Star Wars' 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' opens in theaters with modest box‑office outlook

The new Star Wars film, titled *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, premiered in theaters on May 22, 2026, marking the franchise’s return to the big screen after a seven‑year hiatus. Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie continues the story of bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his companion Grogu, adding Sigourney Weaver as Captain Ward and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt.

With a production budget of roughly $165 million, the film is positioned as a lower‑cost entry compared with previous Star Wars blockbusters. Pre‑sale ticket revenue totaled $12 million, the weakest opening in the series’ history, and analysts project a domestic opening between $80 million and $95 million. Disney and Lucasfilm view the release as a test of theatrical viability alongside robust merchandising and theme‑park tie‑ins.

The movie also serves as a bridge between the popular Disney+ series *The Mandalorian* and future Star Wars projects, reinforcing the franchise’s shift toward streaming‑first content while retaining occasional cinematic events.