In 2026, Star Wars fans will witness a monumental event. After seven years since the lone bounty hunter Din Djarin and his tiny, Force-sensitive companion Grogu first captivated audiences in The Mandalorian, the galaxy far, far away will return to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu. This marks not only the duo’s big-screen debut but also the return of a surprising character absent from the franchise for 16 years. According to recent casting reports, their reappearance will play a pivotal role in Jon Favreau’s bold cinematic vision.
When The Mandalorian launched on Disney+ on November 12, 2019, it became an instant phenomenon. Created by the ever-imaginative Jon Favreau, the series transported viewers to a galaxy reeling from the fall of the Empire just five years after Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi (1983). Set in the early days of the New Republic, the show carved out fresh territory in the Star Wars timeline while embracing the gritty tones of a space Western.
The show’s emotional core revolves around Din Djarin, the stoic bounty hunter portrayed by Pedro Pascal, and his mission to protect Grogu, affectionately known as “The Child.” This dynamic duo not only captured fans’ hearts but also sparked a cultural obsession. From memes to merchandise, Grogu became a global sensation, while Din’s unwavering resolve solidified him as one of the franchise’s most compelling new heroes.
Their adventures brought them face-to-face with Imperial remnants led by the menacing Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), as well as fan-favorite characters like Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), and the legendary Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). With its masterful storytelling and rich homage to Star Wars history, the series breathed new life into the franchise and set the stage for multiple spin-offs.
While The Mandalorian flourished on Disney+, Lucasfilm surprised fans in January 2024 by announcing that a feature-length film would seemingly replace the show’s fourth season. The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Favreau, is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026, becoming the first Star Wars movie since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the shift underscores Disney’s renewed commitment to Star Wars on the big screen:
“Instead of a fourth season, Disney decided to pivot The Mandalorian to launch its first Star Wars feature film since The Rise of Skywalker… The Mandalorian & Grogu will probably perform well. Yet it also looks like Disney spent many years and untold capital struggling to develop a new Star Wars movie, and its best idea was an extra-long episode of a TV show.”
With production underway, details about The Mandalorian and Grogu are gradually emerging. Confirmed cast members include Pedro Pascal, who voices Din Djarin, while Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder primarily embody the character on screen. Of course, Grogu, brought to life through groundbreaking puppetry, will return as the franchise’s breakout star.
Adding to the excitement, legendary actress Sigourney Weaver has joined the cast in a mystery role. However, the most buzz-worthy news came from entertainment insider Jeff Sneider, who revealed that Jeremy Allen White, the Emmy-winning star of The Bear, will reportedly portray Rotta the Hutt.
Rotta, the son of Jabba the Hutt, first appeared in 2008’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie and made a final appearance in the 2010 episode “Sphere of Influence.” If the report is accurate, White’s involvement signals a significant role for Rotta and possibly the Hutt Clan in the film’s narrative.
Fan reactions have been mixed, with some praising the bold casting choice and others questioning how White will embody the slug-like alien. Whether through CGI or prosthetics, Rotta’s inclusion hints at a deeper dive into the galaxy’s criminal underworld.
The transition to film arrives after a transformative third season that saw the spotlight shift from Din Djarin to Bo-Katan Kryze, whose quest to reclaim Mandalore became the central storyline. Additionally, the season concluded key arcs, including Moff Gideon’s cloning experiments, while laying the potential groundwork for future stories, particularly surrounding Emperor Palpatine’s return in the sequel trilogy.
Speaking about the film’s production, Dave Filoni, who is co-writing the script with Favreau, shared his enthusiasm:
“Jon and I had a great time working on that, as we always do. It was great seeing Grogu. He’s become such a star… it’s amazing how it’s evolved, what we can do now with the puppetry compared to Season 1 and where we are today in a film.”
This evolution in storytelling promises a larger-than-life adventure while retaining the intimate, character-driven focus that made the series a hit.
As The Mandalorian and Grogu approaches, fans are left speculating about the film’s plot and its implications for the broader Star Wars universe. Will the Hutt Clan rise to prominence as galactic power players? How will Grogu’s story continue to evolve? And what surprises do Favreau and Filoni have in store?
With its mix of familiar faces, intriguing new characters, and a return to theaters, The Mandalorian and Grogu is poised to redefine Star Wars once again.
What do you think about Jeremy Allen White’s reported casting as Rotta the Hutt? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
