Brendan Wayne Saddles Up to Talk 'Hats & Helmets' - Interview
Brendan Wayne, grandson of Hollywood Icon John Wayne Fills His Own Boots with his new podcast, 'Hats & Helmets with Brendan Wayne.'
Brendan Wayne and I found common ground before the interview officially began. A shared appreciation for boxing, Star Wars and the Orange County coastline quickly broke the ice, setting the stage for a conversation that stretched far beyond the armor of one of television’s most recognizable heroes.
Wayne, the grandson of Hollywood icon John Wayne and the actor inside the beskar armor portraying Din Djarin in “The Mandalorian,” is entering a new phase of his career with the launch of, “Hats & Helmets with Brendan Wayne,” a podcast that reflects a lifelong passion for storytelling and the creative people behind it.
Having debuted July 8, 2026, the series shifts Wayne from in front of the camera to behind the microphone, where he explores the art and craft of storytelling with actors, writers, directors, producers and other creatives whose work shapes film, television, books and pop culture. The podcast is also a family affair, produced by his daughter, Celia, making it one of the most personal projects of his career.
For Wayne, storytelling has always been more than an occupation. It is part of a family legacy that began long before audiences knew him as the armored Mandalorian. While carrying one of Hollywood’s most recognizable last names comes with expectations, Wayne has steadily built a career that stands on its own, blending the classic traditions of Western filmmaking with modern action franchises.
That balance is perhaps most evident in “The Mandalorian,” where Wayne physically embodies the title character in many of the series’ action and performance sequences. Working alongside Pedro Pascal, who provides the character’s voice and dramatic performance, and stunt performer Lateef Crowder, the trio has created one of the most beloved heroes in the modern Star Wars universe. Their collaboration continues in Lucasfilm’s upcoming feature film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” bringing Din Djarin’s story from Disney+ to the big screen.
The podcast’s premiere episode reunites Wayne with Crowder, a two-time Emmy Award winner whose work has become synonymous with some of the franchise’s most memorable action sequences. Rather than focusing solely on finished productions, the conversation examines the collaboration, preparation and creative process that audiences rarely get to see.
Future episodes promise a similar approach, pulling back the curtain on how memorable stories are conceived, refined and ultimately brought to life. Wayne hopes to spotlight not only familiar faces but also the writers, filmmakers and craftspeople whose contributions often remain behind the scenes.
The podcast also represents a milestone for Wayne personally. Collaborating with his daughter has transformed the project into something that extends beyond entertainment, allowing two generations of the Wayne family to work together while continuing a storytelling tradition that spans decades.
Although, “Star Wars” has introduced Wayne to millions of fans around the world, his résumé reaches well beyond a galaxy far, far away. Throughout his career he has appeared in projects including, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, “Sons of Anarchy” and “Cowboys & Aliens,” demonstrating a versatility that has allowed him to move comfortably between television, feature films, Westerns and action-driven storytelling.
As “Hats & Helmets” begins building its audience, Wayne finds himself in a unique position. He is preserving the legacy of one of Hollywood’s most famous families while establishing a voice that is distinctly his own, one that is centered around sharing stories of unsung heroes.
Follow Brendan Wayne on Instagram @therealbrendanwayne.
Listen to “Hats & Helmets with Brendan Wayne,” on YouTube and Audible.