The Mandalorian and Grogu review: Grogu steals the show again in Star Wars return
By William Muthama, May 23, 2026Star Wars has returned to the big screen after seven years with The Mandalorian and Grogu, bringing the hit Disney+ series to cinemas with Din Djarin and Grogu at the centre.
Released on Friday, May 22, 2026, the film picks up one year after the events of The Mandalorian Season 3, placing the duo at the centre of a New Republic mission targeting remaining Imperial forces.
The story follows a straightforward rescue operation involving Rotta the Hutt, pulling Mando and Grogu into a wider conflict that expands across multiple systems.
While the plot introduces new faces and locations, it largely stays within familiar territory, leaning on established lore and the franchise’s well-tested formula of pursuit, rescue and confrontation.
Grogu remains the heart of the film
Once again, Grogu is the standout. The character continues to dominate every scene he’s in, blending innocence, curiosity and subtle Force abilities that shape key moments in the story.
His presence drives the emotional core of the film, and much of the audience engagement rests on his reactions, expressions and evolving bond with Din Djarin.
Din, played by Pedro Pascal, maintains his stoic and restrained performance, allowing the helmeted character to communicate through body language and brief emotional beats.
The father-son dynamic between him and Grogu remains the strongest thread in the entire film, grounding the spectacle in something more personal.
Visuals
Visually, the film delivers on expectations. The creature design, practical effects and large-scale environments give it a cinematic depth that surpasses the series format.
Action sequences are clean and well-paced, particularly the prison break and final confrontation, which showcase the franchise’s signature blend of tension and choreography.
However, the narrative does not take many risks. The structure feels familiar, almost episodic at times, as if stretched from a television arc into a feature-length format. While this makes it easy to follow, it also limits emotional weight and surprise.
Supporting characters, including Sigourney Weaver’s New Republic officer, add structure but do not significantly shift the emotional direction of the story.