Since its premiere in 2019, Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian” has been the new hope for “Star Wars,” which concluded its Skywalker saga with “Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker” the same year. The first live-action series for the multibillion-dollar franchise was an overnight success, earning a dedicated viewership and several Emmys to boot.
Longtime and new fans alike quickly became attached to “The Mandalorian” thanks to its winning lead characters: the titular bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal) and the universally beloved Grogu, whom viewers affectionately dubbed “Baby Yoda.”
Five years later, Disney+ has added four additional shows to its small-screen “Star Wars” roster: “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and “Ahsoka.” Two more are set to premiere this year: “Skeleton Crew,” starring Jude Law and Kerry Condon, and “The Acolyte,” starring Dafne Keen and Amandla Stenberg.
But the biggest news for fans is the announcement of “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” directed by Favreau, which will take the duo to the big screen. Here’s everything you need to know about the film, including likely cast members and a potential release date.
JUMP TO
- What is “The Mandalorian & Grogu” about?
- Who’s rumored to be in the ensemble of “The Mandalorian & Grogu”?
- When and where is “The Mandalorian & Grogu” filming?
- Where can you find “Star Wars” casting calls?
- Who is the casting director for “The Mandalorian & Grogu”?
- When will “The Mandalorian & Grogu” premiere?
LucasFilm and Disney+ have been infamously tight-lipped about upcoming “Star Wars” projects, and their latest is no exception. So far, only the movie’s title has been released; but it’s expected to pick up where the series’ third season left off, which aired its final episode last April.
Season 1 of “The Mandalorian” is set five years after the events of Richard Marquand’s “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983) on the desert planet of Arvala-7. The Mandalorian, aka Din Djarin, is a lone bounty hunter whose life takes a sharp turn when Greef Karga (Carl Weathers), the leader of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild, tasks him with a vital mission: to capture the Force-sensitive Grogu, aka the Child, from the remnants of the defeated Imperial forces.
But Mando develops a strong bond with his target, and together, the two go on the run. At the beginning of the third installment, he finally delivers Grogu to the Client (Werner Herzog); plagued by guilt, he soon returns to rescue his friend. The season ends with Din formally adopting Grogu as his son and leaving his old life behind to work with the New Republic.
On Jan. 12, Screenrant reported that the previously renewed fourth season of the series is “not a given” following the announcement of “The Mandalorian & Grogu”—despite scripts already being completed prior to last year’s WGA strike. The fate of the Disney+ series hinges on how well the movie performs at the box office. Lucasfilm has neither confirmed nor denied the continuation of “The Mandalorian” on the small screen.
While it’s assumed that series star Pascal will return to lead the film, Disney hasn’t made any casting announcements yet. The studio will have to play a game of double Dutch with the Emmy-nominated actor’s schedule, considering he’s beginning production on Season 2 of HBO’s “The Last of Us” this spring and is also starring in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2,” Zach Cregger’s “Weapons,” and, potentially, Marvel’s recently announced “Fantastic Four” reboot.
It’s likely that members of the series’ supporting cast will appear in the films, including Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan Kryze), Emily Swallow (the Armorer), Amy Sedaris (Peli Motto), Omid Abtahi (Dr. Penn Pershing), Simon Kassianides (Axe Woves), and Mercedes Varnado (Koska Reeves).
Other additions to the ensemble will depend on what direction the TV series takes, if any. With Din now settled on Nevarro, there are opportunities for clashes against Grand Admiral Thrawn and members of the Imperial Shadow Council. The former made his live-action debut on “Ahsoka,” with Lars Mikkelsen taking on the role.
A “Star Wars” project wouldn’t be complete without fan theories, like whether Giancarlo Esposito’s Moff Gideon is—spoiler alert!—actually dead or if one of his clones was killed in his place.
The only absolute certainty is Grogu, since he’s a puppet—and we’re thankful for that guarantee.
Production is expected to begin sometime this year. Both Kassianides and series hair designer Maria Sandoval have teased upcoming filming plans on their Instagram pages. However, previous rumors held that a potential Season 4 would begin shooting in February.
Despite its seemingly endless sandy backdrop, “The Mandalorian” was filmed almost exclusively at Manhattan Beach Studios in California using the StageCraft video wall to generate photorealistic virtual landscapes. Additional scenes were filmed on location in Burbank and El Segundo.
“The Mandalorian & Grogu” will likely employ the same techniques—though it’s unclear whether the movie will continue to shoot in California or move to a larger studio like London’s Pinewood Studios, the production location for the most recent “Star Wars” films.
None of the franchise’s many projects are currently looking for actors; but it’s still a good idea to do your research so you’ll be on the ball when casting calls arise. Check out our guide on how to get cast in “Star Wars” projects on both the small and big screens, which includes audition advice from Pascal and other franchise stars.
The Force was strong with CD Sarah Finn when she put together the ensemble for “The Mandalorian,” which scored her an Emmy nomination for casting in a drama series. Though no official announcements have been released, it’s likely she’ll also find the ensemble for “The Mandalorian & Grogu.”
That said, other casting directors have found actors for recent “Star Wars” features, including Nina Gold (“The Rise of Skywalker”) and Jina Jay (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”).
For advice from Finn, one of Disney’s go-to CDs across its brands (including every film in the MCU), check out our interview here.
The movie doesn’t have a release date—yet. However, “Star Wars” lovers have plenty to look forward to in the next few years. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Disney has three other live-action “Star Wars” films in the works, with release dates currently set for May 22, 2026, Dec. 18, 2026, and Dec. 17, 2027. There’s even a standalone Lando Calrissian movie in the works, in which Donald Glover will reprise his “Solo” role as the smooth-talking smuggler.
We’ll update this piece as Disney and Lucasfilm release more news about “The Mandalorian & Grogu”—so stay tuned.