Disney hasn’t released a Star Wars movie in more than six years, but that theatrical drought will come to an end with The Mandalorian and Grogu. However, there are reportedly internal concerns at Disney that the film won’t be as successful as they hope, particularly after that disappointing Super Bowl commercial.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
In a Variety article about the new Disney CEO, Josh D’Amaro, it is mentioned that The Mandalorian and Grogu is “something of a question mark” for the studio. Additionally, given that the film is based on a streaming series, it “may not seem like a big-screen proposition for any but the most die-hard Baby Yoda lovers.“
The Super Bowl commercial felt like a misfire. It leaned into a nostalgic, old-school Super Bowl commercial vibe, complete with narration by Sam Elliott and featured a pack of Tauntauns pulling Din Djarin and Grogu. This was the chance to introduce the film to one of the biggest audiences in the world, and it really should have been a proper trailer.
While I doubt that The Mandalorian and Grogu will become a billion-dollar blockbuster, it really doesn’t need to be. The film boasts a modest budget (by Star Wars standards) of just $166 million. Plus, I have a feeling that seeing Baby Yoda on the big screen will put some butts in seats. The film will hit theaters on May 22.
Star Wars: Starfighter Has Good Buzz
The same report states that Disney has higher hopes for Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, which is reportedly “more likely to satisfy fans.” Sources who have seen footage from the film have plenty of praise for Ryan Gosling’s performance and tease that Levy has “recaptured the franchise’s spirit of fun.“
We still don’t know all that much about the film, but earlier this year, it was revealed that Tom Cruise stepped in to help film a scene featuring a lightsaber duel while he was visiting the set. In addition to Gosling, it also stars Mia Goth, Matt Smith, Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, and Flynn Gray. It will be released on May 28, 2027.
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