The Mandalorian and Grogu posts weak Disney‑era Star Wars opening

The new theatrical spin‑off "The Mandalorian and Grogu", directed by Jon Favreau and starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin with Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward, opened in cinemas worldwide this week. It earned roughly $165 million in its debut, including $102 million from the United States and Canada and $63 million from other markets, making it the poorest opening for a Star Wars film under Disney ownership. By comparison, the 2018 Disney‑era release "Han Solo" opened to $171 million and ultimately grossed $392.9 million, while earlier Disney‑era entries like "The Force Awakens" and "The Rise of Skywalker" opened with $529 million and $373 million respectively.

Critics described the picture as uneven, noting that it feels more like an extended episode of the TV series than a stand‑alone blockbuster, though some praised its lavish creature designs and visual flair. Audience response measured by CinemaScore was an A‑, indicating relatively strong satisfaction among viewers, particularly families. The film’s production budget is reported at about $165 million, lower than most recent Star Wars outings, suggesting it may break even or turn modest profit despite the soft opening.

The release is positioned as a bridge in the New Republic era, setting the stage for future Star Wars cinema, with the next instalment slated for May 2027.