‘The Mandalorian’ Reportedly Cut From Disney+ as ‘Star Wars’ Takes New Direction

Thomas HitchenMay 28, 2025

0 5 minutes read

The Mandalorian Heads to Theaters: What It Means for the Future of Star Wars and Disney+

A new era is dawning for The Mandalorian, the flagship Disney+ series that helped launch Lucasfilm’s streaming empire. Din Djarin and his Force-sensitive companion Grogu are officially headed for theaters in The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to premiere on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie represents the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX–The Rise of Skywalker—and it might signal a major shift in how the franchise unfolds moving forward.

Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) holding the Darksaber in 'The Mandalorian' — Credit: Lucasfilm

From Streaming Staple to Silver Screen Centerpiece

When Lucasfilm announced The Mandalorian and Grogu in January 2024, it wasn’t the theatrical project many fans expected. Kathleen Kennedy had previously teased three new Star Wars films during Star Wars Celebration 2023, but instead of leading with one of those, Lucasfilm surprised fans by putting the Mando-Verse front and center.

“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,” Kennedy said via StarWars.com. With The Mandalorian playing such a pivotal role in Star Wars’ streaming resurgence, its jump to theaters could mark the start of a new chapter for the saga.

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

A Complicated Road for Season 4

While excitement around the film is high, the status of The Mandalorian Season 4 remains murky. In October 2024, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Lucasfilm’s move to feature film territory may have come at the cost of a fourth season. “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 outlet reported.

The series’ third season had already weathered turbulence, both narratively and behind the scenes. The exit of Gina Carano’s Cara Dune created a noticeable absence, while Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze took on a larger role that some felt overshadowed the titular Mandalorian. Pedro Pascal’s limited physical involvement on set—delegated in part to Lateef Crowder and Brendan Wayne—also became a talking point among fans. Meanwhile, high-profile guest stars like Lizzo and Jack Black sparked debate across social media about tone and direction.

Cara Dune, The Mandalorian, and Greef Karga in 'The Mandalorian' — Credit: Lucasfilm

Mixed Reports on Disney+ Future

Despite reports suggesting the series was winding down, new intel has cast doubt on whether Season 4 is truly dead. “According to a report from The InSneider, The Mandalorian Season 4 may not be dead at Disney+,” The Direct wrote. “He noted that the follow-up remains ‘in development’ for streaming, but The Mandalorian and Grogu will ‘arrive first’ in theaters.”

However, not everyone is convinced. Insider Daniel Richtman offered a conflicting perspective, stating via his Patreon (as reported by The Direct), “There won’t be a Season 4 of The Mandalorian, but if the movie succeeds, a sequel will be made. However, if it flops, it will serve as the final chapter for Mando and could also put Filoni’s movie at risk.”

Grogu shocked in 'The Mandalorian' — Credit: Lucasfilm

Grogu’s Glow-Up and Production Progress

While the status of Season 4 hangs in the balance, production on The Mandalorian and Grogu is already complete. Dave Filoni, speaking at the premiere of Skeleton Crew last year, expressed enthusiasm for how far Grogu has come—both narratively and technically.

“It was great seeing Grogu. He’s become such a star, and it’s amazing how it’s evolved, what we can do now with the puppetry compared to Season 1,” Filoni shared.

That evolution, along with Pedro Pascal’s increasing mainstream visibility and the show’s continued popularity, adds to optimism surrounding the film’s theatrical prospects. Notably, earlier reports suggested the movie was operating on a modest budget, increasing the likelihood of financial success.

Pedro Pascal injured as Din Djarin, AKA the Mandalorian — Credit: Lucasfilm

The Broader State of the Galaxy

The Mandalorian and Grogu isn’t Lucasfilm’s only project on the horizon, though it may be the most high-profile soon. The announcement came amid a flurry of new Star Wars developments, including the return of Ahsoka for a second season and several upcoming films still in early development.

Filoni is currently writing Ahsoka Season 2, and he emphasized his ongoing involvement: “I’ve been writing it, and I’m still the single writer on it,” he confirmed. The new season is expected to continue building on arcs from both the first season of Ahsoka and Star Wars Rebels.

Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano in 'Ahsoka' — Credit: Lucasfilm

Meanwhile, the Mando-Verse continues to expand through the recent addition of Skeleton Crew, created by Jon Watts. Elsewhere, Simon Kinberg is at work on a separate Star Wars trilogy, and Shawn Levy will enter the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Starfighter, a 2027 release starring Ryan Gosling, announced at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo.

Despite all this, uncertainty persists. A previously scheduled Star Wars movie set for December 2026 was recently removed from Disney’s release slate, and no release dates have been confirmed for several of the films teased by Kennedy—including those from Filoni, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold, and possibly Rian Johnson or Taika Waititi.

The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) flies with Grogu in-hand in concept art for Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' — Credit: Lucasfilm

A Streaming Legacy, A Theatrical Future

First debuting on Disney+ in November 2019, The Mandalorian quickly became a cornerstone of modern Star Wars, blending samurai and Western influences with the galaxy’s post-Empire chaos. Set five years after Star Wars: Episode VI–Return of the Jedi (1983), the show follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his evolving relationship with Grogu—a storyline that has resonated deeply with fans.

Across three seasons, the series introduced key figures like Bo-Katan Kryze, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), and even Luke Skywalker himself. While Season 1 focused on establishing Mando’s bond with Grogu, Season 2 expanded the universe with major cameos, and Season 3 shifted focus toward Mandalorian culture and the reclamation of Mandalore.

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

The show not only revitalized interest in Star Wars but also revolutionized TV production with the introduction of StageCraft, Lucasfilm’s innovative virtual set technology. It also laid the groundwork for a broader streaming ecosystem that now includes The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew.

Now, with The Mandalorian and Grogu poised for theaters, the next chapter of this journey is almost here. Whether this theatrical pivot spells the end for the Disney+ series or simply opens a new avenue remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: the galaxy is expanding, and Din and Grogu are still at the heart of it.