Fan favourites and global talents are converging on Supanova Comic Con & Gaming as it blasts its way into Sydney and Perth this June.
Whether you're a gamer, a comic book connoisseur, a film buff, a TV fanatic or a bookworm, the event is packed with things to do and people to meet – including fan discussions panels, meet and greets and Q&As.
The Sydney and Perth events this June will feature international talents from the likes of 'Wayne's World', 'Star Wars', 'Titanic', 'The Matrix', and more. . . As well as home-grown Supa-stars.
Check out our chat with 'The Walking Dead' star Chandler Riggs, who is also appearing at Supanova in Sydney and Perth.
'The Mandalorian' and 'The Book Of Boba Fett' star Brendan Wayne, grandson of screen legend John Wayne, will be in Sydney and Perth to give photo-ops and a Q&A panel. Brendan has also appeared in 'Ahsoka', 'Agents Of SHIELD', 'Cowboys And Aliens', and more.
Here, we spoke to Brendan – reflecting on his career so far, what it's like to be part of Supanova, and the opportunities he's had in the industry.
You’ve helped bring the Mandalorian to life in such a powerful way – what’s it like embodying such an instantly iconic character?
It’s pretty incredible to just be a part of the 'Star Wars' universe that I grew up loving in any way, let alone as one of the pieces that helps create 'Mando'. I also know that the team is what creates his character whether it's first day on the job, PA or head of departments and executive producers like Jon Favreau. There is nothing iconic without all of us buying in and giving it all of our passion and creativity. Put it simply, I’m beyond grateful to be part of a team that has kept the standard of 'Star Wars' high.
You’re heading to Supanova in Perth and Sydney – how does it feel being part of these kinds of pop culture celebrations?
First and foremost, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to go to Sydney and Perth. What an incredible life I am living. To travel to Australia is a dream of mine and because of my work on 'Mando' I get to represent 'Star Wars' in a magical place. I love seeing the costumes and the meaning behind the looks and attendance. I am very fortunate to be a part of the fans' special day. I intend on making it as incredible as I can.
There’s a lot of mystery behind the helmet – do you enjoy that balance between anonymity and recognition that comes with playing Din Djarin?
Yes, I enjoy my anonymity in a personal sense. I am able to coach my daughters without interruption on the sidelines. I’m able to be a part of my community, coaching a local high school without interruption for the most part. Although, because 'Star Wars' spans generations, including high schoolers, a lot of them know who I am. I had a brief popular moment where I had to sign autographs before an away match. The referee had to come over and stop it so we could start the game.
Being part of 'Star Wars' is something many dream of – what’s been the biggest “pinch me” moment for you so far?
Rehearsing before season one was cool, but the one “pinch me” moment has to be day one of filming. I will never forget walking onto the back lot and prepping the battle to attack the camp holding the kid. Watching the stuntmen like Paul Darnell taking high falls and kicking down the doors to reveal Grogu in the Pram. It was next level. To be an adult walking on to a set built for your character by the best crew in any galaxy. Meeting Bryce Dallas Howard and learning from her. Carl Weathers, may he rest in peace, is an icon for me and to be able to call him a friend, I don’t know that I’m ever gonna get a better professional moment.
Conventions like Supanova are a chance for fans to really connect – what do those interactions mean to you personally?
For me, the fans are everything. I was taught young that if you’re gonna be in a profession that requires people to pay for something you are offering, then you better honour them by always demanding the best and that includes from myself when I am lucky enough to be at a convention with them. I do my best to share my experience and insight in a way that is relatable.
You’ve got a serious stunt and action background – how important is the physicality when it comes to portraying the Mandalorian?
For the record, I am not a stuntman nor have I ever been. I’ve been known to do some crazy things physically, but I have never been paid for them. Stunts is a specific job done by men and women who have trained mostly their whole lives to be great at their craft. That is why Lateef Crowder dos Santos has won two Emmys. I just happen to be a physical actor who really does enjoy doing as much as he possibly can in the suit. Physicality of any character that I’m about to portray is how I approach my craft. I am able to inform the the character I am portraying by radiating the energy, emotion and intention based on how I find him physically. I learned that the best way I can perform my character is by understanding where in his physiology the character radiates consistently. For example does he lead from his heart, gut, or head? This allows me to then find his emotional connection to his body and I work from there.
You’re part of a multi-generational Hollywood legacy – does that history shape the way you approach your work today?
It’s a great question because early on in my career I would say I did everything I could to shy away from my grandfather’s legacy. I knew I couldn’t compare to the Duke and so I thought I best run from it. Once I found out what works best for me as an actor I realised that it was a lot of the same things that worked best for him, and I imagine a lot of accomplished actors. I am very grateful for those that preceeded me and helped build the foundation that I stand on now.
You’ve worked on both 'The Mandalorian' and 'The Book Of Boba Fett' – how did those experiences compare for you as a performer?
Since 2018 I have been working in my favourite universe. Throughout the process, I’ve been able to work with many different directors, bringing their incredible vision and execution of storytelling. So it’s not just series to series but episode to episode that you might want to compare. He said that getting to pop into 'Book Of Boba Fett' and support the character Boba Fett, as well as Tam who portrays Boba, was awesome. I was able to enjoy a lot less responsibility day to day and develop a relationship with Robert Rodriguez that was incredible in the way he taught me to feed my creativity. When I’m doing 'Mando', there is a demand every day to be in a suit for training the character of the Mandalorian and making sure that the origin story is getting carried by Mando. So the biggest difference is the weight and responsibility and the biggest similarity is the love and joy I get out of doing it no matter where it is.
What do you hope fans take away from meeting you at Supanova – whether it’s a quick chat or hearing you speak on a panel?
I really hope they understand that this is a dream come true for me. Every time I get to don the helmet and walk into the greatest galaxy far, far away, it is incredible and I’m honoured to be a part of their experience. Also, we all put our pants on the same way so I’m no better or no worse than anyone just because I get to play Mando.
And just for fun – if you could suit up in any other fandom for a day, which character would you love to play and why?
I don’t know that there’s another character that I wish to play that’s already been portrayed, but I would love to be able to work in the franchise 'John Wick', with Keanu Reeves.
Supanova Comic Con & Gaming is on at Sydney Showground Olympic Park 21-22 June, and Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre 28-29 June.
