‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Sparks “Concerns” From Disney, Studio Moves on To Next ‘Star Wars’ Project

The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) is supposed to mark Star Wars’ long-awaited return to theaters. Instead, it has become a quiet stress test for Disney, arriving at a moment when the franchise’s direction — cinematic and otherwise — remains unsettled.

This will be the first Star Wars movie released since The Rise of Skywalker closed out the sequel trilogy in 2019. That film performed well financially but left lingering damage. Critics and fans cited rushed plotting, repeated reversals of character arcs, and an overreliance on nostalgia as signs of a trilogy without a clear plan.

In response, Lucasfilm pivoted hard toward Disney+. Early on, that move paid off. The Mandalorian debuted as a breakout success, re-centering the franchise around smaller-scale storytelling and a new generation of characters. Over time, however, enthusiasm cooled as later series struggled to maintain momentum.

Projects like The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi drew criticism for uneven pacing, constrained visuals, and stories that often felt stretched thin. By the time newer shows arrived, audience fatigue had become a recurring concern — and the question of what deserved a theatrical release grew louder.

First announced in 2024, The Mandalorian and Grogu brings Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, and Grogu back into the spotlight. Disney and Lucasfilm have shared few concrete story details, keeping marketing deliberately restrained.

Recent trailers confirmed that Din Djarin will appear unmasked and searching for Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White. A cameo from Martin Scorsese also appears briefly.

Disney’s Reservations Over ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’

According to Variety, Disney insiders expressed concern that the film’s 36-second Super Bowl teaser “failed to generate the kind of excitement the marketing team was hoping to spark.”

The teaser focused on Din and Grogu riding a wagon pulled by Tauntauns. Internally, some reportedly worried the imagery reinforced “concerns” that the project might feel more like an extended television episode than a true cinematic event. Disney and Lucasfilm later defended the creative approach.

“The film itself is something of a question mark, given that it’s based on a streaming series and, consequently, may not seem like a big-screen proposition for any but the most die-hard Baby Yoda lovers,” Variety reports.

Those doubts reportedly extend beyond marketing. Earlier reports suggested Lucasfilm is closely monitoring the film’s box office performance before committing to additional theatrical projects set in the so-called MandoVerse. The film’s lower budget reduces risk, but expectations remain cautious.

Where Disney’s Confidence May Be Shifting

At the same time, Variety reports that insiders are more optimistic about Star Wars: Starfighter, a separate theatrical project positioned as a fresh entry point rather than a continuation.

The film is directed by Shawn Levy, written by Jonathan Tropper, and stars Ryan Gosling. Early footage reportedly impressed those who have seen it.

Are you more excited for The Mandalorian and Grogu or Star Wars: Starfighter?