Human Interest The Maskalorian Is a' Star Wars' Fan Who Dresses Up to Give Away Free Masks Filmmaker Matt Adams is encouraging people to wear masks by dressing up in a Star Wars-inspired costume By Jason Hahn Jason Hahn Jason Hahn is a former Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. He started at PEOPLE's Los Angeles Bureau as a writer and reporter in 2017 and interviewed the likes of Kobe Bryant, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Brady. He has a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 4, 2022 04:38 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Chad Nicholson While he may look similar to the Star Wars character known as the Mandalorian, the bounty hunter tasked with protecting a young creature named Grogu, the Maskalorian has a very different purpose: protecting people from COVID-19. During the pandemic, the Maskalorian has worn the helmet made famous by Din Djarin in Disney+'s Mandalorian series — all while on a quest to give out free face masks. Footage from the mask giveaways has been shared on the Maskalorian TikTok channel, which has amassed more than 21,000 followers and garnered millions of views. The Maskalorian has surprised people with masks in New York City, Vienna and other places around the world (including on airplane flights). "I just kind of wanted to see, I wonder if I can encourage people in a playful and humorous way," 43-year-old filmmaker Matt Adams, who portrays the Maskalorian, told the Washington Post of his mission. We Tested Tons of Face Masks So You Don't Have To — and These Are the 18 Best L: Caption . PHOTO: R: Caption . PHOTO: Chad Nicholson Adams told the outlet that his version of the famous Star Wars character is much happier compared to the rugged one from the series, played by Pedro Pascal. "It's kind of like the Mandalorian with a smile under his helmet," he told the Post. "The Mandalorian on vacation." And like the Mandalorian, the Maskalorian also has a tiny green friend he carries around, but this miniature alien is named Masku instead of Grogu. This Stylish $2 Disposable Face Mask Is Taking Over Hollywood Many Maskalorian videos include Adams' wife, Simone Adams, who dresses up as a character who resembles "The Armorer" from The Mandalorian. "Would you like a mask?" Simone, of the Center for Digital Teaching and Learning at the University of Graz in Austria, said to a group of friends in one of the couple's YouTube videos. "It's made of white beskar," she explained to one of the friends, playfully referencing the durable metal in the Star Wars universe. "It will protect you when you're inside." RELATED VIDEO: Double Emmy Nominee Giancarlo Esposito on Why 'The Mandalorian' Might Have a Better Virtual After Party Than 'Better Call Saul' Adams says the joyful expressions he receives from onlookers have made his efforts worthwhile. "It's not an easy time right now," he told the Post. "If you can provide a break in their day, for me, it doesn't get any better than that."