The swamp looks familiar. The newly revealed cover for The Art of The Mandalorian & Grogu appears to feature what looks very much like Nal Hutta — the homeworld of the Hutt species. If that’s accurate, it could quietly confirm that part of The Mandalorian & Grogu takes place on one of the galaxy’s most infamous crime-ridden planets. And that would be a big deal. That Landscape Looks… Hutt-Like The right side of the cover features: That aesthetic lines up almost perfectly with how Nal Hutta has been depicted in previous canon and Legends material. Nal Hutta isn’t just any world. It’s the political and criminal heart of the Hutt Cartel. Why Nal Hutta Would Make Sense If Din Djarin and Grogu are stepping into theatrical territory, upping the scale makes sense. And Nal Hutta offers: It fits Din’s roots as a bounty hunter far more than polished Core World…
Star Wars Movies
Jon Favreau Says Directing The Mandalorian & Grogu Is Like Playing With Star Wars Toys
Jon Favreau isn’t just a director — he’s a storyteller who learned his craft the same way many fans did: by playing with toys. In a new interview, Favreau explained his approach to directing The Mandalorian & Grogu by comparing it to those early imaginative play sessions many of us had with action figures. “That’s how I learned how to tell stories. You take these characters. You’re talking with your friends, and you’re acting things out [with the toys]. My job is not that different from that.” That one sentence says a lot about how Favreau views his work — with creativity rooted in play, imagination, and character interaction. From Toy Box to Director’s Chair Favreau’s comparison isn’t just cute nostalgia — it reveals a storytelling philosophy. Growing up with toys, you didn’t have scripts. You had: It’s the same bones of narrative structure directors use today — only with…
Jon Favreau Calls The Mandalorian & Grogu a “Culmination” of His Star Wars Work
Seven years in the making. In a new interview, Jon Favreau described The Mandalorian & Grogu as a personal milestone — calling it a “culmination” of his time working in the Star Wars galaxy. “I’ve been working on Star Wars now for seven years and to be able to step up to doing it as a film feels like a culmination of what I’m working on.” That’s not casual phrasing. From Streaming Gamble to Theatrical Event When The Mandalorian launched in 2019, it wasn’t just a new Star Wars show — it was the flagship title for Disney+. It introduced: Now, Favreau is taking those characters to the big screen. Calling it a “culmination” suggests this isn’t just a spinoff movie.It’s the payoff of an entire creative era. Seven Years of World-Building Favreau has helped shape: Moving from streaming to theatrical format feels symbolic. It’s the franchise saying:This era matters….
Jon Favreau Confirms Din Djarin Gets the Same Model Razor Crest in The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Razor Crest is back. Well… almost. In a new interview, Jon Favreau confirmed that in The Mandalorian & Grogu, Din Djarin is flying the same model of Razor Crest he originally had in the Disney+ series. “He’s in a Razor Crest now, which is the ship that he originally had. He’s in the same model of ship.” That wording matters. Not The Razor Crest — But the Same Model Fans will remember what happened to Din’s original Razor Crest in Season 2. It was obliterated. What Favreau is clarifying here isn’t a resurrection of the exact same vessel — but a return to the same ship class. In other words: Just not the exact same hull. And that distinction is important for canon consistency. Why Bring Back the Razor Crest Design? After Din briefly piloted the N-1 Starfighter, the aesthetic shift was noticeable. The N-1 was fast. Sleek. Almost…
Jon Favreau: “We Gotta Up Our Game” for The Mandalorian & Grogu — and Grogu Has Leveled Up
The jump from Disney+ to cinema isn’t being treated casually. In a new interview with Screen Rant, Jon Favreau explains that The Mandalorian & Grogu required a fundamental shift in scale and ambition. “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater,” Favreau said. And he meant it literally. Built for IMAX, Not for Pausing Favreau made it clear the film isn’t just a stretched-out TV episode: “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of…. We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen and has to be something where people at this moment in time when so much is competing for your attention, that you’re gonna stop what you’re doing and you’re gonna go to a movie theater, and you’re gonna sit down…
THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Is the Lowest-Budget Star Wars Movie Disney Has Ever Made
Disney’s newest entry in the Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu, has achieved something unexpected: it’s now officially the lowest-budget feature film in Star Wars history under the Disney era. According to production figures, the total production cost for The Mandalorian and Grogu landed at $166.4 million — a remarkably modest sum compared to the blockbuster budgets of previous entries in the galaxy far, far away. A Lean Approach in a Blockbuster Era To put that in context, most modern Star Wars films — especially theatrical releases under the Disney banner — have hovered well above $200 million in production costs, even before marketing. That makes The Mandalorian and Grogu’s $166.4 million figure stand out, not just within the franchise but among big-studio tentpoles in general. This leaner price tag could reflect a number of production decisions: Not a Sacrifice, Just Smart Spending Being the lowest-budget movie in the…
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Returned to Theaters in 3D 14 Years Ago Today
Fourteen years ago today, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace got a second life on the big screen — this time in 3D. Originally released in 1999, the film marked the beginning of the Prequel Trilogy. But in 2012, audiences were invited back to Naboo, Tatooine, and Coruscant for a theatrical re-release that brought podracers, lightsabers, and battle droids into the stereoscopic era. The First (and Only) Prequel 3D Release The 3D version of The Phantom Menace premiered in theaters on February 10, 2012, as part of a larger plan to convert all six live-action Star Wars films into 3D. That plan ultimately never reached completion, making Episode I the only saga film to receive the full theatrical 3D treatment. For fans, it was a chance to revisit iconic sequences in a new format: The added depth gave those already ambitious scenes a slightly different cinematic feel —…
Lucasfilm Clarifies The Mandalorian & Grogu Super Bowl Ad: A Playful Nod to Classic Big Game Spots
Lucasfilm has cleared up confusion surrounding the recent Super Bowl commercial for The Mandalorian & Grogu, and the explanation reveals the spot was designed as a deliberate tribute to iconic ads of the past. According to Ryan Stankevich, Lucasfilm’s marketing brand lead, the creative team intentionally leaned into a familiar Super Bowl advertising style — one that longtime viewers of the Big Game would instantly recognize. “Our creative and marketing team landed on a unique concept that gave a nod to classic Big Game spots of years past. It captured the warmth, humor, and emotional connection between these two beloved characters and was the perfect next step for our campaign as we lead up to their big screen debut this summer.” Rather than focusing on plot reveals or spectacle, the ad centered on the heart of the franchise’s most popular duo: Din Djarin and Grogu. The goal wasn’t to expand…
New The Mandalorian and Grogu Teaser Debuts During the Super Bowl — Sam Elliott Narrates, Tauntauns Return
Just when you thought the Super Bowl was only about football and snack commercials, Star Wars casually rolls in with a big-screen reminder that The Mandalorian and Grogu is on the way — and yes, it brought tauntauns with it. A brand-new teaser for the upcoming film dropped during the Big Game, and while it doesn’t spill major plot secrets, it does something arguably more powerful: it sets the tone. And that tone? Classic Star Wars adventure, emotional stakes, and a bond that just won’t quit. Sam Elliott’s Voice Brings Western Energy to Star Wars The biggest surprise from the teaser isn’t a spaceship or a blaster — it’s the voice guiding the whole thing. The narration is widely attributed to Sam Elliott, whose legendary gravelly voice instantly gives the spot a frontier, almost Western feel — which honestly fits The Mandalorian vibe perfectly. Here’s the line that’s already getting…
Rogue Squadron Screenwriter Matthew Robinson Updates Fans on Movie’s Future
The long-anticipated Star Wars: Rogue Squadron film continues to languish in uncertainty, according to comments from the movie’s screenwriter Matthew Robinson. In a recent interview, Robinson revealed that he currently has no clear direction from Lucasfilm on what will happen with the project — and that the studio’s leadership changes have added to the ambiguity surrounding its theatrical future. “Lucasfilm Is in a Pretty Big State of Flux” Robinson didn’t mince words when describing the situation. Asked about where Rogue Squadron stands, he said: “I don’t currently know what Lucasfilm wants to do with it. They’re in a pretty big state of flux at the moment, after Kathleen [Kennedy] leaving, and who knows what the future holds for them theatrically.” Those candid remarks highlight just how unsettled Lucasfilm’s movie slate has become. After the departure of longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, many of the company’s planned theatrical projects — including…
Sigourney Weaver Says She “Can’t Wait to Share This Journey” in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Veteran actor Sigourney Weaver is officially embracing the galaxy far, far away. In recent remarks shared online, Weaver expressed her excitement for her role in the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu, saying she “can’t wait to share this journey with you.” Her comments were made as part of promotional conversations ahead of Star Wars Celebration and various fan events, where cast and crew continue to tease what’s in store when Mando and Grogu make the jump from streaming to the big screen. A Legendary Career Meets a Legendary Galaxy Weaver’s involvement in The Mandalorian and Grogu marks a high-profile addition to the film’s cast. Known for iconic roles in franchises like Alien, Avatar, and Ghostbusters, she brings serious genre pedigree to Star Wars. The upcoming movie — set for release on May 22, 2026 — will unite Din Djarin and Grogu in their first theatrical adventure, with Jon Favreau directing…
Trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu Set to Debut During the Super Bowl
A new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected to premiere during Sunday’s Super Bowl broadcast, according to industry reporting from Deadline. That puts the first major new look at the next big-screen Star Wars story in one of the most high-profile TV slots of the year — right alongside major studio tentpoles and blockbuster campaigns. For Star Wars fans, that’s not just a trailer drop. That’s a statement. Star Wars Returns to the Biggest Stage in Entertainment The Super Bowl has become as much a movie marketing event as a sports one. Studios use the broadcast to launch: Positioning The Mandalorian and Grogu in that lineup signals Disney sees this film as a flagship theatrical event, not just an extension of streaming storytelling. This is the movie that moves the Mandalorian era from Disney+ to the cinema — and the marketing push is clearly scaling up to match….
51 Years Ago Today, George Lucas Completed Adventures of the Starkiller, Episode I: The Star Wars
Long before A New Hope changed cinema, Star Wars existed in a very different form. On this day 51 years ago, George Lucas completed the second draft of his screenplay titled: Adventures of the Starkiller, Episode I: The Star Wars It’s one of the most fascinating “what if” moments in film history — a version of Star Wars that looks familiar, strange, and wildly ambitious all at once. A Galaxy That Almost Was This draft wasn’t just a stepping stone. It was a radically different blueprint for the saga. Elements that would later define Star Wars were already present: But nearly everything was shaped differently. Names, relationships, and roles shifted constantly in this era. Characters we now know as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Obi-Wan Kenobi existed in early forms — but not yet as the figures fans recognize today. “Starkiller” Before Skywalker One of the most famous relics from…
Star Wars: Starfighter Writer Says Shawn Levy Made a “Phenomenal Movie”
We still don’t know much about Star Wars: Starfighter, but the people making it sound seriously confident. Screenwriter Jonathan Tropper has shared new comments about the project — and the tone suggests this isn’t just another familiar saga chapter. It’s aiming to be something new. Speaking about the film, Tropper praised director Shawn Levy and the creative direction of the movie. “Gosling is amazing to watch and I’m super excited to just bring new characters and new worlds to the franchise. You know, we’re doing something totally new and that’s really exciting.” He also made it clear he believes Levy delivered in a big way. Levy “made a phenomenal movie.” That’s strong language — especially for a franchise entry that’s stepping outside the usual legacy character orbit. A Focus on New Characters and Worlds The biggest takeaway from Tropper’s comments is the emphasis on originality. Star Wars projects often balance…
Report: Dave Filoni’s MandoVerse Crossover Movie May Be Reworked Into a Disney+ Series
A new report suggests that the planned Dave Filoni–helmed crossover project set in the so-called MandoVerse may no longer be moving forward as a theatrical film. According to industry scooper DanielRPK, the project is being reworked into a limited series for Disney+ instead of a feature movie. At this stage, the information should be treated as unconfirmed, as Lucasfilm and Disney have not issued any official statement. What Was the MandoVerse Crossover? The project, first announced during Lucasfilm’s broader film slate reveal, was intended to bring together story threads from: Filoni was set to direct the crossover event, which was positioned as a culmination of the interconnected storytelling built across these Disney+ series. Why a Shift to Series Could Make Sense If the report is accurate, moving the project from film to limited series wouldn’t be unprecedented in the modern franchise landscape. The MandoVerse storyline is already structured like long-form…
Daisy Ridley Says Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit Would Not Change Her Role in Star Wars
As leadership conversations continue around Lucasfilm, Daisy Ridley has addressed how Kathleen Kennedy potentially stepping away would affect her own future in Star Wars. Her answer was simple and direct. “It won’t affect me going forward if it were to be true.” Ridley, who is set to return as Rey in the upcoming New Jedi Order film, suggested that whatever happens at the executive level would not alter her involvement in the franchise. Separating studio leadership from character stories Ridley’s comment highlights a reality of modern franchise filmmaking: creative projects often operate on long development tracks that extend beyond individual leadership tenures. While Kathleen Kennedy’s role at Lucasfilm has been central to the modern era of Star Wars, Ridley’s perspective indicates that actor commitments and story plans for major films like New Jedi Order are not automatically tied to executive shifts. In other words, from her standpoint, the direction of…
Star Wars: Starfighter Aims to Recapture the Joy of the Original Films, Says Screenwriter
Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is being positioned as both something new and something deeply familiar. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, the film is designed to tap back into the sense of adventure, excitement, and pure cinematic joy that defined the original Star Wars experience for many viewers as kids. “The joy we felt as little kids” Speaking about the project, Tropper described the creative goal behind Starfighter in terms that longtime fans will immediately recognize. He explained that audiences should expect: “Something new and different, but in very much the spirit of the original Star Wars movies. We really wanted adventure, excitement, wish fulfillment and the joy that we felt as little kids seeing those first versions of the movies.” That framing suggests a tonal direction focused less on dense lore and more on emotional immediacy — the kind of storytelling that prioritizes wonder and momentum. Balancing mythology with…
STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER Will Not Feature Any Legacy Characters, Says Screenwriter
Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter movie is shaping up to be a fresh start for the franchise — and that includes no appearances by legacy characters from previous films. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, Starfighter is intentionally distancing itself from familiar faces like Luke Skywalker, Rey, or other established heroes and villains. Instead, Tropper says the story will entirely focus on new characters and a new chapter of the galaxy far, far away. “No legacy characters” means a clean slate In a recent comment addressing rumors ahead of the film’s planned 2027 release, Tropper confirmed the decision directly: “I think it’s known that we have no legacy characters. You’re not going to see any of the characters you’ve seen in the other movies.” That’s a significant creative choice, especially in a franchise that has often tied new projects closely to its past. Why this matters for Starfighter In recent years,…
Rian Johnson Says He Wants New Star Wars Stories Following Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit
Filmmaker Rian Johnson is looking ahead with optimism for the future of Star Wars, expressing excitement about fresh creative voices entering the galaxy far, far away following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm leadership. Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, shared his perspective in a recent interview, focusing on what he sees as the most thrilling possibility in the post-Kennedy era: new storytellers and new stories. “Fresh voices” driving the future of Star Wars “As a Star Wars fan,” Johnson said, “the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.” His comments emphasize a creative approach that values diversity of perspective over repetition of familiar formulas — a sentiment shared by many within the industry as leadership at Lucasfilm transitions….
Taika Waititi Wants His Star Wars Movie to Feel Fun Again — Like the Originals
For years, Taika Waititi’s Star Wars project has existed in a strange limbo — officially announced, frequently mentioned, but rarely explained. Now, the director has offered one of his clearest statements yet about what he actually wants his film to feel like. And the key word is simple: fun. According to Waititi, the goal isn’t to reinvent Star Wars or push it into darker territory. Instead, he wants to recapture something that’s been easy to overlook in recent years — the playful, adventurous energy that defined the original films. Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Variety (@variety) “Harness the fun from the original films” Waititi has described his approach as an attempt to reconnect with what made Star Wars click in the first place. Not the lore spreadsheets. Not the timeline debates. But the sense that these movies were, at their core, entertaining space adventures with heart….
Walt Disney Studios at CinemaCon: Extended Look at The Mandalorian & Grogu Likely — Starfighter Less So
Walt Disney Studios has confirmed its presentation at CinemaCon on April 16, and Star Wars fans are already speculating about what Lucasfilm might reveal at the event. With The Mandalorian & Grogu now less than two months from its theatrical release, an extended look at the movie could be part of the showcase. The presentation comes at a key moment in Disney’s promotional calendar — CinemaCon is one of the first major film industry gatherings of the year, where studios often unveil new footage, extended trailers, and exclusive clips ahead of summer movie season. The Mandalorian & Grogu Is a Big Disney 2026 Release The Mandalorian & Grogu is already one of Lucasfilm’s most anticipated releases, scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, the movie brings the beloved characters from the Disney+ series to the big screen. So far,…
The Mandalorian & Grogu Will Be “A Lot Bigger Than the Series,” Says Lateef Crowder
The scale of The Mandalorian & Grogu just got a little clearer. According to Lateef Crowder, the upcoming Star Wars film isn’t simply an extended episode of the Disney+ series — it’s something much bigger. “I want people to be surprised. One thing I will say is there’s a lot of great action, a lot bigger than the series.” Crowder shared the comment during a recent interview, offering a rare on-the-record hint about what fans should expect when Din Djarin and Grogu make the jump from streaming to the big screen. Full video interview: “Bigger Than the Series” Is the Key Phrase Here That specific wording matters. The Mandalorian already delivers cinematic action by TV standards, but Crowder’s comment suggests the film is leaning fully into theatrical-scale storytelling — not just in visuals, but in action design. In other words:this isn’t a “Disney+ movie.” It’s a Star Wars movie. What…
Rey Isn’t Gone Yet: Daisy Ridley Reportedly Has a Major Role in Simon Kinberg’s New Star Wars Trilogy
Rey Skywalker might not be done with the galaxy after all. According to a new report from scooper Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK), Daisy Ridley’s Rey will reportedly have a major role in Simon Kinberg’s upcoming Star Wars trilogy — but (and this is the important part) the movies won’t actually be “about Rey.” Instead, the new trilogy is said to focus primarily on brand-new lead characters, with Rey positioned as a major supporting presence rather than the central protagonist. And honestly? That’s probably the smartest possible version of “bringing Rey back.” The Rumor: Rey Returns, But She’s Not the Main Character Here’s what’s being claimed: That’s a very specific kind of return — not a “Sequel Trilogy 2.0,” but more like a passing of the torch. It also lines up with something that’s been floating around for a while: Lucasfilm wanting Rey to remain important in canon, without asking the audience…
Nia DaCosta Calls The Last Jedi “Amazing” — and Defends the Holdo Maneuver
Every few months, the Star Wars fandom gets pulled back into the gravitational field of The Last Jedi discourse. Not because anyone asked for it. But because The Last Jedi refuses to stay quiet. This time, the spark comes from director Nia DaCosta (28 Years Later: The Bone Temple), who didn’t just praise the film — she went full confidence mode: “We need to take a breath, because the movie’s great. The Holdo Maneuver is great – I don’t care… Poe should’ve shut his mouth and taken orders.” And honestly? That’s one of the most refreshingly blunt Last Jedi takes we’ve heard in a while. “We Need to Take a Breath” — A Rare Calm Take in a Chaotic Debate DaCosta isn’t coming in like a Star Wars YouTuber trying to win points. She’s coming in like a filmmaker watching other filmmakers work. And her message is basically: Can we…