The Mandalorian and Grogu Film, (basically) everything you need to know
Written by T Canchola
Our favorite dynamic duo is soon to be back! That’s right, The Mandalorian and Grogu has finally released, on May 22, 2026. The movie was announced in January of 2024, almost a year after season 3 of The Mandalorian (the movie’s prerequisite) aired, around March/April of 2023. Written by Jon Favreau (who wrote for both the show and movie and also happens to star as Happy in the MCU), and starring Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin (insert wolf whistle). So, in honor of this franchise making a comeback, let’s go over the main things you need to know before heading to the theatre, including a season 3 recap, movie plot summary, and some fun facts!
Recap
Season 3, as some might remember, starts with Din Djarin being deemed as an apostate for removing his helmet in season 2. He and Grogu venture to Mandalore, which is supposedly poisoned, to find the Living Waters, a ceremonial ground in which he believes can redeem his mistakes. When Din Djarin is captured on Mandalore and Bo-Katan, ruler of Mandalore, comes to save him, she encounters a Mythosaur (which if you don’t know, is a gigantic, animal found in the Outer Rim thought to be extinct, and its skull is a sacred insignia to Mandalorians.)
Dr. Pershing, after being pardoned by the New Republic, joins forces with Elia Kane to further research cloning. Kane eventually betrays him, then assists him when his memory is about to be wiped. Din Djarin and Bo-Katan get back to Din’s home enclave and present a sample of the Living Waters as proof of his excursion. As a result, they are both welcomed.
Mandalorian Ragnar Vizsla, son of Paz Vizsla (who isn’t too fond of Din), is captured by a raptor which prompts Bo-Katan, Paz, and Din to team up to save him. After misjudgment from Paz, Din and Bo-Katan risk their lives to save his son, gaining even more respect from the clan. High Magistrate Greef Karga and his city are now being threatened by pirate Gorian Shard. Chaos breaks out, and before long Din Djarin hears about it, which results in Paz giving an uplifting speech, calling their clan to defend the city. Bo-Katan and the Armorer have a moment of transparency which empowers Bo to take off her helmet and recruit Mandalorians. Gideon is presumed dead after the battle, but there is no body, and precious fragments of beskar are found in the wreckage of the battle.
Some time after, Bo and Din are en route Plazir 15, when they are intercepted and transported to rulers of the territory, who recruit them to investigate their malfunctioning droids. This leads to the discovery of a separatist group named Techno Union which is sabotaging the droids. Bo and Din come out victorious, and they interact with a separate clan of Mandalorians, who join the cause when Bo-Katan is granted the Darksaber by Din. Gideon is secretly revealed to be alive, surprised at Din and Bo’s partnership, and seeks out the Shadow Council. In the conversation with the Council, Moff Gideo reveals his plan to complete the Great Purge which almost caused the Mandalorian’s extinction. Meanwhile, Din, Bo, the Armorer, and the new recruits travel back to Mandalore in order to scout out the Great Forge. They encounter pirates, and their stories slowly unravel the truth of the Great Purge, how Gideon backed Bo-Katan into a corner and betrayed her trust which led to the destruction.
Later, they are attacked by a weird dinosaur alien thing (don’t ask), and get ambushed by Imperials with beskar armor. It is revealed to be Gideon behind the attack, and captures Din as terror takes over Mandalore. Paz sacrifices himself (nooooo) to save the trapped Mandalorians. As Bo-Katan is evacuating everyone, Din and Grogu head to finish Gideon themselves. They discover a clone of Gideon, meanwhile Bo-Katan leads the other Mandalorians into battle against the Imperial army. Din and Grogu finally face off against Gideon, and Bo-Katan saves him. Gideon and Bo have an epic duel which almost results in Bo’s demise, but Din returns her earlier favor. Grogu showcasing his force abilities in a stunning sequence of redirecting flames. They come out of the battle alive and Gideon is (supposedly) finally dead. The season ends with Din Djarin and Grogu making a deal to work under the table for the New Republic, and taking Greef Karga up on his offer to occupy a cabin on the outskirts of Nevarro.
The Movie
Whoo! That was a lot! Now, onto the movie itself, as we’ve all been waiting for. The film takes place shortly after the conclusion of season 3, with Mando and Grogu traveling the Outer Rim and taking out left over Imperial bad guys in the name of the New Republic. Out of jobs, Din is forced to work a gig for the Hutt Twins to rescue their nephew and heir to the throne, Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba the Hutt (we all know him, unfortunately). In exchange, The Twins will point in the direction of a wanted ex-Imperial Commander Coin. So, Din and the Child must travel to a foreign planet to rescue Rotta, and uncover secrets about the Hutts and their own journeys. As someone who’s already seen the movie, I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say that the fillm does an excellent job of portraying a coming-of-age story without being drowned out by the actual plot. Jon Favreau, the director of the film, describes the relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu in the movie as a “passing of the baton from one generation to another.”
Fun Facts
And now it's time for “Nerdy Fun Facts: Mandalorian Edition!” Did you know…
Rotta the Hutt was originally in the animated movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars before his live action debut in The Mandalorian and Grogu.
There are actually three different actors for the Mandalorian? Pedro Pascal spends limited time in the armor, while Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder take care of the complex stunts.
Janu Coin’s name (the main antagonist in The Mandalorian and Grogu) is actually a play-on-words of the actor’s name, Jonny Coyne? You can thank Jon Favreau’s creativity for that one!
There has only been one Mandalorian Jedi (that we know of)? His name was Tarre Vizla, who also created the Darksaber, said to make its wielder the Manda’lor (ruler of Mandalore).
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