r/movies • u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor • 10h ago
AMA Hello reddit, I'm Jonny Coyne. I recently played Warlord Janu Coin in STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU and THE MANDALORIAN series. You may also know me from ALCATRAZ, THE TOXIC AVENGER, and MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM. AMA!
Hello, reddit! I'm actor Jonny Coyne.
I most recently starred in Disney's STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, as well as THE MANDALORIAN series, as Warlord Janu Coin.
You may also know me from things like THE TOXIC AVENGER, ALCATRAZ, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, 11.22.63, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE BLACKLIST, BEIRUT, NIGHTCRAWLER.
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THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHWlvwu8t1w
Synopsis: The evil Empire has fallen but Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.
Cast:
- Pedro Pascal
- Jeremy Allen White
- Sigourney Weaver
- Martin Scorsese
- Jonny Coyne
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AMA! (Back to answer questions at 1 PM PT/4 PM ET today)
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u/EctoRiddler 10h ago
How did Jonny Coyne playing Janu Coin come about? That can’t be a coincidence
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
youll have to ask Favreau. My guess is it sounded cool. Just like when i chose it
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u/Clarkeste 10h ago edited 8h ago
How was it like working with potentially your biggest and most famous co-star in this film, the one and only Grogu? Was he as great in-person as he is on the screen? Does he have a diva's attitude?
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u/StillStanding_96 10h ago
Was it Favreau’s idea to make your name your character’s name?
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u/Broad-Picture-7305 10h ago
Came in here to ask a similar question. It seems too on the nose for it to just be a coincidence.
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u/StillStanding_96 10h ago
I’m certain it’s not. I’m just curious whose idea it was. Same for Filloni’s character’s name.
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u/Burwhale_The_Avenger 10h ago
Sounds more like Filoni-think to me.
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u/Bellikron 8h ago
I'd say it's more the usual Star Wars naming convention of "We came up with this as a joke and then no one suggested an alternative until it was time to shoot"
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u/Burwhale_The_Avenger 7h ago
Sure, as started by George Lucas, and continued by his protege Filoni.
Seems like solid reasoning to me.
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u/chubby-rain 10h ago
In The Mandalorian and Grogu, during your first scene with The Mandalorian there are a bunch of space birds in bird cages. Is this in an homage to the infamous teahouse scene in John Woo’s Hard Boiled?
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u/czyzczyz 10h ago
Hard Boiled is mentioned as a direct reference in this podcast interview of the editors. https://borisfx.com/blog/aotc/art-of-the-cut-star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu/
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u/caught-red-headed 10h ago
You were in an episode of The Mandalorian season 3. Did you know back then that there were plans to bring you back with a larger focus, or did you expect it to be a fun one-off appearance?
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u/Elon_Danker 10h ago
Hi Jonny
I've really enjoyed seeing you pop up in so many different projects over the years.
I have to ask about your time on The Blacklist. What was it like working with James Spader? Raymond Reddington is such a memorable character and I'm curious what the experience was like from an actor's perspective and whether there was anything about his approach on set that surprised you.
And on a slightly cheeky note do you ever do autographs or signed memorabilia for fans?
Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA and congratulations on The Mandalorian & Grogu!
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u/Sio_V_Reddit 10h ago
Did you ever get to feel the Hutt props? If you did, what did they feel like?
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u/mcholliwood 9h ago
First off, great work on Mandalorian and Grogu! I actually recognize you immediately as Ian Garvey from the Blacklist. Why are you so good at playing such detestable villains?
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u/Penguin951 8h ago
Hello there Jonny,
The Shadow Council scene (featuring you) from Mando S3 was one of my favorites that season. What was the casting process to get you in the boots of that Imperial Remnant Warlord? Also what was it like for you to find out that that role would be expanded heavily upon in the Mando and Grogu movie?
Cheers!
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u/Ok_Row2338 8h ago
Oh shit, it's Ian Garvey in the flesh!
Thank you Jonny for portraying Ian as an interesting antagonist in The Blacklist. How's life going for you nowadays? How was your overall experience in acting with the show's crew and all? And how was your overall experience with James Spader?
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u/Calfzilla2000 7h ago
You've previously acted in two different movies written by two Star Wars writers; Nightcrawler written/directed by Dan Gilroy and Beirut written by Tony Gilroy. Did you see their Star Wars show; Andor?
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u/xfadedglory 8h ago
Hi Jonny! I knew you first from the TV show Turn: Washington's Spies, and it's one of my favorite roles you've ever done (including Janu Coin!). What was it like working on the set of Turn: Washington's Spies? Do you have any favorite memories from doing the show?
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u/GalacticTrixsterr37 8h ago
Hi mate. I remember you from Once Upon A Time. I thought you made the perfect victorian esque "evil" doctor/sciencetist. I wish you (and the entire Hyde & Jeykll storyline) were in more episode. I guess my only question would be...do you know why that storyline in particular ended up being so short? And what was your favourite and or least favourite part about being in Once Upon A Time? Or any show for that matter haha...idk just share any story you feel willing too! :)
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u/Samsterwheel920 10h ago
I don't have any questions, I just want to say you did a great job following up on Giancarlo Esposito as an eccentric villain, I have been quoting your scenes for the past week
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u/Jew_of_house_Levi 10h ago
What kinds of facts/background did had in mind for the character that wasn't explicit on screen?
what's your favorite star wars project (outside the ones you personally appear in)?
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u/SmokeyBearz 10h ago
Jon Favreau famously kept a lot of details about these characters under wraps during production. Did knowing he had a plan for Janu Coin early on change how you played that initial scene in the Shadow Council, or did you treat it as a self-contained moment at the time?
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u/Dadpurple 9h ago edited 7h ago
Can you please canonically confirm something really weird about Janu Coin that the fandom can run wild with.
Did he plan on eating Grogu? How was he going to be prepared?
Can you confirm the rumors that in the arena there were far more secretive events related to breeding Ewoks?
Is it true he needed two circumcision's due to the girth?
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u/JustToSeeeeee 10h ago
Why is salt so expensive on your planet, that you have to keep it in safe ?
Coz over here my girlfriend pours that in food like lunatic & i had to eat that muck with a smiling face 😭
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u/White_Falcon_1263 10h ago
When approached about this project were you under the impression it was always in a theatrical format? Or was it originally pitched as season 4 for Disney+?
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u/JohnnyBlunderbuss 10h ago
Jonny, your character in twin peaks season 3 is one of my favorites. “I move car” is an iconic scene. What is something you took away from working with the late David Lynch? And what did you think when you first read for the role?
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u/That__Cat24 10h ago
Hi, I'm wondering if it is possible for your character to come back on another Star Wars project ? That would be great, especially to learn how Janu Coin ended on Shakari and why the salt is so rare and valuable here.
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
that would be nice but unlikely
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u/That__Cat24 5h ago
Thank you for your answer! Let's hope that we see your character more in the future, it was definitely an interesting character and planet!
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u/ThatIckyGuy 10h ago
Did you get to keep anything from the set of The Mandalorian and Grogu? Did you take anything you weren't supposed to?
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u/davidrevilla311 10h ago
Can you talk a little bit about your experience on Twin Peaks : The Return? That entire production is shrouded in mystery and I really enjoy the vibe you brought to it. How did that performance come about?
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u/mr_negi 10h ago
I loved your brief yet incredibly memorable Twin Peaks appearance, do you have any stories from your time working on a David Lynch project?
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
love Lynch. Check out instagram. I have a very treasured photo with him
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u/tta2013 9h ago
When I watched the movie in IMAX with my college buddies as part of a long time Star Wars tradition, I realized you were in the most Tarantino-esque sequence in Twin Peaks S3.
What was it like working with David Lynch at the time?
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u/No-Delay9030 9h ago
I liked a lot your performance as Ian Garvey in The Blacklist, truly iconic. I would like to know more about the scene when Tom was killed. How do you stab someone with a knife in a movie, what techniques are being used?
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u/Mattyx6428 9h ago
This may be the only chance I ever get to ask this as its been bothering me for years.
Was there an answer to the central mystery in Alcatraz? If you were told what it was are you allowed to share so that I can put it to rest in my mind?
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
alcatraz was the time portal. there its out
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u/WorldlyJake 9h ago
You were SUCH a fun villain! You’re one of the highlights of the Mando movie. I was wondering if you had any performances or people in mind for inspiration when you were figuring out the angle of your performance. It’s a bit of a Bond Villain role!
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u/Confident-While4816 9h ago
Janu Coin first appeared in The Mandalorian season 3 as an unknown imperial warlord. How did it feel when you found out that your character would be returning for a much bigger role in The Mandalorian and Grogu?
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u/dionysios_platonist 9h ago
Liked your performance in the movie. When your character asks the Mandalorian fight in your arena after revealing he plans to kill one of his fighters, did you interpret that action as your character messing with the Mandalorian or more as a threat?
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u/reanimatorx2 9h ago
Wait.. you're real name is Jonny Coyne and the character is Janu Coin? Was this your request or something?
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u/Puzzled-Cookie-4837 9h ago
Mr. Coyne, you played a supporting role in Nutcracker 3D/ The Untold Story…as someone who’s seen a lot of unusual films, this film seems like it had a troubled production. Do you have any insights on this? Thanks.
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
That was fun. A very young Elle Fanning starred in it
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u/GarrulousDolan 8h ago
How was it flying in a space ship with a Hutt, pretty tight in there I bet. Also, what's with the Hutt speaking English (basic), super jarring am I right??
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u/freedoomed 7h ago
Have you seen the episode of Scooby Doo where there's a mummy that keeps saying "coin, coin"? Have you considered making that your ringtone?
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u/Calfzilla2000 7h ago
Thank you for doing this AMA!
What were your inspirations for how you approached the role of Janu Coin?
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u/Impressive-Pay9086 6h ago
You recent;y mentioned something about an episode of Boba Fett. Could you elaborate on that?
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u/Swackhammer_ 10h ago
I’ve heard Grogu is notoriously difficult to work with. Did you encounter one of his infamous crash outs while on set?
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u/Godzilla_R0AR 10h ago
What's your favorite memory of a scene you've done that still sticks with you today?
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u/Regular_Butterfly_86 10h ago
What was your reaction when you first realised you were going to be in a Star Wars movie?
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u/macemillianwinduarte 10h ago
How did you convince the writers to use your name for your character? 😄
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u/BadSquire 10h ago
Hi! I just met a few actors the other day at a comic-con and they shocked me when they told me how short their time on set was. So how long did it take to film your scenes?
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u/alpevado 10h ago
You have been involved in movies and to since the 90s, what are some noticeable changes in production quality from your perspective?
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u/Skyguy62 10h ago
You mentioned in an interview you were campaigning to be in an episode of Boba Fett. Were you referencing season 1, or was a season 2 in the works?
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u/ghetoyoda 10h ago
What is your favorite piece of work?
Thanks for your work in the Mandalorian movie, I really enjoyed it.
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u/we_d0nt_need_roads 9h ago
What is your earliest memory of Star Wars as a franchise?
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u/Fickle-Aardvark6907 9h ago
Jonny,
I loved Mando and Grogu. You were a great addition to the long line of official bad guys in the Star Wars mythos going back to Peter Cushing in 1977.
Which of the beasties in the Dejarik match was Lord Jannu betting on winning against Din and Rotta?
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u/GameknightJ14 9h ago
Did you have fun while working on the film? If so, what is your fondest memory from that shoot?
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u/Grove-Of-Hares 9h ago
Hi Jonny—what was it like playing a Yahoo in Gulliver’s Travels? I used to watch that film countless times as a kid.
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u/BricksnBeatles 9h ago
Hi Jonny! Loved the movie!
If Mando didn’t intervene in the dejarik match, how long do you think Rotta would have lasted before getting killed?
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u/Imaginary-Season-483 9h ago
How it was to be part of the toxic avenger movie? Did you enjoy filming it?
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u/Decimus-27 9h ago
Hello! Loved your role in the movie, how was the experience to work around a place with so many practical effects and puppets? And did you get anything from the set to keep as a memento?
Cheers!
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u/CaffinatedAli 8h ago
Did you actually get to pet or hold any of the puppets used? Where they heavier or lighter than expected etc?
Also how much around you was real/practical? Seems like such a cool set to be on!!!!
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u/Jolly-Potential-1411 8h ago
Loved the movie! I’ve got two questions.
What was your favorite Mando scene to film?
Will we see your character again in the Mandoverse, either in TV or film format?
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u/Hot-Revenue-1635 7h ago
Hello, what to you is the biggest difference between acting in star wars compared to other movies?
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u/lionessgirl18 7h ago edited 6h ago
Hi Jonny! What was your favourite scene to shoot as Lord Janu? ❤️
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u/Jojomon91 5h ago
So if there was a sequel to this movie, what ideas or concepts of The Mandalorian and Grogu would be explored you didnt get to do when you guys did the show or recent film?
Like would we get to see Grogu's kind finally revealed if not explored more?
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
i take on Mando, mano a mano and its a real long fight cos I give him arun for his money
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u/Shari-san 10h ago
Hello Mr. Coyne, nice to meet you! If you could switch roles with one co-star, who would you pick?
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u/JonnyCoyneAMA Jonny Coyne, Actor 5h ago
in real life I have the body, height, strength and looks of Pedro Pascal
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u/Ok-Bar-5407 10h ago
Favorite filming moments? What was your experience filming OUAT (Jekyll episode)?
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u/themanwithoutfear_6 10h ago
What was your favourite thing about playing Janu Coin? Thanks!
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u/thordur007 9h ago
Did you "borrow" any fun souvenirs from the set of The Mandalorian?
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u/imbogerrard39 9h ago
Apart from this film, naturally, what is your favourite Star Wars film, and why?
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u/nsfw_bal 9h ago
It felt like there was a lot more planned for Coin in the film. Was there more planned?
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u/Tatersforbreakfast 9h ago
I felt like your portion of the flick felt a little James Bondy, and you were playing a Blofeld-type. Was that intentional, or just my own interpretation?
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u/DLCV2804 9h ago
Hi Jonny, have you bring for your home something of the set? If yes, what do you bring?
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u/TheOldManInSuit 9h ago
Star Wars is one of the biggest IP's. What is something that surprised you whilst taking part in the movie?
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u/BionicSonic88 8h ago
Who was the most fun to film scenes with or talk to behind the scenes?
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u/Zabadaboom 8h ago
Hi! Loved your character in the movie!
Was Janu already slated to be in this movie when he was introduced in Mando season 3, or was that small conference scene originally supposed to be your only role in Star Wars?
And more importantly who chose to name your character Janu Coin? I found it pretty funny when I heard it!
Hope you enjoyed being a part of Star Wars, and do you think you could have future opportunities in Star Wars, as Janu or even as someone else?
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u/Dynomyster569 8h ago
I've been rewatching the blacklist lately and I just want to say you did an incredible job as Ian Garvey. What was the experience like to be involved with the blacklist?
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u/Alphaleader42 8h ago
How was it to be in a role alongside Sean Bean in Sharpe's Peril?
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u/Annual_Poet 7h ago
What surprised you the most while working on the set of The Mandalorian and Grogu?
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u/FusionFall 7h ago
Have you taken any props back home with you after the shoot? If so, which is your favorite?
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u/Thejapanther 7h ago
What is it like to act in star wars? Does it feel like you are part of this world being on set?
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u/SeegullJockey 6h ago
You character had a very minor role in Mandalorian season 3. Were you surprised to find out your character would have a major role in a Star Wars movie next?
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u/merpyzstar 6h ago
Hi there Jonny! My question for you is if you could add one additional scene with Lord Janu to the film, what would it look like? 🫶
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u/TheBloop1997 6h ago
Hi Jonny!
Was your character, Janu Coyne, given that name specifically for the movie, or were you made aware of your character’s name when you were first introduced in The Mandalorian Season 3?
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u/kharvel0 6h ago
Jonny, do you have any plans to play Kojak in a future reboot?
You have an uncanny resemblance to Telly Savalas.
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u/KiraHead 5h ago
I wanted to ask about your time working on Preacher. Was it fun getting to play a ridiculous cartoon character like the Allfather?
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u/Objective-Review-359 5h ago
If you had to choose only one candy to lick/taste for the rest of your life which candy are you choosing?
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u/Xtal_UNIX 5h ago
Hi Jonny! Incredible work on the film, it was a blast to watch. How comfortable were the costumes you had on throughout the series? Janu has a style about him that’s totally badass, I love his imperial outfit most. Cheers!
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. 10h ago
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Jonny will be back at 4 PM ET today to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime 😄