The Mandalorian and Grogu is the next big-screen chapter in the Star Wars saga, starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin and the beloved Grogu — better known to fans as “Baby Yoda.” Directed by Jon Favreau, the film brings the Emmy-winning series into theaters for the very first time, with new characters, bigger stakes, and plenty of galaxy-spanning adventure.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Release Date
The film is officially set to premiere in theaters on May 22, 2026. This puts it at the center of Disney and Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars slate, which also includes projects from Dave Filoni, James Mangold, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
While The Mandalorian Season 4 has been confirmed, Lucasfilm has not announced its release window. Some industry insiders suggest that the movie may bridge storylines that would have originally been part of the next season.
How the Film Connects to The Mandalorian Series
Jon Favreau, who created The Mandalorian, returns to write and direct The Mandalorian and Grogu. The story follows directly from the Disney+ series, which introduced audiences to Din Djarin, a bounty hunter wandering the galaxy after the fall of the Empire, and Grogu, the mysterious Force-sensitive child who quickly became a cultural icon.
The series, which premiered in 2019, has run for three seasons and earned 15 Emmy Awards, praised for blending classic Star Wars nostalgia with new characters and innovative storytelling. Now, the film will expand that story with cinematic scope, showing how the bond between Din Djarin and Grogu has evolved as they take on new missions together.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Trailer
The first trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu teases a mix of action, heart, and Star Wars lore. Fans see Din Djarin and Grogu venturing into new territory, encountering allies and enemies alike. The footage includes:
- Din Djarin and Grogu reuniting with old allies
- Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver) as a key New Republic leader
- Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White), son of Jabba, appearing in an arena sequence
- High-stakes battles that capture the cinematic scale of Star Wars
It’s a trailer that balances explosive action with humor, emotional stakes, and Grogu’s trademark charm.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Cast
This film features a mix of returning favorites and exciting new additions:
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Pascal | Din Djarin / The Mandalorian | The armored bounty hunter who has become Grogu’s guardian and mentor. |
| Grogu | Himself | The Force-sensitive child, now officially Din’s apprentice. |
| Sigourney Weaver | Colonel Ward | A Rebel veteran and leader of the New Republic’s Adelphi Rangers, aiding Din and Grogu. |
| Jeremy Allen White | Rotta the Hutt | Jabba’s son, who controls an arena where Din and Grogu face deadly challenges. |
| Jonny Coyne | Imperial Warlord | One of the remnants of the Empire still threatening the galaxy. |
| Cameos | Zeb Orrelios (from Rebels), Anzellans (same species as Babu Frik) | Familiar Star Wars characters and species expanding the universe’s continuity. |
The Mandalorian and Grogu Plot
The official logline sets the stage:
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered across the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, it enlists the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.
From the trailer and early reports, here’s what we can piece together:
- Din Djarin and Grogu seek help from Colonel Ward (Weaver).
- They encounter Rotta the Hutt, who traps them in his arena to face a terrifying creature.
- The duo must survive, escape, and continue their mission to safeguard the fragile New Republic.
- Their journey will take them across dangerous corners of the galaxy, testing their bond as protector and apprentice.
Behind the Scenes and Production
- Director/Writer: Jon Favreau, co-written with Dave Filoni
- Filming: Took place in California between August–December 2024
- Music: Ludwig Göransson, returning after scoring The Mandalorian series
- Production Companies: Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios
- Format: Designed for IMAX and premium large formats to emphasize its cinematic scope
Why The Mandalorian and Grogu Matters for Star Wars
This film isn’t just another spin-off; it represents a turning point for Star Wars storytelling. It’s the first theatrical Star Wars release since The Rise of Skywalker (2019) and bridges Disney+ streaming content with the cinematic experience.
It also cements Din Djarin and Grogu as central figures in the franchise’s future, while pulling in beloved legacy actors like Sigourney Weaver and fan-favorite lore like the Hutts and the New Republic.
For longtime fans, it’s a promise of nostalgic connections. For new viewers, it’s a standalone entry point into the galaxy far, far away.
The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives on May 22, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting Star Wars releases in years. With Pedro Pascal leading the charge, Sigourney Weaver adding gravitas, and Jeremy Allen White stepping into Hutt territory, the film combines star power with deep Star Wars mythology.
Expect action, emotion, and plenty of Grogu moments when this story finally hits theaters.
