Review: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Star Wars is finally back on the big screen — but the big question is: does The Mandalorian and Grogu feel like a movie, or just a bigger episode of the Disney+ series?

For many fans, this movie already has emotional value because it marks the first new theatrical Star Wars film since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Officially, The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters on May 22, 2026, directed by Jon Favreau and filmed for IMAX, with Pedro Pascal returning as Din Djarin, Sigourney Weaver joining as Colonel Ward, and Jeremy Allen White voicing Rotta the Hutt.

The best thing about the movie seems to be exactly what fans expect: Mando and Grogu together. Their bond is still the heart of the story. Grogu remains adorable, funny, and emotionally effective, and Din Djarin still works as that quiet, armored gunslinger moving through the galaxy with purpose. When the movie leans into their relationship, it captures the charm that made The Mandalorian such a cultural hit in the first place.

But the biggest criticism is that the story may not feel big enough for the big screen. Several critics are saying the movie plays more like a supersized Disney+ arc than a major cinematic event. Rotten Tomatoes’ first-review roundup says critics are praising the action, visuals, and Din-Grogu dynamic, but also calling out the thin story and heavy reliance on fan service.

That seems to be the divide: as a Star Wars adventure, it delivers. As the return of Star Wars to theaters, it may not fully soar.

The Associated Press was more negative, calling the film a clumsy big-screen debut and arguing that the stakes feel small compared to the galaxy-shaking conflicts audiences often expect from theatrical Star Wars. The Verge had a similar reaction, saying the movie works as a continuation of the show but may have been better suited as another season of television.

On the more positive side, the Los Angeles Times described it as an enjoyable, if inessential, summer popcorn movie — the kind of thing that gives fans creatures, action, nostalgia, and enough old-school Star Wars flavor to make the trip to the theater worthwhile.

So here is the real review: If you love Mando, Grogu, creatures, bounty hunter action, familiar Star Wars imagery, and the feeling of being back in that galaxy, this movie probably gives you what you came for. It is designed to be fun, accessible, and family-friendly — a big-screen adventure with familiar faces and new toys in the sandbox.

But if you are looking for the next Empire Strikes Back, or something with the political weight of Andor, or a movie that completely reinvents the future of Star Wars, this may feel too safe. The complaint is not that it fails as entertainment. The complaint is that it may not be ambitious enough.

My review angle: The Mandalorian and Grogu sounds like a fun, polished, fan-friendly Star Wars ride — but maybe not a game-changing Star Wars movie. It has charm. It has action. It has Grogu. But based on the early critical response, it also has a story that may feel more like three streaming episodes stitched together than a bold theatrical chapter. I personally didn't get the BIG WOW!! but it was good

For families and casual fans, this is probably a good time at the movies. For hardcore Star Wars fans, the reaction may depend on what they wanted: a fun adventure, or a major mythology moment.

Final verdict:The Mandalorian and Grogu looks like a solid popcorn Star Wars movie — cute, action-packed, familiar, and fun — but maybe not essential.