Summary
Some viewers are still critical ofThe Mandalorian & Grogu’s title, but they’re missing an important point.Star Wars' next movie is a step away from the Skywalker saga, starring Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and his beloved ward Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). The movie recently began filming, and is due to release in May 2026.
The Mandalorian & Grogu’s titlehas already proved controversial, with some arguing it’s overly simplistic.It’s actually a riff on the movie, television, and manga seriesLone Wolf & Cub, deliberately positioning the hero and his ward as the central characters in the story. But there’s another side to this, one that many critics are missing, that points to a major change in the evolution ofStar Wars.
Star Wars' New Movie Is Already Breaking New Ground… Two Years Before Its Release
Even with two years to go before The Mandalorian & Grogu’s release date, this upcoming movie is sure to be groundbreaking in Star Wars.
Star Wars' Next Movie Title Positions Grogu As Co-Star
From Sidekick To Co-Star: Grogu’s Rising Significance
In this film, Grogu is not just a sidekick;the title indicates that he is now a co-lead. It’s a dramatic change for a character whose very existence was kept under wraps until afterThe Mandalorian’s premiere released. It also indicates Grogu will be playing a much more active role, confirmed infootage forThe Mandalorian & Grogureleased at D23. All in all, it seems Grogu’s role in theStar Warsgalaxy is continuing to expand - and, furthermore, that he’s put the “Baby Yoda” nickname behind him.
Baby Yoda is officially over.
“Baby Yoda” was only ever a fan-term for Grogu, albeit one that proved massively popular. Grogu’s real name was only revealed inThe Mandalorianseason 2, but it was initially rejected by the fanbase, who stuck to the nickname. Amusingly, even Lucasfilm acknowledged the problem, with Amy Sedaris' Peli Motto calling it out on-screen. But even that is now over, because Grogu has won, to the extent his name is part of a movie title. Baby Yoda is officially over.
The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Current Title Is The Most Natural Option
Why The TitleThe Mandalorian & GroguMatters More Than You Think
All this means the titleThe Mandalorian & Grogucarries substantial weight, confirming that Grogu’s significance is now on par with Din Djarin’s. This decision could reshape the direction of theStar Warsfranchise, making Grogu a central figure in the ongoing saga.As the release date approaches, the implications for the future ofStar Warswill be a topic of considerable speculation. One thing is clear: Grogu’s role has evolved beyond that of a supporting character, establishing him as a key player in theStar Warsuniverse.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Cast
The Mandalorian and Grogu is a Star Wars movie directed by Jon Favreau that continues Disney+’s immensely popular TV Show, The Mandalorian.
