This is the Way! An Interview With Tait Fletcher, the Heavy-Duty Mando

This is an interview conducted with actor Tait Fletcher, who played both the Alpha Trawler and the Heavy Duty Mandalorian on Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

Fans of The Mandalorian know that the series has had many memorable characters and phrases. Among these stand-out characters was the Alpha Trawler from the pilot episode and the Heavy Duty Mandalorian/Paz Vizsla from Episode 3: “The Sin”.

Dork Side of the Force recently had a chance to interview the man who played those characters— Tait Fletcher.

JASON IVEY: Looking over your filmography on IMDB (Internet Movie Database) shows a long list of credits that are mainly villain roles. Are you pretty comfortable playing these types of characters, or what is your preference?

TAIT FLETCHER: The film business is a unique animal. I came up through stunts after a fight career and have learned a TON. As I travel this path, it seems to be similar to all others—one must create the life they desire. In that thinking I’m directing myself towards the facets of writing and creation…the art of purposeful storytelling…as opposed to being a part of another’s story.

I’m honored and proud of the steps I’ve taken to arrive at the skill sets I have, and am always striving to accrue more…this is the way

JI: Were you a Star Wars fan growing up? If so, do you have a fond memory that you could share?

TF: I remember waiting for tickets outside a brick movie house in Petoskey, Michigan. I was 7 or 8. I can still feel the sunlight and anticipation, mostly because the adults were signalling that this was a huge deal, and then when it began, the symphony, the motion and angle of the words…”in a galaxy far, far away….”. Well, I was just swept away….INTO outer space…imagination…possibility…I think Star Wars was, and has remained, a new hope for many of us.

JI: Do you have any favorite Star Wars character(s), movie(s) and/or other thing from the franchise?

TF: Boba Fett, all day….side order of Chewbacca as a first mate.

JI: How was your experience on the set of The Mandalorian? Was it as surreal as some fans might imagine it to be, or was it more like another day on the job? Was there a moment when you were like, ‘ I can’t believe I’m getting to do this,”? Did you get to have any input about the characters you played, like the outfit or weapons you carried?

TF: To play Alpha Trawler was likely the pinnacle day I’ve ever had on film. To have the entire production set up off my choices and positions and to carry that scene was just magical. I was in awe throughout it. It was a real honor and the kindness and top-tier professionalism that was the tone set by [Jon] Favreau and [Dave] Filoni provided a great place to land.

JI: You had the good fortune of not only playing one character, but two on The Mandalorian. As a matter of fact, your character, the Alpha Trawler, was the first villain that the title character fought. What can you tell us about that character? Do you know what language that was he was speaking?

TF: The language was Huttese and I was honored to present it in this memorialized way.

JI: What can you tell us about the Heavy Duty Mandalorian, Paz Vizla, that you played on The Mandalorian? Did you receive much of a backstory on this character and his connection to Pre Vizsla, the Mandalorian character that showrunner Jon Favreau did the voice over for on The Clone Wars series? Can we look forward to seeing him return? Oh, one other thing, was the Mando armor you wore as heavy and cumbersome as it looked?

TF: Playing Heavy Mando was an added honor that occurred throughout the audition and screening process. Jon saw me and thought it a great fit, and I, of course, was eager to don such a prestigious helmet (and role).

The armor fits as naturally as the weapons, this is our code, our religion, it is what we are, not what we are not. I can’t explain more.

JI: What other kinds of things are you a fan of? Do you have any special causes that you are passionate about?

TF: I’m super interested in curating hope amongst the hopeless and offering functional, sustainable footprints to those in need.

[Answer to the second question] They’re personal endeavors and I’ll say no more.

JI: If you had the opportunity to play in another popular film franchise which of these would be your dream job? Or, what would be your dream job, exactly?

TF: I find it more vital to create a life that is a dream — the jobs and what we do are wallpaper — .there are deeper things at play within the soul to pay attention to.

The “dream job” if I had to answer, is to be in creation and making art with friends. Myself, Keith Jardine and Donald Cerrone are up to exactly that.

"“Got a dream? Better get busy building it.”"

JI: Well said. Finally, what are some of your upcoming projects that fans can look forward to seeing you in?

TF: Little snippets on Magnum[P.I.]/Briarpatch, coming up on television, and we finished a dope movie called *“Henry and Rels Sci-fi project”, that should be out in the Fall 2020, along with a little piece on the epic, “The Harder They Fall”, Jay-Z produced, [Jeymes Samuel] directed western, which I’m super excited for.

I’m also continually working on one of my brands called Caveman Coffee, which is the dopest, tastiest cold brew on the market.

Much love to you all. Find me @taitfletcher on Instagram or, please check out my IMDB for updates!! 👊🏽 🏴 ☠️

"“Never let your memories get bigger than your dreams.”"

#PirateLife-it’s yours to form.

JI: This is the way. Thank you for your time Mr. Fletcher. We wish you the best of success.

Note: * Title of this film may be subject to change.

Next. The Mandalorian: Who was Mando?. dark

This is the Way! An Interview with Tait Fletcher, The Mandalorian’s Alpha Trawler and Heavy Duty Mando/Paz Vizsla

By Jason Ivey | Mar 4, 2020

This is an interview conducted with actor Tait Fletcher, who played both the Alpha Trawler and the Heavy Duty Mandalorian on Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

#PirateLife-it’s yours to form.

Other links to Tait Fletcher’s social media and places of interest: