'The Mandalorian and Grogu' — The series that propelled Star Wars, how does it play in theaters? (+post-credits scene)

The galaxy's greatest duo has arrived in theaters. The cold-but-warm-to-his-people Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and the adorable-looking yet incredibly powerful Grogu are the protagonists. These two, who starred in the Disney+ original series 〈The Mandalorian〉, have their post-season-3 exploits captured in the new film 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉. This is my account after attending the press screening of 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉, which opened in South Korea on May 27.

This Is Star Wars

The 〈The Mandalorian〉 series is something 〈Star Wars〉 fans naturally cherish. In 2019, when 〈The Mandalorian〉 launched, it was actually a tough time for many 〈Star Wars〉 fans. The franchise's mainline films — the prequel trilogy — had ended poorly. After the severe backlash to 〈Star Wars: The Last Jedi〉, the hurried attempt to wrap things up with 〈Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker〉 also failed to win over audiences. Jon Favreau's 〈The Mandalorian〉 recalled the ruthlessness of the early 〈Star Wars〉 world through its Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin, and what happened when Din Djarin met Grogu revived the franchise's witty sense of adventure. That spark carried the show through to a successful Season 3 and paved the way for this series to become the first theatrical outing after 〈Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker〉. In that context, Jon Favreau's 〈The Mandalorian〉 helped keep the series' lifeline alive.

Just as 〈The Mandalorian〉 rekindled love for 〈Star Wars〉, 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉 looks set to symbolize the revival of movie-era Star Wars. Director Jon Favreau carries over why 〈The Mandalorian〉 resonated into this film. With the Empire toppled, Din Djarin and Grogu are aiding the New Republic and take on a mission to gather information about remnants of the Empire: they are tasked with rescuing Rotta the Hutt, Jabba the Hutt's only blood relative. The story opens like a detective noir fitting a mercenary's job, but things begin to go off-script when Din Djarin uncovers an unexpected fact.

Frankly, 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉 tells a fairly modest story. Compared to the cosmic scale often associated with 〈Star Wars〉, this plot feels relatively small. Much of it is fairly predictable, and some viewers may find the developments lighter than expected. The film clearly chooses to lower the entry barrier rather than pursue a sweeping, series-spanning narrative. By adopting this simpler plot, however, 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉 is able to spend more time on spectacle. That spectacle isn't just flashy or big action set pieces — it includes grand planetary vistas, exotic lifeforms, and other pleasures fitting a franchise set in space. It delivers the entertainment you'd expect from a flagship space-opera series.

All-Terrain Action: Land, Sea, and Air — A Cutie in a Harsh World

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this movie is its non-stop, varied action. Though the story's scope is small, each action sequence tries to be distinct rather than repetitive. The film opens with a raid that establishes Din Djarin's professionalism, then ramps up spectacle with encounters against Imperial walkers. Rescue sequences use different vehicles and set-ups — some rely on ground vehicles and jetpacks, others on ships — so even when they're all fast-paced chases they each feel different. There's even an action scene in the water, so the movie really does feel like an all-in-one land, sea, and air action package.

Of course, an indispensable element is Grogu's presence. Even fans of 〈Star Wars〉 often remark at how grim the universe can be. Although the film is set after the fall of the Empire, it's during the time the New Republic is struggling to establish itself — a difficult period for someone like Din Djarin who is facing Imperial remnants. That struggle is tempered, however, by Grogu. Though he is estimated to be around fifty years old, Grogu is childlike and triggers humorous moments throughout the film; his mere presence is so charming that he softens the harshness of the world, making its battles easier to watch. Midway through the movie he even has a moving sequence that explains why the film's title includes "and Grogu" rather than simply using the series' name unchanged.

As the comeback film for the long-dormant "movie Star Wars," 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉 at least succeeds in returning the traditional franchise charm to the big screen. Some viewers may be disappointed that it doesn't return to the grand, saga-scale storytelling the franchise once used, but it's certainly a solid opportunity to experience the series' appeal on the big screen. Opening May 27, 〈The Mandalorian and Grogu〉 will be attractive not only to fans who have been waiting for more 〈Star Wars〉 but also to audiences who enjoy space-set science fiction.

*There is no post-credits scene. However, a new version of the 〈The Mandalorian〉 theme plays near the very end of the end credits, which fans will likely enjoy.