Whether you like it or not, Lucasfilm and Disney have greenlighted a new Star Wars film titled ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’. It will serve as a continuation of the most recent events of the Disney+ The Mandalorian series. However, many Star Wars fans do not feel good about the upcoming film, believing it is unnecessary and part of Disney’s trick to add some more worth (financially) to the popular space opera franchise.
Back when The Mandalorian debuted on the Disney+ platform in 2019, fans instantly fell in love with the show. The Star Wars fanbase noted the show’s freshness and ability to deliver new and exciting storylines apart from honouring the franchise in its own way, something which was missed badly in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. Instead of being its own thing, Episode IX ended up being a complete fan-service project from Disney and Lucasfilm. It could have culminated the Skywalker Saga in a much better and more satisfying manner compared to what we got in reality. Millions of Star Wars fans were disappointed and heartbroken due to Episode IX, which is why they turned to The Mandalorian and accepted it instantly.
However, The Mandalorian also became the victim of the Marvel Cinematic Universe formula. Season 3 tried to lay the foundation of bigger storylines that are expected to conclude in future seasons. In addition, instead of focusing on Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, the third season gave all its focus to Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff). The dynamic between Din and Grogu felt secondary compared to Bo-Katan’s character development in Season 3. The previous season went against the fans’ desire, which was to explore the father-son-like relationship between Din and Grogu more.
Another thing that pissed off many Star Wars fans was the lack of focus on Grogu’s abilities. While the first two seasons highly prioritized Grogu’s connection with the Force, Season 3 neglected it like it did not matter. His powers are a big part of his identity. In addition, he needs to learn how to control his powers to become great. He has the fans’ love, but his existence demands their respect, too, considering how Yoda got both. However, he is also under Din Djarin’s wing, which means he has to learn the ways of the Mandalore.
The Mandalorian & Grogu film must consider everything mentioned above to justify its existence in the Star Wars franchise. In addition, there is a possibility that we could see Din Djarin’s face without the helmet. Yes, we know that Mandalore’s code prohibits him from showing his face without the helmet and removing his helmet will make him an apostate again. But he could take off his helmet before Grogu when no one surrounds him. This scenario can strengthen fans’ emotional connection with both Din and Grogu.
Moreover, the film should stay away from all the Skywalker nostalgia. Yes, the Skywalker saga is an important part of the Star Wars franchise despite how it ended. But Disney and Lucasfilm should stop relying on it now, as we do not want the movie to become another failed fan-service event from both studios.
The Mandalorian & Grogu has no fixed release date, as its production will commence this year. Although, we should expect the return of Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Emily Swallow (The Armorer), Carl Weathers (Greef Karga), and more in the film. Stay tuned for more updates.