Summary
Grogu was set up to become the second Mandalorian Jedi, but he chose to leave the Jedi and stay with Din Djarin.
Grogu continues to possess the potential of evolving into a Mandalorian Jedi in the days ahead, with the prospect of eventually affiliating with Rey's New Jedi Order.
Ahsoka subtly indicates that Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian fighter who embraced the Jedi path, might indeed be the genuine successor as the second Mandalorian Jedi.
Star Wars seemed to be positioning Grogu as the next Mandalorian Jedi in The Mandalorian, but a character in Ahsoka appears to be taking on that role instead. When Din Djarin found Grogu on Arvala-7, he already showed a strong connection to the Force, although using it would quickly exhaust him. Over time, Grogu became more capable in utilizing his abilities, often saving Djarin. As a ward under Din's care, Grogu slowly adapted to the ways of the Mandalorians, becoming the first since Tarre Vizsla to follow the path of both Mandalore and Jedi.
Considering the hostile history between Mandalorians and Jedi, this combination is quite rare. As a member of Yoda's species, Grogu possesses innate strength in the Force, but went into hiding due to Order 66. Both the Mandalorians and Jedi were nearly wiped out by the Empire, which gives Grogu a strong reason to continue the legacies of his old life and new family. However, the developments in The Mandalorian were changed by The Book of Boba Fett, redirecting Grogu's journey. Instead, Ahsoka, a familiar character, is now implied as the next Mandalorian to become a Jedi, while Grogu chooses to forge his own path in life.
Grogu Isn't The Second Mandalorian Jedi At All - He's Left The Jedi
Grogu's path towards becoming the second Mandalorian Jedi took a different turn when he made the decision to leave the Jedi behind. In The Book of Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker presented Grogu with a choice: continue his Jedi training by accepting Yoda's lightsaber or return to his father figure, Din Djarin, and receive the beskar chainmail. Luke cautioned that by accepting Mando's gift, Grogu would be giving in to attachment and forsaking the Jedi way. Despite this warning, Grogu chose to reunite with Din, seemingly leaving behind his Jedi aspirations.
However, this doesn't necessarily mark the end of Grogu's journey as a Jedi. Luke explained that what may seem like a short time for Grogu is actually a lifetime for most species. By the conclusion of The Mandalorian season 3, Grogu and Mando have become an official clan of two, with Grogu being adopted by Din. At some point in the future, when Mando's time comes to pass, Grogu will still have potentially over 800 years ahead of him. He will always possess a connection to the Force, making it a possibility for him to join Rey's New Jedi Order after his father figure is gone. While it remains a possibility for Grogu to become a Mandalorian Jedi, Ahsoka suggests that there may be another who comes before him.
Sabine Is A Mandalorian Who's Embracing The Way Of The Jedi
The Ahsoka trailers hint that Sabine Wren trained as a Jedi under Ahsoka Tano, despite her initial lack of Force sensitivity in Star Wars Rebels. However, there is evidence that supports this idea. Although already skilled in combat, Sabine learned to use a lightsaber when Kanan Jarrus taught her how to wield the Darksaber. This training enhanced her natural athleticism and may have awakened the Force within her during her time with Kanan and Ezra Bridger.
Sabine and Grogu represent contrasting paths. While Grogu chose to follow the Mandalorian way, Sabine was born a Mandalorian and later chose to train as a Jedi. This decision may be her way of honoring the losses of Kanan and Ezra. However, being a Mandalorian warrior involves more than just wielding a lightsaber. All living beings are connected to the Force, and based on Sabine's demonstrated talents in Rebels and possible off-screen events, it is not surprising that Ahsoka would mentor her. With Ahsoka's guidance, Sabine will embark on the journey of becoming the true second Mandalorian Jedi.
Episodes 1 and 2 of Ahsoka will premiere on Wednesday, August 23 on Disney+.