Disney Kills Major ‘Star Wars’ Character Before 20-Minute Mark of ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’
Star Wars fans were not expecting to see this in The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026). Early footage shown behind closed doors reveals that the film makes a dramatic move within its opening minutes—one that instantly separates it from every previous entry in the series.
Instead of easing audiences into the story, the film jumps straight into conflict. The pace is fast, the stakes are high, and the tone is set before viewers have time to settle in.
A Big Screen Gamble for a Fan-Favorite Duo
Arriving May 22, The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) represents a major shift for the franchise. It continues the story from The Mandalorian (2019), bringing one of Disney+’s most popular series to theaters.
That transition alone makes the film historic. It’s one of the clearest examples of a streaming story evolving into a theatrical release within the Star Wars universe.
Still, not everyone is on board. Some fans worry that expanding the story into a movie could change what made it work in the first place. Others feel like Disney may be leaning too heavily on familiar characters.
Even with that skepticism, the film is taking chances—and that’s already making it stand out.
What Happens in the First 18 Minutes
Reports from CinemaCon 2026 paint a clear picture of how intense the opening sequence is. The film begins with a secret gathering of Imperial remnants, where leaders pledge loyalty to the Empire’s legacy.
That unity quickly falls apart. One leader reacts violently to disagreement, eliminating a member of the group and showing just how unstable the situation has become.
Moments later, Din Djarin—played by Pedro Pascal—enters the scene and turns the situation into full-scale chaos. He fights through waves of enemies, using a mix of tactics to push forward.
The battle expands rapidly, involving massive walkers and heavy firepower. Grogu plays a more active role this time, using his abilities to help Mando survive and advance.
The sequence builds to a chase as the Imperial leader tries to escape. That attempt ends quickly, as Mando destroys the escape pod and eliminates the threat before the film reaches the 20-minute mark.
It’s a bold way to open the movie—and it changes how the rest of the story unfolds.
More Villains Step Into the Spotlight
Even after that early moment, the film still introduces several major threats. Embo, a bounty hunter from Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008), appears in live action for the first time.
The Hutt clan hires him to track down Rotta the Hutt, played by Jeremy Allen White. That mission naturally puts him in conflict with Mando and Grogu, who are trying to keep Rotta safe.
Another antagonist comes from the Shadow Council, with a leader portrayed by Jonny Coyne. His involvement suggests a more organized effort among the Empire’s remnants, possibly tied to larger plans.
The Hutt clan also expands its role, with two additional members known as “the twins.” While details are limited, they appear to be part of the growing conflict.
A Story That Moves Faster Than Before
By resolving a major conflict so early, The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) changes how the story flows. Instead of building slowly toward a final showdown, it keeps moving, introducing new challenges along the way.
That faster pace may feel different for longtime fans. Some may prefer the classic structure of earlier films. Others may enjoy the unpredictability this approach brings.
What This Means for the Future of Star Wars
As the release date gets closer, one thing stands out: this movie is willing to try something new. It blends familiar characters with a faster, more unpredictable story structure.
Whether that works will depend on how audiences respond. But based on what’s already been shown, this isn’t a film that plays it safe—it pushes forward from the very beginning.
