I Think This Guy Is My Favorite Character Of The Disney Era

I’ll be honest – Carson Teva (and the actor who plays the role – Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) might just be my favorite character of the Disney era in Star Wars.

Sure, he’s not a Jedi or some legendary hero, but that’s exactly what makes him so great.

Carson’s that down-to-earth, everyman figure who feels like he’s just out there doing the job because someone has to, and he brings this refreshing realism to the galaxy.

Here’s why he’s won me over and a few facts that just make him even more awesome.

Just a Regular Guy Trying to Make a Difference

One of the best things about Carson is that he’s relatable.

He’s not flashy or super-powered; he’s just out there patrolling the Outer Rim, handling whatever Imperial remnants or pirate problems come his way.

Think of him as the Wedge Antilles of this era – a regular pilot just doing his part. Carson is the guy who brings order to overlooked corners of the galaxy, and he’s not in it for the glory.

This is a guy who probably sees himself as just doing his job, but it’s that dedication that makes him feel so real.

Honestly, sometimes it’s not the chosen ones that stand out the most; it’s the folks who just show up day after day, holding the line. Carson’s one of those guys.

A Moral Compass with Sharp Instincts

Carson Teva’s strong sense of justice and sharp instincts make him a unique and essential character in the Star Wars galaxy.

He truly believes the New Republic is better than the Empire – not just for its ideals but for how it treats people.

When he talks to Cara Dune in The Mandalorian, he insists, “There’s something going on out here. They don’t believe it on the Core Worlds, but it’s true… They need to be stopped before it’s too late.”

Carson recognizes the threat of the Empire’s remnants before most others, tirelessly warning Republic leaders despite facing bureaucratic obstacles.

But Carson’s dedication goes beyond just seeing the big picture. He’s perceptive and intuitive, picking up on subtle clues that others miss.

When investigating Imperial activity, he asks the right questions, makes crucial connections, and isn’t afraid to act on his findings, even when it means stepping out of line.

Carson is more than just an X-wing pilot – he’s a protector, driven to keep people safe and embody the true values of the Republic.

The Actor’s a Huge Star Wars Nerd Too

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, the guy who plays Carson, isn’t just an actor – they pulled a real Star Wars nerd into the role.

He’s a member of the 501st Legion, which is basically the big leagues for Star Wars cosplayers.

This is the guy who probably knows more about Star Wars trivia than any of us, and he has a massive collection of Star Wars figures at home.

And he’s got a YouTube channel, “Bitter Asian Dude,” where he shares all his nerdy passions, Star Wars included.

You get the feeling that Paul is one of us, and knowing that he’s as much a fan as anyone makes him feel like a real part of the Star Wars family.

When Deborah Chow (who directed some episodes of The Mandalorian) realized that he’d be a perfect fit, she went all-in to get him on board.

She even sent photos of Lee in his Star Wars cosplay gear to the show’s producers, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau.

Lee had actually built an X-wing pilot costume himself, down to every last detail. Filoni joked that Lee could just show up in his own outfit, and honestly, he nearly could’ve!

When he was eventually called onto set, it was a dream come true for him. He got to meet Jon Favreau, tour the Mandalorian sets, and watch the crew shoot scenes from Season One.

Chow even gave him a tour of the season one set, which he repaid by showing her around the Kim’s Convenience set later.

At one point, they gave him Biggs Darklighter’s helmet as a stand-in since his own helmet was still being painted. You can only imagine the excitement he felt.

For someone who’s loved Star Wars all his life, this was like getting called to the big leagues.

The Guy’s Just Down-to-Earth in Real Life

If you’ve ever met Paul Sun-Hyung Lee at a convention, you know he’s humble and genuinely down-to-earth.

He doesn’t see himself as a big deal; he’s more like “just a regular trooper” who got lucky enough to be on screen.

There’s even a story of him staying in the background during a group photo because he didn’t want to take the spotlight.

That kind of humility is rare, especially with someone stepping into such an iconic franchise.

He’s Uncle Iroh Too, If You Didn’t Know

As if Star Wars wasn’t enough, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee also portrays Uncle Iroh in Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The crossover appeal is perfect – Carson Teva as “Space Iroh” just makes sense.

Both characters have that calm wisdom and kindness that fans adore, and Paul’s knack for taking on these mentor-like, steady roles cements him as a favorite in both fandoms.

Beyond his personality, Carson’s unique style in Star Wars sets him apart. While many characters stick to one outfit, Carson brings variety.

We see him in his classic X-wing suit, a New Republic jacket, and even custom patches that give him a bit of personality.

His evolving look adds realism and hints at a life beyond the main action – plus, it’s just cool to see.

The Show That Could’ve Been Rangers of the New Republic

I’ll say it – I was disappointed when Rangers of the New Republic got scrapped.

There was a good chance Carson would have been one of the main characters in that show, diving deeper into the New Republic’s struggles in the Outer Rim.

Carson is exactly the kind of character who could’ve carried that series, with his mix of justice-driven morals and investigative instinct.

It’s a missed opportunity for sure, but I’m still holding out hope we’ll see more of him in future series or maybe even a movie.

In the End, Carson Is the Hero We Didn’t Know We Needed

At the end of the day, Carson Teva’s a guy who’s out there doing the hard work.

He may not have a lightsaber or a destiny to fulfill, but he’s someone you can count on to do the right thing, even when no one’s looking.

In a galaxy full of flashy heroes and epic battles, sometimes you just need a guy like Carson – a steady hand, a strong moral compass, and a little bit of swagger.

That’s the kind of hero I think the galaxy needs, and it’s why he’s become my favorite.