‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’: Jon Favreau To Direct A New ‘Star Wars’ Film Beginning Production Later This Year

This is the way. Leave it to Lucasfilm to throw us a curveball when it comes to “Star Wars” films. Just when we were all set to speculate about the three films currently in development, led by the next film being Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s feature starring Daisy Ridley, Lucasfilm has gone ahead and turned everyone upside down. No longer is that Obaid-Chinoy film the next film on the slate, but instead, it’s a previously-unannounced feature titled “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

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Sure, the title is a bit on the nose, but “The Mandalorian and Grogu” was just announced by Lucasfilm and is said to be a continuation of the adventures we’ve seen in “The Mandalorian” TV series. As you might expect, Jon Favreau is involved as the director and producer of the new film. And if that wasn’t enough, the studio said the ‘Mandalorian’ film will begin production “later this year.” So, for those keeping score at home, it would appear that this will be the very next “Star Wars” film to arrive in theaters.

“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,” said Favreau. “The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”

“Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into ‘Star Wars’ two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen,” added Kathleen Kennedy.

Not much else is known about the film at this time. But it does leave a few questions unanswered. Does this mean “The Mandalorian,” as a TV series, is no more? Is this a new strategy for Lucasfilm, to transition some of its TV series work onto the big screen. We already know that Dave Filoni is currently cooking up a feature film that was supposed to tie up his story that he’s been telling in ‘Mandalorian,’ “Ahsoka,” and ‘Boba Fett.’ Perhaps, we’re going to see fewer TV projects and more film projects in the “Star Wars” galaxy.

The next question is when will we see “The Mandalorian and Grogu” arrive in theaters. If production is beginning this year, it’s a safe bet that this will be in the already-announced May 22, 2026 slot. That would mean the Daisy Ridley sequel film will likely arrive on the December 18, 2026 date. And if we want to speculate even further, you have to imagine Filoni’s film will be ready to go for the December 17, 2027 date. Of course, when it comes to theatrical release dates, nothing is set in stone and these can be moved around. 

Current Lucasfilm Theatrical Schedule:
5/22/26 – Disney – UNTITLED STAR WARS
12/18/26 – Disney – UNTITLED STAR WARS
12/17/27 – Disney – UNTITLED STAR WARS