The Mandalorian and Grogu
The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters with a massive $167M global opening, but mixed reviews show that even Baby Yoda's charm can't cover up a messy plot.
The context
The Mandalorian and Grogu, a Star Wars film directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, premiered on May 14, 2026, and released in the US on May 22, 2026. It stars Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, with Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver, Jonny Coyne, and a cameo by Martin Scorsese. The film opened to strong box office numbers, $81 million domestically over three days, $98 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, and $167 million globally, quickly reaching $181 million worldwide. However, critical reception has been mixed: praise for the score and Pascal’s performance, but criticism of the plot, visuals, and action sequences.
The film follows Mando and Grogu working for the New Republic, hunting neo-imperial warlords. Their mission involves finding Commander Coin, which ties into rescuing Jabba the Hutt’s heir, Rotta. This storyline has generated significant buzz, particularly regarding Grogu’s role and the film’s placement within the Star Wars timeline. The movie’s release has sparked numerous questions about Grogu’s age, family, and future, as well as the fate of the series.