Star Wars is coming back to the big screen on May 22, 2026, and it's bringing the galaxy's most beloved duo with it. The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars theatrical release since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019 — and early buzz suggests it could be the franchise reset fans have been waiting for.
Here's everything you need to know before you book your seat.
Release Date and Theaters
The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters on May 22, 2026 — a prime Memorial Day weekend slot. The film is confirmed for IMAX release, with Disney marketing it as "Filmed For IMAX®," meaning the aspect ratio expands to fill the full screen for select sequences.
The film will screen at AMC, Fandango-affiliated chains, and major international theater groups including Odeon and Vue in the UK. No Disney+ streaming date has been announced — this is a theatrical-first release.
The Full Cast
Directed by Jon Favreau (who also serves as writer and executive producer), the film reunites the core Mandalorian cast while adding major new names.
- Pedro Pascal — Din Djarin (The Mandalorian)
- Grogu — via animatronics, puppetry, and VFX (voiced by David Acord)
- Sigourney Weaver — Colonel Ward, leader of the New Republic's Adelphi Rangers and former Rebel Alliance pilot
- Jeremy Allen White — voice of Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba
- Steve Blum — voice of Garazeb Orrelios (Zeb), from Star Wars Rebels
- Amy Sedaris — Peli Motto, the fan-favorite mechanic
- Jonny Coyne — Imperial Warlord (returning from Season 3)
- Dave Filoni — Trapper Wolf
- Martin Scorsese — voice of Hugo (yes, really)
Signourney Weaver's casting is arguably the most significant. Colonel Ward isn't just a cameo — she's positioned as a key New Republic figure navigating the galaxy's post-Empire political fragility. Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) voicing Rotta the Hutt adds another buzzy name from prestige TV.
What's the Plot?
The story picks up after the events of The Mandalorian Season 3, with Din Djarin and Grogu operating as an unlikely New Republic asset. Their mission: tracking down remaining Imperial warlords who've gone to ground across the Outer Rim.
A leaked synopsis (via reliable outlet Bespin Bulletin) suggests the pair will journey to a world called Khar'Zuun, where Grogu discovers an ancient artifact that amplifies his Force abilities. This could significantly expand what the small green Jedi-in-training is capable of — and set up his role in a potential larger Star Wars story arc.
The film promises "gangsters, war criminals, and monsters" along the way — classic Mandalorian DNA, but on a cinematic scale.
Why This Movie Matters for Star Wars
Lucasfilm has had a complicated decade. After the mixed reception to the sequel trilogy's finale, the franchise leaned into streaming with mixed results. The Mandalorian was the bright spot — a simple, character-driven western in space that won over casual and hardcore fans alike.
Bringing The Mandalorian to theaters is a smart play. The built-in audience is massive, the characters are beloved, and Jon Favreau has earned enormous trust. There's no shared-universe baggage weighing it down — just a bounty hunter and his kid.
The Trailers So Far
Three pieces of marketing have dropped:
- September 2025 — First teaser trailer, brief but atmospheric. Din Djarin walking through ruins, Grogu's hand glowing with Force energy.
- February 8, 2026 — Super Bowl LX spot, a parody of Budweiser's classic Clydesdale ads with Mando and Grogu in an absurdist chase sequence that went viral immediately.
- February 17, 2026 — Full official trailer. Extended action sequences, Sigourney Weaver's Colonel Ward revealed, glimpse of what appears to be the Khar'Zuun setting, and a money shot of Grogu levitating what looks like a large structure.
The trailers have been extremely well-received. The Super Bowl spot alone generated over 50 million views across platforms in 48 hours.
How to Watch — Everything You Need
- IMAX and premium large format showings available
- Memorial Day weekend = extra days to catch it
- Expected ticket pre-sales open ~April 3, 2026
- No other major blockbusters opening the same weekend
- No streaming date announced (theatrical exclusive, likely 45-90 day window)
- Premium IMAX tickets will be $25-35 depending on market
- Martin Scorsese fans expecting a drama will be confused
To get tickets when they drop:
- US: AMC Theatres, Fandango, Cinemark, Regal
- UK: Odeon, Vue, Cineworld
- IMAX: Register at imax.com for early notifications
- Canada: Landmark Cinemas, Cineplex
The Bigger Picture: What Comes Next?
This film isn't just a one-off — it's designed to relaunch Star Wars as a theatrical property and set the stage for future movies. The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected to introduce story threads that connect to the rumored New Jedi Order film (reportedly in development with Daisy Ridley returning) and set up Grand Admiral Thrawn as the long-game villain for a new trilogy era.
If the movie performs at the box office — projections put opening weekend at $150-200M domestically — Lucasfilm has a green light for a sequel and potentially two more films in a connected storyline.
For Star Wars fans who've been waiting for the franchise to find its footing again, May 22 can't come soon enough.
The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters May 22, 2026. Rated TBD. Runtime not yet officially confirmed.
