[00:08] Host Krystina Arielle introduces Giancarlo Esposito, expressing immense excitement and calling the interview one of the highlights of her life. She notes that he has spent his career playing conniving, malevolent, and heinous characters on screen, but is one of the most charming, kind, and warm human beings off screen. She jokingly warns the audience not to scuff his Air Jordans or they will end up on the wrong side of the Darksaber. [01:17] Esposito walks out to loud cheers, telling the crowd, “I love all of you.” Arielle notes that her mother is probably screaming from home watching them on stage together. Channeling the Inner Child [01:41] Arielle asks what it has been like to be a part of the Star Wars universe for the past few years. [01:47] Esposito describes the experience as a dream come true. He explains that he has been channeling his inner child and calls it a wonderful thing to be living in an age of wonder, enchantment, joy, and anticipation. Playing the Bad Guy [02:10] Arielle asks why one of the nicest people in real life always plays the best villains in television and movies. [02:19] Esposito laughs and jokes that perhaps in a past life he was blessed with being a demon, so he is now exorcising all of his demons to be the good person he truly is. He shifts to a more serious answer, explaining his philosophy on acting. He states that he actively thinks about his audience and how they will see him. Whether he is playing someone good, bad, or evil, he commits to the role completely, always looking for ways to uplift people through his art because he is inspired by the fans. Collaborating with the Creators [03:02] Arielle praises the gravitas he brings to the screen and asks him to share some of his favorite moments from filming the new season of The Mandalorian. [03:26] Esposito teases the crowd by saying he cannot talk about some of his favorite moments yet, but promises that the upcoming season will blow their minds. He then shares that his favorite backstage moments involve the creative team of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. He explains how honored he feels that they treat him as a true collaborator who has something valuable to offer. He thanks them for inspiring him, noting that when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. [04:41] Esposito gives the crowd an intense stare and slips into the character of Moff Gideon, delivering the famous line, “You have something I want.” However, he quickly turns it into a positive message for the fans, declaring, “I want your joy. I want your creativity. I want your life force. I want you to share with others and I want you to be in service to each other.” The Power of the Fans [05:22] Arielle asks what Star Wars Celebration has been like for him and what it feels like to revel in the fans’ appreciation. [05:35] Esposito calls it the best show he has ever been to. He explains that the energy from the fans uplifts him and helps him stay present in the moment. He tells the audience that seeing them so excited about the franchise shows him that they are excited about life itself. He adds that as he matures, he understands that life is not about the “I and the me,” but rather the “we and the us.” [06:54] Arielle asks if there is any final message he would like to leave with the fans. [07:02] Esposito explains that he comes to conventions specifically to spread a message of joy, love, and hope. He wants to serve as an example to the fans that they can achieve their goals too. He tells the crowd that the only walls built up against them are the ones they build in their own hearts and minds. He concludes with an inspiring piece of advice: “What you do today determines your tomorrow. If you spend 10 minutes visualizing what your dream is, you will achieve it. Dream big, dream large, and dream long.”