Credit: LucasfilmStar Wars is preparing to bring a familiar character back to Disney+, but longtime viewers will immediately notice one major difference.
The upcoming project reaches back into one of the franchise’s biggest streaming stories, bringing several recognizable characters back on screen. However, one role required Disney and Lucasfilm to make a difficult casting decision.
The actor originally associated with the character died after becoming an important part of the Star Wars family. Rather than leave the character behind, the franchise has found a way to continue the role.
And Disney turned to someone with experience in another massive franchise.
A Familiar Star Wars Role Had to Be Addressed
The character appeared throughout The Mandalorian. He became increasingly important as Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu’s story expanded and their adventures brought new allies into their growing circle.
That role was played by Carl Weathers, who appeared as Greef Karga across all three seasons of the Disney+ series.
Weathers died on February 1, 2024, at age 76. His death left Star Wars with a question it did not immediately need to answer.
Greef remained alive when audiences last saw him, leaving the door open for another appearance even though the actor behind him was gone.
Now, an upcoming Disney+ release is revisiting the character.
His Return Comes With a Major Catch
Greef Karga is returning in LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian, an upcoming Disney+ special that retells events from The Mandalorian in LEGO form.
This is not a live-action continuation following Season 3. Instead, the special revisits familiar characters and moments through the style of previous LEGO Star Wars projects.
Because Weathers cannot reprise Greef, another performer will provide the character’s voice.
The production is making other casting changes as well. Gavin Hammon will voice Din Djarin rather than Pedro Pascal, while Eric Bauza will voice Luke Skywalker instead of Mark Hamill.
Greef’s recast, however, comes under much different circumstances.
An MCU Veteran Is Stepping Into the Role
Carl Lumbly will officially voice Greef Karga in LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian.
Marvel audiences may recognize Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He debuted as Bradley in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier before returning in Captain America: Brave New World (2025).
Lumbly also voiced Martian Manhunter in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited before later appearing as M’yrnn J’onzz in Supergirl.
Now, he is entering the Star Wars galaxy by taking over a role closely associated with Weathers.
The Original Star Became a Major Part of the Series
Greef Karga began The Mandalorian as a leader within the Bounty Hunters’ Guild, but his relationship with Din changed dramatically.
Greef eventually became one of Din and Grogu’s trusted allies while helping rebuild Nevarro. He rose to the rank of High Magistrate and watched the settlement grow into a community.
By Season 3, Greef even offered Din a home on Nevarro.
Weathers also contributed behind the camera. He directed “Chapter 12: The Siege” and “Chapter 20: The Foundling,” and his performance as Greef earned him an Emmy nomination.
Those contributions made Weathers an important part of The Mandalorian beyond his role as a recurring character.
Is This a Permanent Replacement?
There is an important distinction surrounding Lumbly’s casting.
Lucasfilm has not announced that he will play Greef Karga in future live-action Star Wars projects.
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a comedic retelling of the Disney+ series, so this voice recast does not necessarily establish what Disney would do if Greef returned in live action.
Several original performers are also returning. Giancarlo Esposito will voice Moff Gideon, Rosario Dawson returns as Ahsoka Tano, Bill Burr reprises Migs Mayfeld, Timothy Olyphant returns as Cobb Vanth, and Taika Waititi once again voices IG-11.
For now, Lumbly’s involvement applies specifically to this Disney+ project.
Star Wars Has Faced This Choice Before
Lucasfilm has already dealt with another difficult recast following an actor’s death.
Ray Stevenson died in May 2023 after playing Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 1. With Baylan’s storyline unfinished, Lucasfilm eventually selected Rory McCann to continue the role.
Greef’s situation gives Disney more flexibility.
His story did not end on a cliffhanger requiring an immediate continuation. Lucasfilm could leave him on Nevarro, bring him back with another actor, or eventually allow Lumbly to continue playing him.
No live-action decision has been announced.
An Emotional Return for a Star Wars Favorite
Carl Weathers helped turn Greef Karga from a questionable business associate into one of Din and Grogu’s most dependable friends.
That history makes his return bittersweet.
Carl Lumbly now has the unusual responsibility of following Weathers while bringing his own voice to an established character.
The LEGO format allows Lucasfilm to revisit Greef without immediately deciding what happens to him in live action. Whether this becomes Lumbly’s only appearance or the beginning of something larger remains to be seen.
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian premieres on Disney+ on September 2, 2026.
