The Mandalorian and Grogu Receives Major Update

November 3, 2024

Key Takeaways

The Mandalorian & Grogu movie has finished filming, sparking excitement for its 2026 release.
Disney seeks a box office hit with the film to revive the once-divided Star Wars franchise.
The movie marks the first time the beloved characters from Disney+ will appear on the big screen.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Star Wars feature films, fans have reason to get excited with an unexpected update on the highly-anticipated movie starring The Mandalorian and Grogu.

The fate of feature-length Star Wars films has been up in the air, but there’s no doubt Disney+ has kept the Force strong with its Star Wars lineup. The groundbreaking series The Mandalorian led the charge, where fans first fell in love with the irresistibly cute Grogu, who was affectionately dubbed “Baby Yoda” upon his debut. Now, after three thrilling seasons and several successful spinoffs, Mando and Grogu are set to make their big-screen debut in The Mandalorian & Grogu. While the movie’s 2026 release date may seem distant, intriguing updates are already beginning to surface, keeping the excitement alive for what’s to come in this beloved galaxy far, far away.

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The latest update from the Puck newsletter reveals that Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu has officially wrapped filming, marking the franchise’s first theatrical outing since The Rise of Skywalker. With this milestone achieved, the movie is firmly on track for its anticipated 2026 release, allowing ample time for post-production. The smooth filming process speaks volumes about director Jon Favreau’s expertise, with no reported issues during production. Filming began in June in Los Angeles, with the production expected to remain exclusively within California—a fitting choice, considering that the first three seasons of the Mandalorian series were primarily filmed in the L.A. area. Notably, these seasons utilized state-of-the-art technology at Manhattan Beach Studios, including ILM’s StageCraft and the innovative Volume. Currently, the only confirmed cast members for The Mandalorian & Grogu are the titular Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin and the beloved animatronic Grogu, with Favreau at the helm as director.

Din Djarin and Grogu living peacefully on Nevarro in The Mandalorian season 3 finale

With mounting expectations for The Mandalorian & Grogu, Disney is under pressure to ensure a box office hit that paves the way for a return to theatrical Star Wars releases. The franchise’s last cinematic installment, 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, left fans divided, mirroring the mixed reactions to its two predecessors. However, the reception for The Mandalorian has been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting brighter days ahead for the franchise. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Mando has struck a chord with viewers, and who could resist the charm of the adorable Grogu? Despite a rocky season 3, there’s hope that Jon Favreau has gleaned valuable lessons to steer the franchise back on track. With the recent news of Daisy Ridley’s New Jedi Order movie losing screenwriter Steven Knight, this could be the revival the Star Wars universe desperately needs.

The Mandalorian and Grogu are now more pivotal than ever in Lucasfilm’s ambitious vision for the future, marking the first time these beloved Disney+ characters are set to grace the big screen. Since debuting in 2019, Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and his adorable companion have made The Mandalorian a flagship series for Disney+, standing out as one of the platform’s best offerings — even amid the hiccups in Season 3. Now, this dynamic duo is ready to lead the charge back into theaters with The Mandalorian & Grogu while also intertwining with narratives from Ahsoka and the upcoming Skeleton Crew. The Mandalorian Season 3 finale established a fresh status quo for Din Djarin, positioning him closer to the thrilling galaxy-spanning adventures on the horizon. With the New Republic enlisting his skills to track down the Imperial Remnant just as Grand Admiral Thrawn rises to power, fans can look forward to thrilling escapades that showcase the Star Wars universe like never before.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is in post-production.