Disney sets May 2026 release date for The Mandalorian and Grogu film

Disney sets a 2026 release date

Disney and Lucasfilm released the first full trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, confirming the film will arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026. This feature film serves as a direct spinoff from the Disney Plus series that launched the live-action Star Wars streaming era in 2019.

Director Jon Favreau moved the project to the big screen after the 2023 Hollywood strikes delayed production on a potential fourth season of the show. The film marks the first Star Wars theatrical release since The Rise of Skywalker debuted in 2019. Lucasfilm is positioning this movie as the next major chapter for the characters Din Djarin and Grogu.

The story takes place after the fall of the Galactic Empire, during a period where the New Republic struggles to maintain order. Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, continues his work as a bounty hunter while training his young apprentice. The trailer confirms that the central duo will work directly with the New Republic to track down Imperial remnants.

Sigourney Weaver joins the cast

The trailer introduces Sigourney Weaver as a new character named Ward. She plays a veteran pilot and colonel who leads the New Republic’s Adelphi Rangers. Ward appears to serve as the primary liaison between the government and the Mandalorian bounty hunter.

One scene in the footage shows Weaver’s character having a tense meeting with the duo. Grogu attempts to use the Force to steal her snacks, but Ward stops him. This interaction establishes the New Republic's reliance on outside contractors to handle lingering Imperial threats.

The film features a massive ensemble of actors and characters from across the Star Wars timeline:

• Pedro Pascal as the titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin.
• Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward of the Adelphi Rangers.
• Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, the son of Jabba the Hutt.
• Jonny Coyne as an Imperial warlord leading a surviving faction.
• Steve Blum voicing Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios from Star Wars Rebels.
• Dave Filoni reprising his role as X-wing pilot Trapper Wolf.

The trailer reveals massive action sequences

The footage showcases several high-budget action set pieces that distinguish the film from the television series. Viewers see exploding AT-AT walkers in snowy environments and intense robot battles. The trailer also highlights lightsaber combat, though it does not specify which characters are wielding the weapons.

Din Djarin operates a new version of his ship in the film. His original vessel, the Razor Crest, was destroyed during the second season of the show. The new ship appears heavily customized for combat and transport, reflecting Mando's status as a top-tier operative for the New Republic.

The trailer focuses heavily on Rotta the Hutt, a character first introduced in the 2008 animated film The Clone Wars. Rotta has grown since his last appearance and now occupies a position of power. Mando is seen searching for "a Hutt," which leads him into a direct confrontation with Rotta’s faction.

Grogu demonstrates improved Force abilities

Grogu’s development as a Force user remains a central theme of the movie. The trailer shows him using his powers more frequently and with greater precision than in previous seasons. He assists Djarin during several combat encounters, proving he is no longer just a passenger.

The dialogue emphasizes the emotional weight of their relationship. Din Djarin expresses concern about Grogu’s future, noting that the creature's lifespan will last for centuries. Mando acknowledges that he will not always be there to protect his apprentice, driving the need for Grogu to master his own defense.

Fans will also recognize several alien species and cameos from the broader franchise. The trailer includes Anzellan aliens, the tiny droidsmiths first seen in The Rise of Skywalker. The bounty hunter Embo, known for his circular shield-hat in The Clone Wars, also makes a brief appearance in the footage.

The New Republic hunts Imperial remnants

The film's plot centers on the "Imperial warlords" who remain scattered throughout the galaxy. These factions refuse to surrender to the New Republic and continue to operate in the shadows. Jonny Coyne’s character appears to be the primary antagonist leading these surviving Imperial forces.

The New Republic enlists Djarin because he can operate in sectors where their official military might lack jurisdiction. This partnership allows the film to explore the Outer Rim and other lawless areas of the galaxy. The Adelphi Rangers, led by Weaver's character, provide the heavy air support seen in the trailer’s dogfight sequences.

The Mandalorian and Grogu represents a shift in Disney’s strategy for the franchise. By moving the most popular streaming characters to the cinema, the studio aims to revitalize the theatrical brand. The film’s success will likely determine the future of other Star Wars projects currently in development.

Production details and technical specs

Jon Favreau serves as the director and produced the film alongside Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni. The production utilized advanced filming technology, including updated versions of the Volume LED stages. This technology allows the crew to render complex alien environments in real-time during filming.

The 2023 strikes forced a significant pivot in the production timeline. Originally, Lucasfilm planned for a fourth season of the show to lead into a "crossover" movie event. Instead, they condensed the narrative into this standalone feature to ensure a high-quality theatrical experience.

Key technical and production facts:

• Release Date: May 22, 2026.
• Director: Jon Favreau.
• Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau.
• Format: Theatrical exclusive.
• Cinematography: Utilizes StageCraft / The Volume technology.

The trailer concludes with a montage of combat scenes featuring Zeb Orrelios and the new Mandalorian ship. Disney expects the film to be a major summer blockbuster for the 2026 season. Fans can expect more promotional material and casting confirmations as the production nears its final stages of filming.