The Mandalorian and Grogu is here, and it’s a significant release for Star Wars, not just because it finally sees the next chapter in Din Djarin’s adventure, but also because it’s the franchise’s first cinema release in nearly seven years.
Season 3 of The Mandalorian was released in 2023, and while it was well-received, some fans didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two seasons. This is also partly due to the fact that watching The Book of Boba Fett is necessary to get the full picture of the third season’s story.
Now, the Mandalorian is back, this time in a feature-length film. While it’s set after Season 3, it’s pretty much a standalone adventure that even casual Star Wars fans should have no issues following the story.
So, is this a proper follow-up to one of Star Wars’ most popular shows? And is the first feature-length film in the franchise worth the seven-year wait? Here’s what we think.
[Note: There are no The Mandalorian and Grogu spoilers in this article, except for details shared in trailers.]
This new movie picks up with Din Djarin working for the New Republic to deal with remnants of the Galactic Empire. As mentioned above, this has more of a standalone story, so you shouldn’t expect to see characters from the series. On the flip side, we do have some strong ties to the previous films. After all, Din Djarin is tasked with rescuing Rotta the Hutt, the son of Jabba the Hutt.
Introducing the son of Jabba might seem like straight-up nostalgia pandering, but after watching the movie, his being there made a lot of sense given the film’s themes. Without giving much away, the story of Rotta the Hutt offers a nice parallel to the Mandalorian and Grogu’s journey and relationship.
Speaking of Grogu, the film has definitely amped up his cuteness, as he pretty much steals the show. Of course, he’s not just there to make cute faces, as this movie actually gives Grogu plenty to do. Grogu isn’t just atop Mando’s shoulder all the time, as there are plenty of moments where he must be brave and take action. This is especially the case in the film’s second half.
As for the Mandalorian, Din Djarin is still the incredible fighter that you’ve seen in the films. He also works well with the film’s supporting cast, whether it’s Rotta the Hutt or the members of the New Republic. Given his skills, the times when he’s caught off guard can seem a bit too convenient for the plot, meaning you may have to suspend your disbelief a bit more during some parts.
These moments were during the film’s various fight scenes. While they’re shot well, some sequences don’t work as well as others. For instance, some action scenes in an arena had some awkward-looking moments, as the melee action seemed stiff. A desert scene also looked a bit flat, at least compared to other feature-length Star Wars films.
Overall, though, the action moments in this movie are still fun to watch unfold. In particular, the second-half action segments are quite exciting, especially during the times when ships are involved.
As for the story, The Mandalorian and Grogu is entertaining, but again, there are parts where the plot points unfold a bit too conveniently. There are also scenes in the film that seem like the characters are just explaining the plot and their backstories, making the storytelling feel less organic.
Most of these happen in the first half, as the film’s second half is much stronger. This isn’t too surprising given how the film’s story is structured. Watching it feels kind of like you’re watching a two-part episode of The Mandalorian series, albeit with a runtime of two hours.
This also extends to the film’s scope, as it’s a decidedly small-scale affair compared to the previous Star Wars cinema releases. Personally, I like watching movies without world-ending (or Galaxy-ending for Star Wars) stakes, as it feels quite refreshing in the context of big blockbuster films. As such, coming into this movie, you shouldn’t expect this to have Rogue One-level scale.
The Mandalorian and Grogu – Final Verdict
If you enjoyed the past three seasons of The Mandalorian, then this new movie should be an enjoyable watch, as it kind of feels like a big two-part episode of the series. The Mandalorian and Grogu features the lovable duo embarking on a new adventure that’s equal parts exciting and adorable (especially the Grogu parts).
While there are some things about the movie that could be improved, like how action scenes aren’t as impactful as the previous franchise movies and that some character exposition can be a bit heavy-handed, dedicated Star Wars fans should still have a great time watching this on the big screen.
The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in Philippine cinemas on May 20, 2026.