With the franchise's shift to streaming, Lucasfilm created an official "Star Wars" opening that played before every "Star Wars" series, showcasing important characters from its rich history. The original intro featured Darth Vader, BB-8, C-3PO, Kylo Ren, R2-D2, an X-Wing Pilot, a First Order Storm Trooper, and Mando himself, each lit up with either red or blue lights.
However, determined "Star Wars" fans will notice a few changes in the opening of "The Mandalorian" Season 3. The new intro features Darth Vader, R2, Fennec Shand, a TIE pilot, Bo-Katan, IG-11, a Scout Trooper, the Armorer, and Mando, meaning that characters like Kylo Ren got axed. The change-up within the "Star Wars" lineup signifies a shift to characters that are more integral to "The Mandalorian" story. Mando has met R2, interacted with Fennec more than once, and taken on numerous TIE fighters, and Season 1 included that incredible scene featuring Scout Troopers. Although Vader has no connection to the show, the character is just too iconic not to include in the intro.
While it makes sense that the introduction that plays before "The Mandalorian" would feature characters important to the show's story, Kylo Ren getting the boot is an interesting change. Lucasfilm infamously dropped the ball with "The Rise of Skywalker," leading to the company distancing itself from the entire Skywalker Saga. Does this intro change signify the official end for Kylo Ren and other characters from the sequels? Are they officially in "Star Wars" limbo, meaning fans will never see them on screen again? Realistically, the change is probably just to focus more on "The Mandalorian" story, but it won't stop fans from strapping on their tinfoil hats to theorize the worst.
