Mercedes Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, has revealed that her role in the hit Star Wars series “The Mandalorian” was nearly jeopardized due to pushback from her former employer. In recent interviews, Moné shared insights into the challenges she faced while trying to balance her wrestling career with her budding acting opportunities.
Moné, who appeared in five episodes of “The Mandalorian” as Koska Reeves, a Mandalorian warrior, told Hot 97 that securing time for filming was a significant struggle. “I love WWE, but they tried so hard to not make me do The Mandalorian,” she said. “[They] put me on house shows when I was supposed to film. It was pulling teeth just to get on that show, just to be a part of that show.”
The wrestler-turned-actor further elaborated on the situation in an interview with WFAN, stating that WWE’s restrictive attitude was “definitely a big reason” for her departure to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2022. She contrasted her experiences, praising AEW’s flexibility: “Tony [Khan] says, whatever I need. If I need the private jet to go from filming in LA to coming for a show, it’s available for me.”
Moné’s role in “The Mandalorian” began in the second season, where she joined Bo-Katan Kryze’s (Katee Sackhoff) group of Mandalorians. Her character played a part in rescuing Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, while also being involved in the quest for the Darksaber and the reclamation of Mandalore.
Looking ahead, Moné expressed enthusiasm for potentially reprising her role as Koska Reeves in future Star Wars projects. With “The Mandalorian & Grogu” movie scheduled for a May 22, 2026 release, she hopes to be part of the film, especially if it involves the retaking of Mandalore as rumored.
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“Besides freakin’ Star Wars, I would love to be in a movie. I would love to put Koska Reeves in a Mandalorian movie. That would be incredible,” Moné told TV Insider, also expressing interest in other action-packed franchises like “Fast & Furious.”
The wrestler’s transition to acting has already seen some success beyond the Star Wars universe, with her feature film debut in the 2023 action movie “The Collective,” alongside Ruby Rose and Tyrese Gibson.
As “The Mandalorian & Grogu” begins to take shape, with Jon Favreau set to direct and only Pedro Pascal confirmed so far, fans and Moné alike are eager to see if Koska Reeves will make her big-screen debut in the Star Wars galaxy.
