Jeremy Allen White Ventures into the Star Wars Universe as the Voice of Rotta the Hutt
Jeremy Allen White, the acclaimed actor known for his compelling portrayal of Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto in the hit series The Bear, is embarking on a new intergalactic adventure. White has joined the cast of the upcoming Star Wars film The Mandalorian & Grogu, lending his voice to the character of Rotta the Hutt, the son of the infamous Jabba the Hutt. This marks a significant milestone for White, as it represents his first foray into a major film franchise and his debut in the expansive Star Wars universe. While details about his role remain largely undisclosed, the inclusion of Rotta the Hutt hints at potential plot developments and connections to previous Star Wars storylines.
The Mandalorian & Grogu, scheduled for release in 2026, will continue the adventures of Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian warrior, and his adorable companion, Grogu, affectionately known as "Baby Yoda." The film picks up after the events of The Mandalorian season 3, which aired on Disney+ in 2023. While fans might be thrilled at the prospect of two internet heartthrobs, White and Pedro Pascal (who plays Din Djarin), sharing the screen, their interaction will be limited. White will primarily provide the voice for Rotta, likely a puppet character, while Pascal predominantly voices his helmeted character, with a body double performing the physical actions.
The inclusion of Rotta the Hutt in the film opens up intriguing possibilities for the storyline. The Mandalorian series is set after the events of Return of the Jedi, the third installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. In Return of the Jedi, Princess Leia famously strangles Jabba the Hutt to death during a daring rescue mission to save Han Solo. The 2021 Disney+ series The Book of Boba Fett further explored the Hutt family dynamics, depicting the demise of Jabba’s cousins, the Hutt twins, at the hands of the titular bounty hunter, Boba Fett. Given that both Boba Fett and the Mandalorian have crossed paths in their respective series, there is potential for them to team up against Rotta in the upcoming film.
The Mandalorian & Grogu marks a significant transition for the Star Wars franchise, as it represents the first time a Star Wars television project has been adapted for the big screen. Jon Favreau, the creative force behind The Mandalorian series, will direct the film, further ensuring a seamless continuation of the established narrative and tone. The film also boasts the presence of Sigourney Weaver in an undisclosed role, adding another layer of intrigue to the project.
White’s casting in The Mandalorian & Grogu comes on the heels of his continued success with The Bear. The actor recently received his third Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Carmy Berzatto, having previously won the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in both 2023 and 2024. The Bear, a critically acclaimed comedy-drama, garnered a total of five Golden Globe nominations in 2025, including Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and acting nods for co-stars Ayo Edebiri, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Beyond his Star Wars venture, White is currently immersed in filming Deliver Me From Nowhere, a biopic about the legendary musician Bruce Springsteen. The film, based on Warren Zanes’s book of the same name, chronicles the creation of Springsteen’s 1982 album, Nebraska. White has fully embraced the role, sporting a Springsteen-esque look with brown colored contacts, a flannel shirt, and a leather jacket. Fans were treated to a first glimpse of White as Springsteen in October, generating considerable excitement for the upcoming film, which is expected to release next year. This diverse range of projects showcases White’s versatility as an actor and his ability to embody complex and iconic figures, solidifying his status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
