The Mandalorian & Grogu Opens Strong, Sets Audience Record

Disney’s first Star Wars theatrical release in seven years, The Mandalorian & Grogu, debuted to a solid domestic opening. Friday earnings were reported at $33‑$34 million, putting the four‑day Memorial Day total in the $80‑$100 million range and projecting a $160 million global haul. The film’s $165 million production budget gives it a clear path to profitability.

Audience reception has been especially strong. The movie earned an A‑ CinemaScore and holds an 89 % audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest Star Wars audience score since the original trilogy. This record‑breaking score was highlighted as the highest for any Star Wars title since The Empire Strikes Back. Critics gave mixed reviews, but the high audience scores suggest the film could enjoy sustained box‑office legs.

Beyond the box office, the release spurred a wave of related merchandise, including a new line of Funko POP! figures and mystery minis themed around the film’s characters. The combination of solid earnings, strong audience metrics, and franchise‑wide product launches underscores the film’s significance for Disney and the broader Star Wars brand.