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The Mandalorian and Grogu – Release Date Cast Plot Guide

Caleb Owen Fraser MacDonald • 2026-04-05 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The Mandalorian & Grogu represents Lucasfilm’s return to theatrical Star Wars storytelling, with Jon Favreau directing Pedro Pascal and the character Grogu in a feature film scheduled for May 22, 2026. The project marks the franchise’s first big-screen entry since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, translating the success of the Disney+ series into a cinematic event.

Development of the film emerged from disrupted plans for a fourth season of the streaming series, with production shifting to a theatrical format following Hollywood labor disputes in 2023. According to production records, Lucasfilm officially announced the project in January 2024, with filming commencing in California later that year.

The film maintains direct continuity with the established television narrative while expanding the scope for IMAX presentation. Reports indicate a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, with Disney+ streaming to follow the exclusive theatrical window.

What Is The Mandalorian & Grogu?

Release: May 22, 2026
Director: Jon Favreau
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Grogu
Studio: Lucasfilm

The feature serves as both continuation and expansion of the streaming narrative, retaining the core partnership between the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his Force-sensitive apprentice.

  • First theatrical Star Wars release since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019
  • Direct narrative continuation of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian
  • Fully canon within the Star Wars franchise continuity
  • Confirmed runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • Filming completed in December 2024 after starting in August
  • Simultaneous standard and IMAX theatrical release confirmed
Attribute Details
Official Title The Mandalorian & Grogu
Release Date May 22, 2026
Director Jon Favreau
Lead Cast Pedro Pascal, Grogu
Studio Lucasfilm
Distributor Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Runtime 2 hours 20 minutes
Writers Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Noah Kloor
Music Ludwig Göransson
Filming Start August 2024
Filming Wrap December 2024
Canon Status Fully canon

Release Date and Production Status

Theatrical and IMAX Debut

The film arrives exclusively in theaters and IMAX on May 22, 2026, across the US and UK. Theatrical listings confirm this date marks the first Star Wars theatrical release in over seven years.

From Small Screen to Big Screen

Originally conceived as the fourth season of the Disney+ series, the project pivoted to feature film format following industry-wide production delays in 2023. Lucasfilm announced the theatrical shift in January 2024, with Disney subsequently slotting the Memorial Day weekend release in April 2024.

California Production

Principal photography began in California during August 2024 and concluded by December 2024. The production utilized practical locations and stage work within the state.

Streaming Release

While the film premieres exclusively in theaters on May 22, 2026, Disney+ will distribute the title digitally at a later date. The specific streaming window remains unannounced.

Cast and Director

Favreau’s Creative Leadership

Jon Favreau directs the feature, co-writing the screenplay with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor. Production records list Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce as producers, with Ludwig Göransson composing the score.

Returning Heroes

Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian bounty hunter. The character Grogu, frequently referred to as Baby Yoda, appears as his young apprentice. Promotional material confirms both characters maintain their central dynamic.

New Additions

Casting reports indicate Sigourney Weaver has joined the production, though her specific role remains undisclosed. Recent updates also note a cameo appearance by Martin Scorsese. Production designers Doug Chiang and Andrew L. Jones return from the series, alongside costume designer Mary Zophres.

Plot Details and Story Expectations

Post-Empire Conflict

The narrative takes place following the collapse of the Galactic Empire, as Imperial warlords scatter across the galaxy. The emerging New Republic enlists Din Djarin and Grogu to protect the Rebellion’s gains against these remnant forces.

The Mandalorian and Grogu – Release Date, Cast and All Details

Series Continuity

The story continues directly from the conclusion of The Mandalorian series (2019–2023), maintaining narrative consistency with the established Disney+ storyline while expanding the visual scale for theatrical presentation.

Timeline Placement

The narrative occurs during the New Republic era, following the events depicted in the final season of the Disney+ series.

Plot Specifics

While the general premise involves protecting Rebellion gains from Imperial remnants, detailed plot points beyond the official synopsis remain closely guarded by Lucasfilm.

When Did Production Begin?

  1. 2023: Hollywood labor disputes delay planned Season 4 of The Mandalorian
  2. January 2024: Lucasfilm officially announces theatrical film development
  3. April 2024: Disney confirms May 22, 2026, release date
  4. August 2024: Principal photography begins in California
  5. September 22, 2025: First official trailer released with retro-inspired poster
  6. December 2024: Filming wraps production
  7. February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX spot airs featuring Sam Elliott narration
  8. May 22, 2026: Theatrical and IMAX release

What Has Been Confirmed vs. What Remains Unknown

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Release date: May 22, 2026 Specific character role for Sigourney Weaver
Director: Jon Favreau Exact Disney+ streaming premiere date
Lead cast: Pedro Pascal and Grogu Full extent of Martin Scorsese’s cameo
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes Complete supporting cast list
Canon status: Integrated into Star Wars continuity Specific plot details beyond general premise
Music composer: Ludwig Göransson Box office projections

Where Does It Fit in the Star Wars Saga?

The film bridges the streaming and theatrical divisions of the franchise, representing the first cinematic release since the sequel trilogy concluded in 2019. Its placement within the New Republic era connects it to the broader post-Return of the Jedi narrative established across multiple Disney+ series.

By translating the Din Djarin and Grogu partnership to the big screen, Lucasfilm extends the storytelling format that proved successful on streaming platforms into theatrical exhibition, potentially establishing a template for future character-driven Star Wars features.

The Mandalorian and Grogu – Release Date, Cast, Trailer & News

Statements from the Production

Information regarding the production comes from Lucasfilm announcements, California state filming permits, and promotional materials distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Jon Favreau’s involvement as director and co-writer has been confirmed through multiple official channels, alongside the returning production design team from the original series.

What Is the Significance of This Release?

The Mandalorian & Grogu represents a strategic expansion of the Star Wars universe, combining the intimate character dynamics of streaming television with the spectacle of theatrical exhibition. It marks Pedro Pascal’s continued embodiment of Din Djarin while advancing the narrative of Grogu’s training under Mandalorian culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu?

Yes. The first official trailer debuted on September 22, 2025, accompanied by a retro-inspired poster. A subsequent spot aired during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.

Will the film receive an IMAX release?

Yes. The Mandalorian & Grogu will screen in IMAX theaters simultaneously with its standard theatrical release on May 22, 2026.

Who composed the score for The Mandalorian & Grogu?

Ludwig Göransson returns to compose the film’s music, continuing his work from the Disney+ series.

What role does Martin Scorsese play in the film?

Reports indicate Scorsese makes a cameo appearance, though specific details regarding his character or scene remain undisclosed.

Is The Mandalorian & Grogu considered canon?

Yes. The film is fully canon within the Star Wars franchise, produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Will Sigourney Weaver appear in the film?

Sigourney Weaver is attached to the cast, though Lucasfilm has not confirmed the specifics of her role or screen time.

Caleb Owen Fraser MacDonald

About the author

Caleb Owen Fraser MacDonald

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.