The Force is strong with this one! The Mandalorian & Grogu, the next chapter in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe, is officially in post-production. While we still have over two years until its theatrical release on May 22, 2026, new details about the film’s budget, filming process, and tax credits have surfaced.
So, let’s dive into the latest information, break it all down in a way that doesn’t require a Jedi Master’s wisdom, and see what this means for the galaxy far, far away.
A $166 Million Budget and California Tax Credits
Hollywood’s love affair with big-budget productions continues, and The Mandalorian & Grogu is no exception. The film reportedly had a hefty budget of $166,438,000, which isn’t surprising considering the visual spectacle Star Wars films are known for. What’s more interesting? The movie managed to secure $21,755,000 in tax credits from the California Film Commission.
In case you’re wondering, California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program incentivizes productions to shoot in the state, generating jobs and economic activity. The program recently approved over 50 films for tax credits, and The Mandalorian & Grogu made the cut. Translation: not only did the film benefit from a substantial financial cushion, but it also contributed to the local film industry.
While some fans might have hoped for production to take place on exotic locations across the galaxy (or at least outside Earth), keeping the shoot in California likely streamlined costs and logistics. Plus, if there’s anything The Mandalorian has proven, it’s that ILM’s StageCraft technology (aka “the Volume”) can make even a soundstage look like an alien planet.
Filming Wrapped—Now It’s All About Post-Production
According to reports, The Mandalorian & Grogu wrapped up filming after 92 days of shooting. That’s not an unusually long production schedule for a film of this scale, but considering the heavy reliance on CGI and virtual environments, the real magic happens in post-production.
This means the next couple of years will be spent refining visual effects, finalizing the soundtrack (fingers crossed for another Ludwig Göransson masterpiece), and making sure every frame feels worthy of the Star Wars legacy. Expect behind-the-scenes footage, teaser trailers, and possibly some exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming conventions.
Upcoming Announcements at Star Wars Celebration Japan
Speaking of exclusive sneak peeks, if you’re eager for more details about The Mandalorian & Grogu, mark your calendars for Friday, April 18th, 2025. During Star Wars Celebration Japan, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and other special guests will take the stage to discuss the movie and (hopefully) drop some juicy updates.
What can we expect?
- A first-look teaser? Very possible.
- Casting reveals? Maybe, though Pedro Pascal and Grogu (obviously) are a given.
- Hints about the larger Star Wars cinematic universe? Considering Dave Filoni’s upcoming crossover movie, we wouldn’t rule it out.
So, whether you’re attending the event in Japan or following along online, this will be a key moment to learn more about the film’s plot and characters.
Who’s Behind The Mandalorian & Grogu?
The creative team is exactly what Star Wars diehards were hoping for:
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
- Produced by: Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Kathleen Kennedy
Favreau and Filoni have been instrumental in shaping modern Star Wars, with The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka under their belts. Kennedy, as Lucasfilm’s president, continues to oversee the franchise’s expansion across films, TV shows, books, and games.
In other words, the people behind The Mandalorian & Grogu know exactly what they’re doing.
What’s Next for Star Wars Films?
While The Mandalorian & Grogu is the first Star Wars movie to hit theaters since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, it’s far from the last. Lucasfilm has announced multiple upcoming projects, including:
- Dave Filoni’s Mando-verse crossover film – A culmination of The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett
- James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi film – Exploring the origins of the Force
- Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Republic film – Featuring the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey
The Mandalorian & Grogu could set the stage for these future films, making it a must-watch for anyone keeping up with the expanding Star Wars universe.
Final Thoughts: The Hype is Real
With a massive budget, a powerhouse creative team, and a beloved duo at its core, The Mandalorian & Grogu is shaping up to be a major cinematic event. While we still have a long wait ahead, the news from Star Wars Celebration Japan should give us plenty to talk about in the meantime.
Whether you’re excited for more Grogu antics, eager to see where Din Djarin’s journey goes next, or just hoping for another epic battle sequence, this film has all the makings of a Star Wars hit. And if it manages to tie into the larger Mando-verse, it could be a key stepping stone for the future of the franchise.
May 22, 2026—save the date!
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