The latest Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, brings the iconic franchise back to theaters, sparking mixed reactions from critics and fans alike.
Positive Feedback
Erik Davis of Fandango praised it as a "thrilling adventure" and a "perfect summer movie." He highlighted Ludwig Göransson's score, noting its homage to '80s synth-driven horror and action thrillers. "It's a fun, freaky romp across the galaxy," Davis wrote on X.
Mixed Reactions
Scott Mendelson from Puck News described the movie as "a solid line drive past second base," with unique elements not seen in Star Wars before. However, Germain Lussier of i09 expressed a more tempered view, likening it to "a longer, bigger episode of the show" and felt it focused more on new locations than character development.
Criticism and Challenges
Collider's Peri Nemiroff critiqued Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White, stating, "Live-action Hutts are a challenge, and Rotta's dialogue was often too on the nose." Jonathan Sim labeled it "one of the weakest Star Wars movies," citing a lack of excitement and depth.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the film with Noah Kloor and Lucasfilm's Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars theater release since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. It features Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin and introduces Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White to the Star Wars universe.
The movie opens on May 22, marking a new era for Star Wars under the leadership of Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, following Kathleen Kennedy's departure from Lucasfilm.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/mandalorian-and-grogu-first-reactions-star-wars-pedro-pascal-1236748352/
