This year's Super Bowl offered a glimpse of what could define the blockbuster race of 2026 — and for Lucasfilm, it wasn’t exactly a victory lap.
The Mandalorian and Grogu’s 36-second TV spot drew mixed reactions from fans. It shows bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu (AKA Baby Yoda) riding a tauntaun-pulled carriage across snowy terrain, accompanied by actor Sam Elliott’s gravelly voiceover. Watch the official Super Bowl teaser below:
However, fans’ reactions ranged from confused to underwhelmed, with many unsure the clip was even promoting a theatrical release.
Jackson George, Disney’s Executive VP of Creative Marketing, later explained to Variety, “Grogu is more than a character; he’s a pop culture phenomenon. Riding alongside the heroic Mandalorian, he brings lightness, humor, joy, and an instant emotional connection that transcends the moment.”
The irony? While Lucasfilm is clearly aiming to rekindle the Baby Yoda magic, DC Studios arguably stole the spotlight where adorable alien companions are concerned.
The Supergirl teaser introduced “Baby Krypto,” the younger, cuter version of Superman’s loyal dog, alongside Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El. Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) with a screenplay by Ana Nogueira adapting Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s DC comic run, the film is produced by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Krypto, last seen in Superman (2025), has obviously yet to reach Grogu-level mania, but the Super Bowl teaser certainly hints that it could now be likely.
For Lucasfilm, the stakes feel higher. The Mandalorian and Grogu, releasing May 22, marks the first Star Wars film in theaters since 2019. The Disney+ series that launched the franchise’s live-action resurgence has almost disappeared in cultural relevance, with the Season 3 run and then The Acolyte (2024) dividing the Star Wars fan community.
Theatrical excitement has been muted since the first official trailer for the upcoming film premiered last year. Now, the new Super Bowl teaser may have underlined a larger challenge: franchise fatigue and a missed opportunity to truly sell the film to audiences.
Meanwhile, Supergirl, arriving June 26, rides a wave of curiosity and a newly rebooted cinematic universe (the DCU). From merchandising appeal to social media buzz, Baby Krypto could very well surpass Grogu in 2026, at least for the summer blockbuster season.
Either way, one thing is clear: the galaxy far, far away may have a new rival — and this time, it’s wearing a red cape and has a wagging a tail.
Which film are you more excited about, The Mandalorian and Grogu or Supergirl? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
