The Mandalorian's Mind-Blowing Twist: Revealing Grogu's Fate Before Season 3

The Mandalorian made a controversial decision by bringing Grogu back before the third season. This reunion between Din Djarin and Grogu in The Book of Boba Fett undid the separation established in the season 2 finale, which disappointed some viewers who were hoping to see more of Din Djarin without Grogu. Additionally, Grogu's Jedi training with Luke Skywalker was cut short when he chose to reunite with Din.

However, the showrunners had a valid reason for bringing Grogu back for The Mandalorian season 3. In the Disney Gallery: The Making of The Mandalorian Season 3 documentary, director Jon Favreau explains that the Grogu puppet serves as a "touchstone" for everyone involved. In other words, the audience experiences The Mandalorian's world through Grogu's perspective. Even Mike Manzel, one of the puppeteers for Grogu, believes that treating the puppet as an actor provides the best direction for the crew.

Why Grogu Is An Essential Part Of The Mandalorian's Formula

Grogu offers The Mandalorian something that Din Djarin lacks: a relatable face for the viewers. Throughout The Mandalorian season 3, Din Djarin's character revolves around his refusal to remove his mask. Jon Favreau, in The Making of The Mandalorian Season 3, compares Din's facelessness to iconic characters like Darth Vader and C-3PO from the original trilogy. These characters are defined by their masks, often causing the audience to forget the existence of an actual face behind them. However, to complement Din's lack of facial expressions, the show requires a lively and expressive character.

Favreau explains in The Making of The Mandalorian Season 3 that Din Djarin and Grogu balance each other, creating a "bifurcated lead." In simpler terms, they are two halves that make a whole. By working in harmony, Din Djarin and Grogu can convey a wide range of emotions that a single character couldn't achieve alone. While Din Djarin remains stoic and unyielding, Grogu exhibits vulnerability and empathy. Grogu is not a mere addition for commercial purposes; instead, he is indispensable both to Din Djarin in The Mandalorian universe and to the audience in real life. Without Grogu, the audience would lose the heartfelt aspect of The Mandalorian.

Did Lucasfilm Make The Right Call Bringing Grogu Back?

While there may always be critics of Lucasfilm's decision to keep Grogu in The Mandalorian, the return of the character was not taken lightly. According to director Bryce Dallas Howard in The Making of The Mandalorian Season 3, the exploration of themes such as intimacy, vulnerability, and the masks we wear is significant. While there are other unmasked characters who can bring out Din Djarin's vulnerability, Grogu is the only one who truly understands him.

It would still be intriguing to see a version of The Mandalorian without Grogu, as it would challenge the showrunners to creatively convey Din Djarin's emotions behind his mask. However, without Grogu, the initial magic that captivated the audience would be lost. Din Djarin, while masked, cannot sustain The Mandalorian on his own; his mask only becomes meaningful when accompanied by Grogu's interpretation.