Star Wars film 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' spotlights Dejarik holochess Easter egg

The theatrical Star Wars release "The Mandalorian and Grogu", the franchise’s first cinema debut in more than five years, includes a prominent Easter egg that has drawn fan attention. In a gladiatorial scene on the planet Shakari, the movie brings the classic Dejarik "holo‑chess" board to life, with giant monster pieces fighting in a ring that references the iconic game first shown in the original 1977 film A New Hope.

Director Jon Favreau and co‑producer Janu Coin (played by Jonny Coyne) set up the Dejarik match as a central plot point, linking the new story to earlier Star Wars lore and prompting viral discussion among fans about the homage to the original holo‑chess sequence that has appeared across series, comics, and merchandise.