The Science of ‘The Mandalorian’: The Anatomy of a Space Western

Brake (The Science of Star Trek) is credited with establishing the world’s first science and science fiction degree. He guides readers on a scientific journey through the world of the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Throughout most of the book, he explains how the show’s imaginary world has analogues within the real world, exploring, for example, the paleontological origins of the mudhorn—the beast that the titular hero Din Djarin battles during his quest to help the foundling Grogu, often referred to as Baby Yoda. The author also describes the groundbreaking virtual filmmaking technology used to create the show. In the last section, however, he veers into film criticism, which, given the book’s title, may disappoint readers who might anticipate more scientific elements. For instance, he discusses at length how Din Djarin embodies the mythical construct of the lone cowboy, expounding on which classic Western films fans should watch.