The galaxy far, far away is coming to the big screen in a big way. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu — the first live-action Star Wars theatrical film since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019 — lands in cinemas on May 22, 2026. After years of television storytelling, Din Djarin and his tiny green companion are getting the full IMAX treatment, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
Here is everything confirmed about the film so far.
Release Date & Formats
The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in the United States on May 22, 2026, going head-to-head with the summer blockbuster season. The film will screen in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and standard formats. No Disney+ streaming date has been confirmed yet — this is a full theatrical-first release.
This marks a landmark moment for Star Wars: it is the franchise's return to theaters after a seven-year gap and the first live-action Star Wars film not part of the Skywalker Saga to receive a wide theatrical release.
Plot: What Is the Movie About?
The story picks up in the post-Return of the Jedi era, set between Episodes VI and VII. The New Republic — still finding its footing in a destabilized galaxy — enlists Din Djarin (the Mandalorian) and his apprentice Grogu for a high-stakes mission.
Their objective: rescue Rotta the Hutt from captivity. In exchange, the Hutt clan will provide the New Republic with information on Coyne, a mysterious target of interest. Remaining Imperial warlords still threaten peace across the galaxy, raising the stakes for every mission.
The film is set well within the timeline familiar to fans of the Disney+ series, though the theatrical scale promises a larger, more cinematic scope than any episode before it.
- Set between Return of the Jedi (1983) and The Force Awakens (2015)
- Din Djarin is sent on a New Republic rescue mission involving the Hutt clan
- Imperial remnants remain a persistent threat in the galaxy
- Takes place after the events of Mandalorian Season 3
- Directed by Jon Favreau, who created the original series
Full Cast
Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian, cementing one of the most beloved performances in modern Star Wars. As with the series, most suited scenes are handled by Brendan Wayne and stuntman Lateef Crowder, with Pascal providing voice and face-reveal moments.
But it's the new additions that have fans buzzing:
- Sigourney Weaver — plays Colonel Ward, a New Republic military officer. A major casting coup that signals the film's ambition.
- Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) — voices Rotta the Hutt, the Hutt central to the film's rescue mission plot.
- Martin Scorsese — makes a cameo appearance as an Ardennian fry cook. Yes, that Martin Scorsese.
- Steve Blum — reprises his role as Zeb Orrelios, the fan-favorite Lasat warrior from Star Wars Rebels, continuing his live-action transition.
Director & Creative Team
Jon Favreau, who created The Mandalorian series and directed multiple episodes, takes the helm for the feature film. He co-wrote the screenplay with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor. Kathleen Kennedy and Ian Bryce produce alongside Favreau and Filoni.
Ludwig Göransson — the composer behind the iconic Mandalorian theme — returns to score the film. Scoring sessions took place in January 2026 at the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles, confirming his involvement after helming the first two seasons of the series.
The Super Bowl Trailer
At Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, Disney debuted a memorable — and deliberately tongue-in-cheek — teaser. The spot showed Mando and Grogu riding a sled pulled by tauntauns across a snow-covered landscape, narrated by Sam Elliott in the style of classic Budweiser Clydesdale Super Bowl ads.
It was funny, warm, and widely celebrated. It also confirmed: the film isn't taking itself too seriously, at least in its marketing.
How Does It Connect to the TV Series?
The Mandalorian and Grogu is a direct continuation of the Disney+ series. Fans who watched all three seasons are well-positioned — but the filmmakers have indicated it's designed to be accessible to newcomers as well.
Key threads carried over from the series include:
- Grogu's training as a Mandalorian foundling
- Din Djarin's relationship with the Children of the Watch and the Armorer
- The political instability of the New Republic
- Lingering Imperial remnants under various warlords
Dave Filoni's involvement also suggests connections to The Clone Wars and Rebels — hence Zeb Orrelios' inclusion — continuing Lucasfilm's push to unify its animated and live-action storytelling.
Where to Watch After Theaters
No streaming date has been confirmed, but given Disney's standard theatrical window, expect the film on Disney+ approximately 90 days after its May 22 theatrical debut — likely around late August 2026.
The Bottom Line
With Pedro Pascal at the top of his cultural moment, Sigourney Weaver adding prestige, Ludwig Göransson scoring, and Jon Favreau directing — The Mandalorian and Grogu is shaping up to be the most anticipated Star Wars release since The Force Awakens. This is the movie that could redefine what the franchise looks like in theaters.
Mark your calendar: May 22, 2026.
