The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) is approaching its theatrical debut, and Disney has seemingly begun to shift its marketing strategy.
A newly released trailer titled “Generations” places the film front and center, but much of its attention is directed elsewhere—toward the wider cinematic history of Star Wars.
The latest trailer, which debuted on May 4 (also known as “May the Fourth” or Star Wars Day), highlights mentor-trainee relationships between legacy characters across the saga. Featured moments include Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Daisy Ridley), and Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) and young Jyn Erso (Beau Gadsdon). Watch the new trailer below:
The trailer positions Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu within that lineage, drawing a direct comparison between their bond and those that came before. However, those legacy figures are not expected to appear in the film itself. In fact, the opposite appears to be true. While The Mandalorian built a large supporting cast during its three-season run on Disney+, The Mandalorian & Grogu significantly reduces that roster.
Only Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin and Grogu are confirmed to return from the core series. Characters such as The Armorer (Emily Swallow), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris), IG-11 (Taika Waititi), Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), and Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) have not been announced for the film.
Gina Carano, who was fired in 2021, is only rumored to appear following comments she recently made regarding a conversation she had with the film's director/co-producer/co-writer Jon Favreau, and co-producer/co-writer Dave Filoni. However, nothing has been confirmed.
Related: Lucasfilm Just Shut Down a Major ‘Mandalorian' Theory Ahead of Its Next Film : Disney Fanatic
Several omissions have clear explanations. Carl Weathers, who portrayed Greef Karga, passed away in 2024. Meanwhile, Temuera Morrison has stated that Boba Fett has been “put on the shelf,” and other actors from the series have not indicated involvement.
Instead, the film introduces new and returning figures from elsewhere in the franchise, including Sigourney Weaver’s Colonel Ward, Zeb Orrelios, Embo, and Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White).
Directed by Jon Favreau and developed alongside Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian & Grogu represents a shift from television to theatrical storytelling, a first for the franchise. It also marks the first big-screen Star Wars release since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.
The marketing push follows a muted response to earlier trailers, which drew criticism for their scale and presentation. Current projections suggest an opening below traditional franchise expectations, with estimates sitting around $80 million for the four-day Memorial Day window.
The official synopsis for the film reads: “The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. 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.”
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