The characters are both fatherlike and have PTSD, yeah, but the actual acting? They are entirely different human beings who show different reactions and emotional cadences, where Din’s childhood trauma has him become the savior of himself (Grogu) - there is little anger, mostly fear which is rebuffed by his dedication to his religion, the other thing that saved him. Joel’s fear on the other hand is rebuffed by his anger. Him saving Ellie is something that he almost seems to regret because it makes him that much more afraid, but also fights through it because it’s worth it to have a chance at being a father again. He’s also an older character which he does well and probably helps a bit with that separation.

I’d say yes, the characters have similar aspects to them, but between his portrayal and the wider scope of both characters I think they’re actually quite different. Plus, in Mando he’s legitimately in the costume most of the time so not just him always, just his voice and sometimes body.

Not as a slight against Chris Pratt for this example but compare Starlord to his character in Jurassic Park - besides their backstories how they are portrayed is basically the same, down to how he cries over loss of a loved one. I don’t think it’s entirely his fault, it’s likely a symptom of the industry/writing opportunities/directing but they are pretty stark contrasts. Like for 2 characters to be so wildly different and get portrayed so similarly, compared to the 2 similar father-like characters who are portrayed so differently. When Pascal cries it’s a range from insanity (WW84) to dismay and grief (TLoU) to pain and relief (Mando)