Lucasfilm is bringing some good news early in the New Year with the announcement of The Mandalorian & Grogu, a new Star Wars film directed by Jon Favreau!
The streaming sensations are finally heading to the big screen. Today brings the official announcement that Jon Favreau is directing a new Star Wars film, set to go into production this year. Based off previous rumors, it sure seems like this is meant to take the place of The Mandalorian season four. Even better, we got some concept art to go with the announcement:
The Mandalorian and Grogu are embarking on a new adventure—to movie theaters. Directed by Jon Favreau, and produced by Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, this new chapter in the Mandalorian and Grogu’s journey will go into production in 2024.
“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created. The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting,” Favreau shared.
Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, added, “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.”
Personally, I’m not huge on the name, and hoping it’ll change. Even so, I’m excited to see Star Wars back on the big screen. While the press release doesn’t say anything about timing, it’s a safe bet to say this will end up arriving before the Rey film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The announcement does confirm that three films revealed during Star Wars Celebration are still in development, along with Ahsoka Season 2!
If I had to make an educated guess on the timing of these films based on the release dates we know about (which I wouldn’t be surprised to see change), it’d go like this:
The Mandalorian & Grogu – May 22, 2026
Rey/New Jedi Order – December 18, 2026
Dave Filoni’s Heir to the Empire – December 17, 2027 (coinciding with Star Wars’ 50th anniversary)
Again, these can, and likely will, change…but that doesn’t stop my from being excited about new Star Wars films!