Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - On Friday, May 22, 2026, Lucasfilm released its twelfth live-action film in the Star Wars franchise since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026), directed by Jon Favreau, stars Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal) alongside his little green companion, Grogu. Read below for a spoiler-free review to decide if it's worth adding to your watchlist this week.
For those unfamiliar with the characters, let me provide some context.
In 2019, The Mandalorian premiered on Disney+, becoming the first live-action Star Wars television series. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon thanks largely to the internet's obsession with "Baby Yoda," later revealed to be officially named Grogu. Its popularity carried the series through three seasons. It even expanded the duo's appearances into other Star Wars projects, including The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022), which introduced several important character developments.
Movie still from The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
So, do you need to watch all three seasons of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett to understand the movie? No!
One of the film's greatest strengths is that it avoids becoming tangled in the larger web of Star Wars transmedia storytelling. Instead, it works surprisingly well as a standalone adventure, allowing newcomers to enjoy the emotional core of Din and Grogu's relationship without needing extensive background knowledge.
Now, per other reviews, critics say that the lack of complexity and depth is the films downfall. To that I say, "I have spoken".
From the very beginning, the film establishes a tone unlike any previous Star Wars movie by introducing an opening credit sequence. While this may seem like a small detail, it immediately signals that this project is willing to experiment with the franchise's traditional formula. Paired with Ludwig Göransson's iconic Mandalorian theme, the opening feels cinematic, fresh, and emotionally grounded. Göransson, who also composed the Oscar-winning score for Oppenheimer (2023) and Sinners (2025), once again delivers music that blends western influences with the grand scale audiences expect from Star Wars.
The film also leans heavily into quieter character moments rather than nonstop action. While there are still thrilling fight sequences and large-scale set pieces, the emotional focus remains centered on Din and Grogu's bond. That choice gives the movie a sincerity that separates it from many recent blockbuster releases.
Another stylistic decision that helps the film stand out is its reliance on practical effects, animatronics, and puppetry over excessive CGI. This creative choice, backed by Jon Favreau, gives the movie a tactile, lived-in quality that feels authentic to the original trilogy.
Movie Still from The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
Favreau explained this approach in an interview with CBS:
"There's an analog, handmade feel to a lot of the characters and a lot of the costumes and a lot of the puppets from Star Wars."
- Jon Faverau, Director of The Mandalorian and Grogu
That philosophy is evident throughout the film. From Grogu's expressive puppet work (along with Babu Frik and the other droidsmiths) to the detailed creature designs and physical environments, the movie embraces the practical filmmaking techniques that helped define the franchise decades ago. It serves as both a nostalgic callback and a reminder that practical effects still carry a unique cinematic magic that CGI often struggles to replicate.
The Mandalorian & Grogu succeeds because it understands what audiences loved about the original series in the first place: simplicity, heart, and adventure. Rather than attempting to set up endless future storylines or overwhelm viewers with franchise lore, the film focuses on telling a contained and emotionally engaging story.
While longtime Star Wars fans will appreciate the references and familiar world-building, newcomers can still enjoy the film without feeling lost. Combined with cinematic visuals, a memorable score, and the enduring chemistry between Din Djarin and Grogu, the film feels like a heartfelt tribute to fans of the franchise.
I'll give the movie a 4/5 Hoots.
While I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, I wish it took bigger risks plot defining wise. Other than that, it felt like watching two Mandalorian episodes on the big screen. This is the way!
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