‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Teases Several Legacy Characters in New Trailer
Star Wars hasn’t been on steady ground for years. Since Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017) split audiences down the middle, the franchise has struggled to regain consistent momentum. Follow-up films like Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) failed to unify fans, while several Disney+ series—including Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), Ahsoka (2023), and The Acolyte (2024)—have delivered mixed results at best.
That leaves one question hanging over Disney and Lucasfilm heading into 2026: can The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) bring audiences back together—or will it deepen the divide?
A newly released trailer titled “Generations” suggests the studio is leaning heavily on the past to sell the future. Debuting yesterday on May 4 (or “May the Fourth”), the trailer features footage of legacy characters across the franchise, focusing on mentor-student relationships that mirror Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu. Appearances include Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Daisy Ridley). Watch the official new trailer for the upcoming film below:
Related: Gina Carano Return Rumors Ignite as ‘Mandalorian’ Era Faces Changes | Disney Dining
The approach raises an obvious question: are Disney and Lucasfilm attempting to reassure audiences by spotlighting familiar faces?
The strategy comes after a lukewarm response to earlier marketing. The first trailer, released last year, struggled to generate excitement, while a Super Bowl spot earlier this year only reinforced concerns that the film resembles an extended episode of the Disney+ series rather than a full-scale theatrical event.
Tracking data reflects that uncertainty. According to Deadline, the film is currently eyeing an $80 million-plus four-day opening over Memorial Day weekend—the $100 million benchmark typically associated with the Star Wars franchise.
Despite the emphasis on legacy in the trailer, those characters are not expected to appear in the film itself. Instead, The Mandalorian & Grogu narrows its focus.
Of course, Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin alongside Grogu, with new additions including Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward and other confirmed characters such as Zeb Orrelios, Embo, and Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White).
Notably absent, however, are several key figures from the Disney+ series, including Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), and Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen). Additional absences stem from real-world circumstances, including the death of Carl Weathers, who played Greef Karga throughout all three seasons of the show.
Meanwhile, fans continue to speculate that Gina Carano could return as Cara Dune, despite the actress being fired by Disney in 2021. This follows new comments from Carano regarding a meeting that took place between her and The Mandalorian and Grogu director/co-producer/co-writer Jon Favreau, and co-producer/co-writer Dave Filoni.
Directed by Jon Favreau and produced alongside Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian & Grogu marks the franchise’s first theatrical release since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
The official synopsis for the film reads: “The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. 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.”
With a release set for May 22, The Mandalorian & Grogu arrives at a critical moment. Whether “Generations” signals confidence—or concern—remains to be seen.
Are you excited about The Mandalorian & Grogu? Let us know in the comments!
