Why STAR WARS: The Mandalorian And Grogu is a must see

Among the most celebrated series in cinema history, with new offering The Mandalorian And Grogu, Star Wars has produced another epic adventure and one of the most vital movies of 2026. A feature adaptation of the streaming series The Mandalorian, the movie finds Pedro Pascal reprising the role of intergalactic bounty hunter Din Djarin/The Mandalorian, who’s accompanied by his trusty sidekick Grogu in another thrilling story.

Following the fall of the Galactic Empire, Djarin and Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic, in the form of Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver), to rescue Rotta the Hutt (The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White) in exchange for information on a target. The Mandalorian And Grogu boasts all the qualities fans have come to expect from Star Wars movies, such as rip-roaring action sequences, incredible sci-fi world-building, and memorable characters (including a Martin Scorsese cameo as an Ardennian shopkeeper).

As exhilarating a spectacle as the movie is, at its heart is the captivating relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu. Played by Pascal with his trademark quiet charisma, Din has a paternal bond with his diminutive friend, who proved a cultural sensation upon his 2019 debut in The Mandalorian, with fans globally affectionately referring to him as ‘Baby Yoda’.

Imbued with the cuteness and innocence fans have come to know and love, Grogu also his share of electrifying action and suspense sequences, resulting in a mix that’s simply cinematic gold. Equally irresistible is the appearance of the Anzellans, the species renowned for their tech expertise, whose warm and playful interaction with their pal Grogu proves one of the movie highlights of the year.

As well as its state-of-the-art technical feats in puppeteering, special effects and kinetic action, The Mandalorian And Grogu features some suitably stellar contributions from an array of A-list acting talent. Indeed, the movie wonderfully continues the Star Wars tradition of indelible performances, with the series famously delivering iconic turns from the likes of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson and plenty more.

In addition to Pascal’s magnetic lead performance, Jeremy Allen White excels as Rotta the Hutt, bringing an unexpected pathos to the character, who develops a unique bond with Grogu. Then there’s the appearance of Sigourney Weaver, the screen heroine celebrated for her roles in movies as diverse as Alien, Ghostbusters, The Ice Storm, The Year Of Living Dangerously and, most recently, the Avatar franchise.

Clearly relishing being part of the Star Wars universe, Weaver brings a characteristic depth to Colonel Ward, while also showcasing her renowned action chops piloting the X-wing starfighter, as well as enjoying some fun interaction with Grogu.

Since debuting almost 50 years ago in 1977, with George Lucas’ blockbuster original movie, Star Wars has become a pop culture juggernaut, accumulating a massive global fandom as it has become one of Hollywood’s most storied franchises. Overseeing a new instalment comes with its own pressures and expectations, but the series couldn’t have asked for a more capable custodian than Jon Favreau.

Debuting 30 years ago with the indie hit Swingers, over time, Favreau has become one of the true blockbuster auteurs, revered for his ability to mix characterisation and imaginative storytelling with phenomenal spectacle. Having created a massive and beloved hit with The Mandalorian, with the new movie – which he co-wrote with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor – Favreau again demonstrates his unique feel for the Star Wars myth, as the story weaves between Blade Runner-style cyber noir, epic fantasy and mesmerising sci-fi.

Indeed, among The Mandalorian And Grogu’s many achievements is that it preserves Star Wars’ status as the gold standard in blockbuster filmmaking. Once again, it’s another cinematic thrill-ride that’s quite literally out of this world. Enjoy.

• STAR WARS: The Mandalorian And Grogu is in cinemas from May 22. Watch the trailer below: