It is an exciting time to be a Star Wars fan! With CinemaCon 2026 currently wrapping up in Las Vegas, the buzz around The Mandalorian and Grogu is at an all-time high.
Just to clarify a quick plot point from the series: Grogu actually chose to leave his Jedi training with Luke Skywalker back in The Book of Boba Fett to return to Din Djarin. By the end of Season 3, Mando officially adopted him (he’s now Din Grogu!), and they settled into a quiet cabin on Nevarro.
Here is the breakdown of what the duo is up to in the new film, based on the footage just shown at CinemaCon:
The Mission: Contractors for the New Republic
The film opens with a title card explaining that while the Empire has fallen, Imperial warlords are still causing chaos in the Outer Rim. Mando and Grogu are no longer just “freelance” bounty hunters; they have been enlisted by the New Republic to hunt down these remaining fugitives.
Key Highlights from the Footage
- Snowy Showdown: The preview featured a massive action sequence on a frozen planet. Mando and Grogu infiltrate a secret meeting of Imperial sympathizers. In a high-octane chase, they hijack a mini AT-ST and dodge the stomps of full-sized AT-AT walkers on a snowy cliffside.
- The New Boss: We got our first look at Sigourney Weaver, who plays a New Republic Colonel named Ward. She’s the one holding the leash, and she isn’t exactly thrilled with Mando’s “messy” tactics specifically when he accidentally kills a target who had valuable intel.
- A Hutt-Sized Rescue: Their next primary objective? A rescue mission involving Rotta the Hutt (Jabba’s son, voiced by Jeremy Allen White). It seems they’ll be heading back into the dangerous orbit of the Hutt Clans to secure the young Hutt in exchange for information.
- Familiar Faces: Fans of Star Wars Rebels will be happy to know that Zeb Orrelios is back as their pilot, and the duo is sporting a brand-new, incredibly shiny ship to replace the old Razor Crest.
Behind the Scenes
Jon Favreau confirmed on stage that the movie is a “love letter” to the theatrical experience, featuring over 40 minutes of expanded aspect ratio footage designed for IMAX. There’s even a sequence entirely animated using stop-motion, bringing back that classic Star Wars practical effects feel.
The film is officially set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026.
