The Star Wars franchise is preparing for its most significant move in years as it returns to theaters after a long hiatus from the big screen. The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, arrives May 22, 2026, marking the first theatrical entry since 2019. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Din Djarin, with Grogu returning as his scene-stealing partner.
The film was revealed in early 2024 as part of Lucasfilm’s theatrical push for the New Republic era. It was announced alongside Ahsoka Season 2, while Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that additional films are in development from James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Dave Filoni. Although multiple titles were highlighted during Star Wars Celebration 2023, Favreau’s movie will go first, followed by Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, targeted for 2027. Sigourney Weaver joins the franchise as Ward, and Jeremy Allen White enters the galaxy as Rotta the Hutt.
“The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy,” the synopsis reads on StarWars.com. “As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself).”
The release arrives after Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker (2019) wrapped the sequel trilogy to mixed reactions. Kennedy also affirmed that Levy’s standalone Starfighter, featuring Ryan Gosling and Amy Adams, is next. Levy’s resume includes 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine and the Netflix smash, Stranger Things.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Development
A Collider report states that “The Mandalorian and Grogu appears to have an overall production budget of $166.4 million and was the recipient of a bountiful tax credit from the state of California to the tune of $21.75 million…” Those figures came from the California Film Commission, placing it below the cost of recent Star Wars movies. The continued use of StageCraft, or “The Volume,” is believed to support tighter spending.
Some staples of the Mando-Verse may be missing from the film. Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze and Emily Swallow’s Armorer reportedly aren’t involved, raising speculation that the movie could function like an expanded installment rather than a full ensemble return. Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano is also expected to sit this one out, having been left on Peridea as Ahsoka Season 2 moves forward.
Jon Favreau shared that The Mandalorian’s fourth season had already been written and was originally planned before the film pivot. “We were planning on doing a fourth season… It’s structured around a movie structure as opposed to a serialized weekly television show.”
Footage from the upcoming movie recently surfaced online, shared by Mandoverse Updates (@Mando3Updates) on X from trailer scenes shown in front of Zootopia 2 (2025) screenings over Thanksgiving weekend.
HD version of the new scenes from the ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ trailer that's playing in front of ‘Zootopia 2'
Source @delfanparalfan
#starwars #TheMandalorian #ahsoka #grogu #dindjarin #fennec #bobafett #bokatan #TheMandalorianAndGrogu
🚨HD version of the new scenes from the ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ trailer that's playing in front of 'Zootopia 2' 🚨
Source @delfanparalfan #starwars #TheMandalorian #ahsoka #grogu #dindjarin #fennec #bobafett #bokatan #TheMandalorianAndGrogu pic.twitter.com/labSP14XmU
— Mandoverse Updates (@Mando3Updates) November 27, 2025
While Din and Grogu appear together, early previews suggest the film may divide their paths. Din is expected to partner with Rotta the Hutt—played by Jeremy Allen White—now an adult following Jabba’s legacy. Scenes point toward a gladiator arena and a potential shift into grayer territory for the Mandalorian’s ethics.
Budget shifts may also affect Lucasfilm overall. At Comic-Con Scotland, Rosario Dawson confirmed that Ahsoka Season 2 will feature reduced funding compared to Season 1, which reportedly exceeded $100 million. According to The Direct, the season may lean more into character focus than spectacle, though Dawson noted it will still “go bigger” in overall story. With The Acolyte recently canceled due to financial concerns, the studio appears to be reevaluating spending.
Dave Filoni is building a future crossover film that could unite characters from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and more. Until then, The Mandalorian and Grogu serves as the theatrical comeback of Star Wars, aiming to bridge streaming popularity with cinematic scale.
The Mandalorian and Grogu releases May 22, 2026, starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, Grogu as himself, Sigourney Weaver as Ward, Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, Jonny Coyne as an Imperial Warlord, Steven Blum as Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios, and Dave Filoni as Trapper Wolf.
How do you feel about the expansion of the Mando-Verse onto the big screen? Let us know in the comments down below!
