Disney has released the first trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, giving audiences a look at the franchise’s long-awaited return to theaters. The film, directed by Jon Favreau, is slated to premiere on May 22, 2026, marking the first Star Wars feature since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
The trailer leans into a familiar mix of adventure and nostalgia. Fans will spot classic imagery like speeder chases and towering AT-ATs, paired with the lighter tone that made the Disney+ series a hit. Grogu provides much of the charm, shown peering through telescopes, snacking, and even using the Force to grab a treat from a character played by Sigourney Weaver.
An official synopsis places the story after the fall of the Empire. With scattered Imperial warlords still threatening stability, the New Republic calls on Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu to help defend what the Rebellion fought to achieve. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the film appears to continue the mentor–apprentice dynamic established in the streaming series while widening the scope to a big-screen adventure.
For Disney and Lucasfilm, this release carries extra weight. The company has spent years developing multiple Star Warsprojects that stalled or shifted direction, leaving the franchise absent from theaters for more than half a decade. The Mandalorian and Grogu is now positioned as the theatrical comeback, with another film, Star Wars: Starfighter directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for 2027.
The Mandalorian’s shift from television to cinema is also a test case for whether Disney can successfully migrate one of its most successful streaming properties back into theaters. If audiences respond to the blend of familiar characters, classic Star Wars visuals, and new storylines, it could reset the franchise’s cinematic trajectory after years of uncertainty.
