You may not be aware that the sign language displayed by the Tusken raiders seen in The Mandalorian is far more than just hinting at an alien language. Deaf actor Troy Kotsur actually developed TSL – Tusken Sign Language, for the show and he discusses that with Renca Dunn at The Daily Moth.
RENCA DUNN: You mentioned that you were a Star Wars fan since how old?
TROY KOTSUR: Eight years old! I have been a fan since that age. Remember that in the year of 1977, technology was limited and accessibility for Deaf people were limited, but that Star Wars movie blew my mind. It changed my life. Why? It was like “wet-eyes” – so visual for me. For the first 5 minutes, remember the opening of that movie? The spaceships shooting, the robots, C-3P0 scrambling, and all of that overwhelmed my eyes. I watched it 28 times. I watched the movie “Star Wars: A New Hope” 28 times.
RENCA DUNN: Oh wow!
TROY KOTSUR: My hearing parents were probably annoyed, but they were fine with it because they would go food shopping every time and then picked me up when the movie was over.
RENCA DUNN: Wow! Well, I am curious of your view on the Star Wars movies from back in the old days and up until today with all the modern technology in the movies. Do you miss the old days with how Star Wars movies were made? Or do you like the modern technology used today?
TROY KOTSUR: Good question. Good question. You would need to ask people like your parents’ age and your grandparents, what the best movie they have seen. I am sure they would say “Gone with the Wind” movie. Because it was the first movie with colors, had a swear word, and other things. So, like that- Star Wars was our first experience of seeing new things that blew my mind. I do wonder what the next generation’s movie “inspiration” would be. I am sure that is your experience too.
