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Star Wars made history tonight as Mandalorian and Grogu debuted 17 minutes of exclusive footage at CinemaCon 2026. Director Jon Favreau brought the opening sequence to eager fans, confirming the galaxy returns to theaters May 22. This marks the first Star Wars theatrical film since 2019.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: May 22, 2026, exclusively in theaters nationwide
- Director: Jon Favreau brings the beloved TV series to the big screen
- Cast: Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin with Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White joining
- First Star Wars Film: First theatrical Star Wars movie since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019
CinemaCon Delivers Exclusive 17-Minute Preview
Director Jon Favreau took the stage at the Las Vegas event to share what fans have been waiting for since the series debuted. The 17-minute opening sequence shows Din Djarin and Grogu in action immediately, setting a tense tone from the start. Favreau told the crowd, “Star Wars made me fall in love with movies,” expressing his genuine passion for bringing the story to theaters. The filmmaker emphasized his excitement about introducing Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda, to a new theatrical audience on the big screen.
The exclusive footage opens with a deadly empire council meeting before cutting to Pascal’s Mandalorian dispatching guards with precision. A high-speed chase down snowy mountains follows, with Grogu riding alongside his adoptive father. The footage included adorable moments, like Grogu tapping Pascal’s helmet during combat and sneezing mid-action sequence.
Mandalorian and Grogu drops 17 minutes at CinemaCon, Star Wars returns to theaters May 22
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The Story picks Up After the Empire Falls
The new film continues from where the Disney+ series left off, with the evil Empire now defeated but Imperial warlords still scattered throughout the galaxy. The New Republic has enlisted Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu to hunt down remaining imperial fugitives in the Outer Rim. Sigourney Weaver plays Colonel Ward, a New Republic official who chastises Pascal’s character saying, “Messy, very messy,” criticizing his methods while emphasizing the mission’s true goal of preventing war.
A pivotal scene reveals Weaver’s character assigning Djarin a dangerous new mission: find Rotta the Hutt, the only surviving heir of crime lord Jabba the Hutt. The Hutt Twins feature prominently, with menacing dialogue that raises the stakes considerably for the upcoming adventure.
Cast, Crew, and Release Details
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 22, 2026 |
| Director | Jon Favreau |
| Cast | Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Composer | Ludwig Göransson |
| Format | Filmed for IMAX |
Jon Favreau directs from a script he co-wrote with Dave Filoli and Noah Kloor. Filoli, George Lucas’s protégé, now oversees Lucasfilm as president and chief creative officer following recent leadership changes. Ludwig Göransson composed the score, with the soundtrack releasing May 15 on digital platforms and June 5 on vinyl.
“The old protect the young and then the young protect the old.”
— The Mandalorian, from the final trailer
Final Trailer Debuts, Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow
The final trailer released today at CinemaCon opens with Grogu meditating in a forest while Yoda’s Theme plays unmistakably in the background. The footage showcases Grogu’s journey alongside Din Djarin, exploring themes of legacy and protection. Advance tickets go on sale Friday, April 17 at 6:00 a.m. PT through Fandango and all major ticket vendors. Additional footage hints at encounters with Anzellan creatures, ruthless bounty hunters, and the Hutt Twins who pose a significant threat to Djarin’s mission.
The theatrical release represents a monumental moment for Star Wars fans, bringing beloved television characters to the IMAX format and expanding the saga’s scope. CinemaCon attendees experienced this historic moment firsthand, witnessing the opening sequence that promises heart, humor, and galactic adventure.
Will Star Wars Return to Theaters Successfully After Four Years?
The Star Wars franchise hasn’t graced theatrical screens since 2019’s controversial Rise of Skywalker, leaving a seven-year gap for fans hoping for new theatrical content. The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives as a strategic bet on the IP’s theatrical viability, bringing spin-off content from the successful Disney+ series to cinema audiences. The film marks a significant shift in Lucasfilm strategy under Dave Filoli’s leadership, prioritizing beloved characters and quality storytelling over rushed sequels.
Jon Favreau’s meticulous approach to the material, the strong supporting cast featuring award-winning actors, and the IMAX technical achievements suggest Disney is making a genuine effort to restore theatrical Star Wars to cultural prominence. Early reactions to the CinemaCon footage proved overwhelmingly positive, with fans excited by the character dynamics and action sequences presented during the preview.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Exclusive CinemaCon coverage of first 17 minutes and final trailer
- Deadline – Director Jon Favreau unveils opening sequence at Las Vegas event
- StarWars.com – Official Star Wars announcement with final trailer and ticket information
