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New: Dave Filoni Reportedly Cast as the Villain in ‘The Mandalorian’ Movie

A galaxy far, far away is set to return to the silver screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026). This highly anticipated movie is poised to break the nearly seven-year drought since Star Wars last graced theaters, delivering an epic new chapter in the beloved franchise.

Grogu on the N1 Starfighter in 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 trailer
Credit: Lucasfilm

In the latest development from the galaxy not so far away, Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will hit theaters on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau, this movie aims to redefine the future of Star Wars by bringing the Mando-Verse to the big screen in a monumental way.

Fans first learned about this cinematic venture in early 2024, sparking debates about the status of The Mandalorian Season 4 and Dave Filoni’s long-awaited New Republic-era film. At the 2023 Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy expressed her confidence in Favreau and Filoni, stating: “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).

Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin in 'The Mandalorian'
Credit: Lucasfilm

However, a report from The Hollywood Reporter in October 2024 hinted that the movie could replace Season 4 entirely: “Instead of a fourth season, Disney decided to pivot The Mandalorian to launch its first Star Wars feature film since The Rise of Skywalker.”

While this move aligns with Disney’s larger strategy, it comes with challenges. Season 3 faced backlash for its inconsistent storytelling, including addressing Cara Dune’s absence, elevating Bo-Katan Kryze, and minimizing Din Djarin’s role as Pedro Pascal reduced his on-set involvement. Throw in divisive cameos from Lizzo and Jack Black, and the show struggled to match its earlier acclaim.

Despite these hurdles, fans shouldn’t count out Season 4 just yet. Industry insider Jeff Sneider shared: “The Mandalorian Season 4 may not be dead at Disney+,” revealing it remains “in development,” but the theatrical release will come first.

Grogu shocked in 'The Mandalorian'
Credit: Lucasfilm

A Star-Studded Cast Joins the Mando-Verse

The big-screen adventure brings familiar faces and surprising newcomers to the forefront. Confirmed to return is Pedro Pascal as the voice of Din Djarin. While Pascal primarily voiced the character in Season 3, it remains unclear if he will don the armor again for the film.

Adding to the star power, legendary actress Sigourney Weaver—currently headlining The Tempest in London’s West End—joins the galaxy far, far away. In August, Weaver shared her excitement about meeting Grogu and diving into the Star Wars universe.

Rotta the Hutt
Credit: Lucasfilm

The casting news doesn’t stop there. In a twist no one saw coming, Jeremy Allen White of The Bear fame is reportedly playing Rotta the Hutt, Jabba the Hutt’s estranged son. First introduced in The Clone Wars (2008), Rotta, affectionately nicknamed “Stinky,” hasn’t been seen since the animated series.

Adding to the intrigue, a new report suggests that Embo, the Kyuzo bounty hunter from The Clone Wars voiced by Dave Filoni, will serve as the movie’s main antagonist. As Comic Book Movie wrote: “According to Kristian Harloff (via SFFGazette.com), The Clone Wars baddie will be a “pretty significant part of the plot,” with the movie set to feature him attempting to track down and kill the kidnapped Rotta. Din and Grogu, meanwhile, have reportedly been hired to rescue him, revealing this movie’s main conflict.”

This would mark Embo’s first live-action appearance, a thrilling development for fans of the Clone Wars era.

The Mandalorian and Grogu in the cockpit
Credit: Lucasfilm

What’s Next for Star Wars?

The announcement of The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives amidst a shifting Star Wars landscape. Despite Kennedy’s 2023 reveal of three other Star Wars films, none have official release dates, fueling speculation about Lucasfilm’s direction.

Meanwhile, Filoni is hard at work on Ahsoka Season 2, set to expand on threads introduced in its debut season and maintain strong ties to Star Wars Rebels. Filoni teased: “I’ve been writing it, and I’m still the single writer on it,” emphasizing his hands-on approach to the beloved series.

As Lucasfilm charts a bold new course, fans are left with one pressing question: what lies ahead for Din Djarin and Grogu?

Are you excited for this new chapter of Star Wars? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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