Next year is shaping up to be a major moment for Star Wars as the franchise lands back in cinemas for the first time since 2019. After ruling Disney+ for years, The Mandalorian and Grogu will officially make the leap to the big screen on May 22, 2026, directed by Jon Favreau and led by Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin.
Announced in January 2024, the film arrives as part of Disney’s renewed theatrical strategy for the New Republic era. It was confirmed alongside Dave Filoni’s Ahsoka Season 2 and followed Kathleen Kennedy’s update that three additional films are in development from James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Filoni. Despite several titles being teased during Star Wars Celebration 2023, Favreau’s film will lead the charge, with Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter targeting 2027.
Several new characters are set to debut, including Sigourney Weaver as Ward and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt.
“The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy,” the synopsis reads on StarWars.com. “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 (as himself).”
The film marks Star Wars’ first theatrical release since 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker. Kennedy recently responded to rumors surrounding her role at Lucasfilm and confirmed that Levy’s Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and Amy Adams, is next in line. Levy is developing a standalone story, coming off Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), and his producing work on Stranger Things.
The Mandalorian and Grogu in Production
Collider reported that “The Mandalorian and Grogu appears to have an overall production budget of $166.4 million and was the recipient of a bountiful tax credit from the state of California to the tune of $21.75 million…” Those figures came via the California Film Commission, putting the movie well below past Star Wars entries. StageCraft technology, also known as “The Volume,” is believed to be instrumental in keeping costs lower.
Some familiar names may be absent this time. Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) and the Armorer (Emily Swallow) are not expected to appear, and Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano—left stranded on Peridea—likely won’t be involved either, as Ahsoka Season 2 is already moving forward. Following its shift to theatrical production, The Mandalorian Season 4 on Disney+ was seemingly put on hold.
Favreau revealed that the entire season has already been written and was originally intended as a continuation before the movie pivot. “We were planning on doing a fourth season. I had actually written all of that… It’s structured around a movie structure as opposed to a serialized weekly television show.”
New footage recently surfaced online, shared by Mandoverse Updates (@Mando3Updates) on X, showing Din Djarin, Grogu, and Zeb in scenes playing before Zootopia 2 (2025) screenings over Thanksgiving weekend.
HD version of the new scenes from the ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ trailer that’s playing in front of ‘Zootopia 2’
Source @delfanparalfan
#starwars #TheMandalorian #ahsoka #grogu #dindjarin #fennec #bobafett #bokatan #TheMandalorianAndGrogu
🚨HD version of the new scenes from the ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ trailer that's playing in front of 'Zootopia 2' 🚨
Source @delfanparalfan #starwars #TheMandalorian #ahsoka #grogu #dindjarin #fennec #bobafett #bokatan #TheMandalorianAndGrogu pic.twitter.com/labSP14XmU
— Mandoverse Updates (@Mando3Updates) November 27, 2025
While the duo appears on screen together, the film may explore new dynamics, with Grogu possibly taking a separate storyline. At the same time, Din joins forces with Rotta the Hutt—now an adult heir to Jabba’s crime network, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White. Reports hint at a gladiator arena and a larger role for Rotta, suggesting Din’s mission may stretch into new moral territory.
Budget adjustments appear to extend across Lucasfilm projects. At Comic-Con Scotland, Rosario Dawson confirmed that Ahsoka Season 2 will receive less funding than its first—reportedly over $100 million. According to The Direct, this could lead to deeper character focus rather than large-scale visuals, even though Dawson noted it will still “go bigger” narratively. With The Acolyte canceled due to financial concerns, a broader shift in strategy may be underway.
Dave Filoni is currently developing a Mando-Verse feature described as an “Avengers-level” crossover uniting The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and more. For now, Favreau’s film stands as the theatrical return of Star Wars, aiming to connect the momentum of streaming with the blockbuster appeal.
The Mandalorian and Grogu opens May 22, 2026, starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, Grogu as himself, Sigourney Weaver as Ward, Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, Jonny Coyne as an Imperial Warlord, Steven Blum as Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios, and Dave Filoni as Trapper Wolf.
How do you feel about the expansion of the Mando-Verse onto the big screen? Let us know in the comments down below!
