The galaxy far, far away is undergoing a seismic shift, with Disney and Lucasfilm preparing to reintroduce Star Wars to theaters on May 22, 2026.
This long-awaited return to the big screen comes in the form of The Mandalorian and Grogu, a Mando-Verse film helmed by Jon Favreau. The project has stirred up a whirlwind of speculation about its impact on The Mandalorian Season 4 and Dave Filoni’s planned New Republic-era crossover movie.
Earlier this year, Lucasfilm confirmed The Mandalorian and Grogu as the crown jewel of their live-action Star Wars offerings, sidelining the three films announced by Kathleen Kennedy during 2023’s Star Wars Celebration. In praising Favreau and Filoni, Kennedy remarked, “Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into Star Wars two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen” (via StarWars.com).
Despite the fanfare, questions remain. An October 2024 report from The Hollywood Reporter suggested that The Mandalorian Season 4 would not see the light of day on Disney+, instead pivoting the beloved series into a theatrical release. The outlet stated, “Instead of a fourth season, Disney decided to pivot The Mandalorian to launch its first Star Wars feature film since The Rise of Skywalker.”
This bold shift reflects Disney’s evolving Star Wars strategy but comes with significant challenges. Season 3 of The Mandalorian struggled to maintain the momentum of its earlier seasons. With Gina Carano’s Cara Dune absent, the narrative leaned heavily on Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), while Pedro Pascal’s limited on-set appearances raised questions about Din Djarin’s future. High-profile cameos from Lizzo and Jack Black divided fans, further complicating an already rocky season.
Yet, conflicting reports have left fans scratching their heads. According to The InSneider (per The Direct), The Mandalorian Season 4 is still “in development” at Disney+, though The Mandalorian and Grogu will debut first in theaters. This uncertainty adds another layer to Lucasfilm’s already convoluted roadmap.
Adding to the conversation, Temuera Morrison—known for his portrayal of Boba Fett—expressed frustration with Lucasfilm’s current trajectory. Speaking on The RaeSide, Morrison revealed he doesn’t expect to appear in The Mandalorian and Grogu and lamented that projects like The Book of Boba Fett have been put on hold. “I think we’re just put on the shelf for a little bit. Maybe we come off the shelf later,” he said.
Meanwhile, production for The Mandalorian and Grogu has officially wrapped, with Dave Filoni sharing his excitement about Grogu’s evolution during the Skeleton Crew premiere. “It was great seeing Grogu. He’s become such a star, and it’s amazing how it’s evolved, what we can do now with the puppetry compared to Season 1,” Filoni remarked.
However, Lucasfilm’s plans remain a source of confusion. Following last year’s announcement of three new Star Wars films, none of which have received official release dates, the removal of a planned Star Wars movie from Disney’s December 2026 slate has only added to the speculation.
One thing is certain: Dave Filoni remains hard at work on Ahsoka Season 2, which was greenlit alongside The Mandalorian and Grogu. The second season promises to expand on the threads left by the first and delve further into the legacy of Star Wars Rebels. Filoni assured fans, “I’ve been writing it, and I’m still the single writer on it,” reinforcing his dedication to delivering a stellar continuation.
As Lucasfilm charts a new course for Star Wars, fans are left with more questions than answers. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu bring the franchise to new heights, or will the absence of The Mandalorian Season 4 leave a void on Disney+? With new projects like Skeleton Crew and Simon Kinberg’s trilogy on the horizon, the galaxy far, far away seems poised for an exciting—if uncertain—future.
What are your thoughts on The Mandalorian and the future of Star Wars? Join the conversation in the comments below!
