The Mandalorian and Grogu releases in theaters May 22 with divided first reactions

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Divided Critics Clash Over Din Djarin’s Big Screen Journey
• What Makes This Star Wars Return So Controversial
• Star Wars Returns to Theaters After 7 Years of Streaming
• Can Grogu Steal the Show and Win Over Skeptics
  • Watch the Official Trailer
• Will The Mandalorian Movie Succeed Where Recent Star Wars Films Struggled
  • Sources

The Mandalorian and Grogu drops in theaters in just 6 days, and early reactions from press screenings reveal stark divides over the Star Wars comeback. Some call it a thrilling galactic adventure, while others slam it as emotionless and TV-like. What will audiences really think?

Divided Critics Clash Over Din Djarin’s Big Screen Journey

First reactions hit social media after Thursday night press screenings, and the response splits sharply between fans and skeptics. Erik Davis from Fandango praised the film as “a thrilling adventure full of big fights, gnarly creatures” and emphasized how the movie focuses on fun over lore. Many critics highlight Grogu’s adorable moments as the film’s strongest asset.

Other reviewers weren’t convinced. Jonathan Sim called it “one of the weakest Star Wars movies”, describing it as “an emotionless, predictable experience”. Critics like Griffin Schiller found it “kinda a snooze fest”, comparing it to watching video game cutscenes instead of playing an interactive adventure.

What Makes This Star Wars Return So Controversial

The film feels like an extended TV episode rather than a full cinematic event, according to multiple reviewers. Germain Lussier noted the movie focuses more on “new locations with new creatures” than on character development. Still, fans of the Disney+ series appreciate that Favreau returns the franchise to its space western roots, avoiding complex lore and delivering straightforward action.

Jeremy Allen White’s Rotta the Hutt polarized reactions equally. Some critics praise his surprising charisma, while Perri Nemiroff from Collider argues that live-action Hutts are challenging to execute effectively and felt “too on the nose.”

Star Wars Returns to Theaters After 7 Years of Streaming

Detail	Information
Release Date	May 22, 2026
Format	Theatrical and IMAX
Director	Jon Favreau
Cast	Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver

Star Wars hasn’t graced theaters since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. In that span, the franchise shifted to streaming series including The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, Andor, and The Acolyte. This theatrical return marks the first release under new Lucasfilm leadership, with Dave Filoni now in control.

“The Mandalorian and Grogu: the marketing had me worried, but this movie is actually a lot of fun. Yes it does feel like a supersized high budget few episodes of the tv show. If you like the show you’ll love this.”

— Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm

Can Grogu Steal the Show and Win Over Skeptics

Despite mixed critical reactions, one element commands universal praise: Grogu himself. The animatronic puppet’s cuteness consistently earns applause from reviewers. Even harsh critics acknowledge the filmmaking achievement of bringing the character to life so effectively on the big screen.

The film succeeds as family entertainment, with many noting it appeals to both hardcore Star Wars fans and casual audiences. Scott Mendelson shared that even his 11-year-old son declared it “a really good movie” despite not being a Star Wars enthusiast. The question remains: will audiences embrace this adventure-focused approach over traditional Star Wars mythology?

Will The Mandalorian Movie Succeed Where Recent Star Wars Films Struggled

Star Wars fans remain cautious after mixed franchises results over the last decade. The Rise of Skywalker polarized audiences in 2019, leaving the fandom fractured. However, The Mandalorian series earned consistent praise for its character-driven storytelling and practical effects. Whether the theatrical film captures that same magic or succumbs to the criticisms of feeling too TV-like will define this theatrical comeback. May 22 will reveal if audiences agree with the early praise or the early skepticism.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter – First reactions from press screenings and critical analysis
• Variety – Comprehensive coverage of divided first reactions and film details
• Fandango – Official showtimes and release information