Disney Insiders Concerned About The Mandalorian & Grogu Buzz — But Ryan Gosling’s “Starfighter” Is Getting Strong Early Praise

There’s growing chatter inside Disney about the future of Star Wars on the big screen — and not all of it is centered on The Mandalorian & Grogu.

According to new reporting, some Disney staffers are concerned that the film’s unconventional Super Bowl marketing push didn’t generate the level of excitement the studio had hoped for. At the same time, early buzz around Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is reportedly much more optimistic, with insiders praising Ryan Gosling’s performance and the film’s tone.

Let’s break down what’s happening behind the scenes.

Disney Reportedly Concerned About Super Bowl Reaction

Disney used the Super Bowl to spotlight The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first Star Wars movie headed to theaters in years. Instead of a traditional trailer, the studio opted for a short, nostalgic-style commercial that leaned into humor and parody.

While the creative approach stood out, it may not have delivered the intended hype. Some Disney insiders reportedly feel the 36-second spot failed to spark widespread excitement among audiences and longtime fans.

The film itself remains a bit of a question mark internally, especially as it transitions a Disney+ streaming success into a theatrical release. There’s concern that a project rooted in a streaming series may not automatically translate into a must-see big-screen event for general audiences beyond the core fanbase.

That doesn’t mean expectations are low — but the marketing response has clearly sparked discussion within the company.

A Long-Awaited Return to Theaters

Regardless of internal concerns, The Mandalorian & Grogu is still a major milestone for Lucasfilm. It will mark the first Star Wars theatrical release in more than six years, ending the franchise’s big-screen hiatus.

The movie carries a relatively modest budget by Star Wars standards and is expected to perform solidly, even if it doesn’t reach billion-dollar blockbuster territory.

And let’s be honest: Grogu on the big screen is still likely to draw plenty of fans back into theaters.

“Starfighter” Generating Strong Early Buzz

While The Mandalorian & Grogu faces questions about marketing momentum, another upcoming Star Wars film is reportedly building serious excitement internally.

Sources who have seen footage from Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter say the movie is already impressing Disney insiders. There’s reportedly a growing belief inside the studio that Starfighter may be more likely to fully satisfy Star Wars fans when it hits theaters.

One of the biggest highlights? Ryan Gosling.

Early reactions praise Gosling’s performance and suggest Levy has managed to recapture the sense of fun and adventure that defined classic Star Wars storytelling.

That tone — lighter, energetic, and character-driven — could be exactly what the franchise needs as it returns to cinemas.

A Pivotal Moment for Star Wars Movies

With multiple theatrical projects in development, Disney is entering a critical phase for Star Wars. The next few releases will help define whether the franchise can successfully transition back to theaters after years dominated by streaming shows.

The Mandalorian & Grogu will test whether beloved Disney+ characters can anchor a major theatrical event. Meanwhile, Starfighter could represent a broader creative reset — one that leans into fun, spectacle, and star power.

Either way, expectations are high. And if early buzz is any indication, the galaxy far, far away may soon be heading into one of its most interesting cinematic eras in years.

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