The Mandalorian & Grogu: A New Era for Star Wars

The Rise of The Mandalorian & Grogu

Star Wars' has chosen The Mandalorian & Grogu to herald the franchise's long-awaited return to theaters, proving who the original trilogy heroes' true replacements are. While Disney and Lucasfilm made sequel films with a brand-new collection of heroes (and even a core trio), the sequel trilogy itself is nothing if not controversial. Conversely, Lucasfilm's streaming shows have laid the groundwork for even bigger stars on the big screen. In 2023, Lucasfilm announced three new upcoming Star Wars movies in development. This included a film set 25,000 years in the past revealing the first Jedi from director James Mangold, a New Jedi Order movie with Rey Skywalker from director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and a New Republic crossover movie that will culminate The Mandalorian series and its spin-off shows in one epic movie from Lucasfilm's Dave Filoni. However, the newest announcement that Jon Favreau will be directing The Mandalorian & Grogu either before or instead of a fourth season communicates volumes about the current state of the Star Wars franchise.

Din Djarin and Grogu fly away from an explosion in concept art for The Mandalorian & Grogu movie

Din Djarin & Grogu Are The New Faces Of The Star Wars Franchise Now. It's No Coincidence They're Bringing The Franchise Back To Theaters. The fact that Lucasfilm has chosen The Mandalorian & Grogu as their big return to the theaters since the sequels makes sense. Beyond the previous three films announced, this one is easily the safest and most bankable by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, Rey's New Jedi Order movie is already building controversy due to comments from its director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (especially those that have been unfairly taken out of context). James Mangold's Dawn of the Jedi movie will venture into bold and untested territory. Likewise, Filoni's movie is quite ambitious and will likely require more time, money, and further shows before it comes to theaters. In contrast, The Mandalorian & Grogu will be about extremely popular characters whom audiences already know and love. Massive merchandise sales are practically guaranteed thanks to the money train that is Grogu aka 'Baby Yoda', and Pedro Pascal currently holds some of the most star power in all of Hollywood. It might not be the most creatively ambitious project Lucasfilm has ever done, but going with The Mandalorian & Grogu is the most logical decision, promising the most success right out the gate with the return to the theaters. It also further confirms that Din Djarin and his newly adopted son truly are the biggest faces of the Star Wars franchise.

Din Djarin holding Grogu in the poster for The Mandalorian season 3 next to Grogu on Luke Skywalker's back in The Book of Boba Fett

The Impact of The Mandalorian & Grogu

The Mandalorian & Grogu Mean Bringing Back OT Heroes Is Less Necessary. They Truly Are Leading The Galaxy Far, Far Away. Din Djarin and Grogu leading the charge and bringing Star Wars back to theaters also means that there's less pressure to bring back characters from the original trilogy like Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker who was brought back in both The Mandalorian season 2 and The Book of Boba Fett. While it was already fairly obvious thanks to Disney+ and the duo's ongoing popularity, getting their own movie really hammers that idea home. Likewise, the fact that The Mandalorian & Grogu will be Lucasfilm's big return to theaters proves just how much confidence and faith has been put in the duo for Star Wars' future.

The Future of The Mandalorian & Grogu

The future of The Mandalorian & Grogu seems promising with the announcement of Jon Favreau directing the movie. This decision communicates volumes about the current state of the Star Wars franchise and the confidence and faith placed in these beloved characters. As the duo continues to lead the charge and bring Star Wars back to theaters, it further solidifies their position as the new faces of the franchise. The return of The Mandalorian & Grogu to the big screen promises a new era for Star Wars, one that is built on the foundation of beloved characters and exciting new adventures in a galaxy far, far away.