The Mandalorian & Grogu Review (2026): Does Star Wars' Disney+ Hero Make the Jump to the Big Screen?
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After a slightly delayed recording session thanks to an unfortunate bout of what I'm calling *space flu*, we finally sat down to discuss *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, the first Star Wars film to spin directly out of a Disney+ series.
It's been seven years since Star Wars last graced cinema screens, and with Din Djarin and Grogu now carrying the franchise's banner, expectations were high. But does *The Mandalorian & Grogu* feel like a genuine movie event, or simply an expensive episode of television?
That's exactly what we explore in our latest Patreon review.
What Is The Mandalorian & Grogu About?
Set after the events of *The Mandalorian* Season 3, the film follows Din Djarin and Grogu as they undertake a new mission for the New Republic while navigating a galaxy still recovering from the fall of the Empire.
Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, the film marks the first theatrical Star Wars release since *The Rise of Skywalker* in 2019.
What Did Critics Think?
Critical reaction has been mixed.
The general consensus seems to be that the film succeeds thanks to the chemistry between Din Djarin and Grogu, strong action sequences, gorgeous visuals and a sense of fun that some recent Star Wars projects have lacked. Critics also praised Ludwig Göransson's score and the film's lighter, adventure-focused tone.
However, many reviewers felt the story was thin and episodic, with several critics comparing the film to a handful of television episodes stitched together into a feature-length adventure. Others argued that the film relies too heavily on fan service and familiar Star Wars iconography rather than pushing the franchise forward.
Audience reactions have been considerably warmer, with many fans embracing the film as a fun, low-stakes Star Wars adventure focused on the relationship between Mando and Grogu.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Might Not Know
1. This Film Began Life as The Mandalorian Season 4
Before Lucasfilm shifted plans, a fourth season of *The Mandalorian* was reportedly in development. Instead, Jon Favreau and Lucasfilm pivoted toward a feature film, making this the first Star Wars movie to emerge directly from Disney+'s television era.
2. Jon Favreau Sees It as the Culmination of His Star Wars Work
Favreau has described the film as a culmination of the seven years he has spent building this corner of the Star Wars universe since launching *The Mandalorian* in 2019.
3. Grogu Is Still a Practical Puppet
Despite advances in digital effects, Lucasfilm continues to rely heavily on puppetry for Grogu. The character remains a combination of practical puppetry, animatronics and digital enhancement, helping preserve the tactile feel that made audiences fall in love with him in the first place.
4. The Film Continues The Mandalorian's Virtual Production Legacy
Like the Disney+ series, the film makes extensive use of StageCraft technology — the massive LED "Volume" environments pioneered during *The Mandalorian's* production. The technology allows filmmakers to create huge Star Wars worlds without relying entirely on green screens.
Our Verdict
Whether *The Mandalorian & Grogu* works for you will largely depend on what you want from Star Wars.
If you're looking for galaxy-shaking revelations and saga-defining storytelling, you may leave disappointed. If you're happy spending two hours with one of Star Wars' most beloved duos on a fun space-western adventure, there's a lot to enjoy here.
In our latest Patreon episode, Matt and I discuss where the film succeeds, where it falls short, our favourite Easter eggs, and whether this is the right direction for Star Wars as it returns to cinemas.
**Listen now on Patreon and let us know: Is *The Mandalorian & Grogu* the future of Star Wars, or should Lucasfilm be looking to tell new stories in a galaxy far, far away?**
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