shakespeare’s Star Wars. With the first nine being the theatrical saga films, Episodes One through Nine. This September, he returns to the galaxy far, far away with an adaptation of Ahsoka, Season One. Until such time, The Mandalorian of Nevarro is available at Insight Editions’ website and wherever fine books are sold. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with Season One before the theatrical film, The Mandalorian & Grogu releases to theaters on May 22nd, 2026.
It is, to quote a great, “A very palp’ble hit!” (Act II, Scene 1, 44).
Overall Grade: 4.5/5
Be sure to check out our Book Club for more great reviews of bound works and sound off below if you’ve read any of Doescher’s other Star Wars/Shakespeare crossovers.
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