Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, the actor who portrays theNew Republic’s Captain Carson Teva inThe Mandalorianand other “Mandoverse” titles, has revealed a surprising yet vitally important connection between his ranger character andPrincess Leia Organaherself. Carson Teva was first introduced inThe Mandalorianseason 2, episode 2 “Chapter 10: The Passenger” as one of the two X-wing pilots who chased and then savedDin Djarin, Grogu, and Frog Lady. Carson has since become one of the few “Mandoverse” characters to appear in all three of the subfranchise’s TV shows to date. His importance, however, is only just growing.
Lee spoke more about his character’s backstory to fellowThe Mandalorianstar and Bo-Katan Kryze actress Katee Sackhoff on her podcastThe Sackhoff Show, where he revealed the details of his initial phone call withThe Mandalorianexecutive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. “[Favreau and Filoni] didn’t give me a lot of details,” Lee told Sackhoff. “They just basically said ‘He’s from Alderaan, he’s like a…’ Jon said ‘He’s like a New York City cop.'” Up until this point, however, it was never officially known that Carson was from Alderaan, despite revealing he had served during its destruction.
What Carson Teva’s Leia Connection Means For Star Wars
Why Do Their Ties to Alderaan Matter?
Carson Teva being from Alderaan is a huge deal, especially given its tragic history in theStar Warsgalaxy. The only time Carson has ever mentioned Alderaan is inThe Mandalorianseason 2, when he tells Cara Dune that he “served” during Alderaan’s destruction. It’s unclear what exactly his role was, but either way, it still stands thatAlderaan has always been meant to play a core part in the story of the New Republic and its rangers- especially since Carson and Cara were meant to be the stars of thenow-canceledRangers of the New Republicspin-off TV show.
How Star Wars Reworked Cancelled TV Show Rangers of the New Republic
Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic may have been canceled years ago, but the show’s concepts and storylines continue to influence Star Wars.
Now that Leia is beginning to enter the story with her intervention (via C-3PO) atGeneral Hera Syndulla’s court hearing inAhsoka, which Carson Teva was also present at, it’s even more clear that all roads are leading back to Alderaan. This is a big deal forStar Wars; the franchise has, for the most part, ignored the massive impact of that tragedy. Everyone seemed to simply move on, especially once the Death Star was destroyed. Bringing Alderaan back into the fold after theGalactic Empire’s fall suggests that the planet’s destruction could finally be playing a larger role.
Star Wars Is Setting Up A Massive Role For Alderaan
This Tragedy Could Become the New Republic’s Biggest Motivation
Between Leia, Cara, and Carson, it looks very much like Alderaan is meant to begin playing a huge role in the future of theNew Republic era. Though I’m well aware that Cara is no longer a foundational part ofThe Mandalorian’s story, her backstory and forgotten future still point towards Alderaan being destined for a bigger role in this overarching story. This isn’t even the first hint about Alderaan’s importance increasing as the years go by;Star Warsleft its first hint back in 2016’sBloodlineby Claudia Gray.
Purchase Bloodline by Claudia Gray on Amazon
Written as a tie-in for the sequelStar Warstrilogy,Bloodlinedepicts a scene where a statue is being unveiled on Hosnian Prime in honor of Bail Organa, Leia’s late adoptive father - and, of course, the senator and fearless leader of Alderaan. It stands to reason, then, that Alderaan and Alderaanians will continue to become a core part of the New Republic and its future. Likely serving as a symbol of warning,Alderaan’s tragedy could be the reason why the New Republic finally mobilizesagainst the looming threat ofThe Mandalorian’sImperial RemnantandGrand Admiral Thrawn.
The Mandalorian & Grogu, the upcomingThe Mandalorianspin-off movie, hits theaters June 22, 2025.
The Mandalorian
Cast
Released on July 14, 2025 The Mandalorian follows a lone gunfighter navigating the galaxy’s outer reaches after the Galactic Empire’s fall. As a skilled bounty hunter, he operates in a lawless universe, undertaking various missions on the fringes of the New Republic’s territories.
