Ars Technica review: The Mandalorian and Grogu lacks franchise revitalisation spark
The new film, created after 2023 Hollywood strikes delayed the fourth season of the Disney+ series, relies heavily on the charm of Grogu but fails to deliver a cohesive narrative or significant emotional depth beyond the central relationship.
Ars Technica has published a review of The Mandalorian and Grogu, characterising Jon Favreau’s latest Star Wars film as an average and predictable entry that fails to revitalise the franchise. The publication notes that while the film offers solid entertainment for families during the Memorial Day weekend, it falls short of being the spectacular home run needed to launch the flagging series into a new era. Hopes were arguably high for the release, as it marks the first new Star Wars film since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker concluded the Skywalker Saga.
The film serves as a big-screen offshoot of the popular Disney+ series, produced after the 2023 Hollywood strikes delayed production on season four. The plot follows Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, and Grogu as they hunt down scattered Imperial warlords on behalf of the New Republic. They take orders from Sigourney Weaver’s Colonel Ward, a former Rebel Alliance pilot, who tasks them with tracking Rotta the Hutt, played by Jeremy Allen White, on the planet Shakari.
Critics note that the narrative is largely episodic, comprising a series of side missions rather than a cohesive story arc. The review highlights that the dialogue remains uninspired and the fight scenes are mediocre, with much of the cast appearing in roles that serve primarily as fan service. While actors such as Pascal deliver competent performances, the review suggests that Weaver’s role is wasted and that the helmet-wearing protagonist limits emotional expression.
The emotional core of the film rests solely on the relationship between Mando and Grogu. The review identifies the quietest segment—where Grogu nurses a poisoned Mando back to health after a Dragonsnake bite—as the strongest beat in the movie. This moment is described as the only genuine emotional turning point, overshadowing the rest of the film’s reliance on familiar beats and stunt-casting.
Box office projections suggest the film may underperform compared to previous Star Wars releases, including 2018’s Solo. Ars Technica notes that while numbers might pick up over the holiday weekend, the current tracking is lower than that earlier entry. The review also raises uncertainty regarding the future of the franchise, stating it is unknown whether the postponed fourth season of The Mandalorian will ever be produced.
