Since the release of the streaming service Disney+ in November 2019, “The Mandalorian” has remained at the top of the charts, being a prized series in the Star Wars community. Now, just under 6 years later, Disney has announced that the Mandalorian’s story will continue with their new movie, “The Mandalorian and Grogu”. With a fourth season being practically denied, fans speculate that this will act as a placeholder for Season 4. With the projected release date set for May 22, 2026, Star Wars fans are sure to be excited about the new release.
Who Will Star In The Movie?
With three existing installments of the Disney+ show (Season 1, 2, and 3), “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will carry on the trilogy’s story. The previous director, Jon Favreau, will return to write, as will Pedro Pascal in the role of The Mandalorian. Other cast members include Jeremy Allen White, Dave Filoni, Jonny Coyne, and Steve Blum. While onstage at D23, a yearly Disney convention, Jon Favreau promised that the movie is an “all-new adventure following these two characters.” As we approach the release date, we can expect to receive more insider information about the storyline, characters, and other details.
What Is The Plot? And When Will It Take Place?
In relation to the storyline and/or timeline, the movie’s description 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.” According to a Star Wars article on ScreenRant.com, the movie will take place about 7 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi” and about 22 years before the Sequel Trilogy. To put it simply, Return of the Jedi is set during the original era, featuring characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. The Sequel Trilogy refers to the newest three movies, featuring characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren. In the same article, ScreenRant.com explains, “Putting the events of The Mandalorian & Grogu about 20 years before the events of the sequels is smart, as it fully separates the two eras. Hopefully, more information about the movie’s timeline will be released once The Mandalorian & Grogu begins production later this year.”
The Backstory of The Film
After finishing and releasing the third season of “The Mandalorian”, Disney’s original plan was to create a fourth season. However, instead, they chose to make a theatrical movie to bring the Star Wars franchise back to the big screen, a move that explains the shift from the TV series. Koimoi.com says, “The film was originally conceived as the fourth season of the Disney+ series, before the 2023 Hollywood strikes led to a creative retooling of the originally planned storyline into a movie.” They also tie relevant Star Wars plots into the movie’s story. “The setting focuses on the collapse of Palpatine’s malevolent Galactic Empire, and how the Mandalorians are seeking out a new purpose in their lives and cleaning out Imperial warlords still menacing the galaxy.” 
Overall, the continuing story of The Mandalorian is both intriguing and captivating for long-time fans and new viewers alike. The latest release will be an exciting time for the Star Wars franchise, and it may also pave the way for other shows to receive a theatrical release. Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, this new movie with countless star actors could be your gateway into the fandom.
