It’s not onerous to see why Lucasfilm gave the inexperienced gentle to the upcoming Mandalorian & Grogu film. No new characters from the brand new Disney period are as broadly beloved as they’re. In a time when so many Star Wars films have been announced and subsequently abandoned, a film based mostly on The Mandalorian appears like a surefire hit.
And but, all the pieces else about this movie stays a thriller. What’s the story? When does it even happen? None of that’s recognized. But I feel we will agree that the next 5 issues should be addressed within the upcoming movie.
1. The proper epic really feel and scope
The Mandalorian began as a small story, and that was all the time a part of its attraction. It’s what made the connection between the characters really feel real and contemporary, particularly within the first season. Since then, the show grew in ambition over its three seasons, which is basically why a feature-length film feels extra becoming now than it will have up to now.
But as the primary Star Wars movie since The Rise of Skywalker, The Mandalorian & Grogu actually must nail the tone. We should be proven why this story wanted to be a movie and never simply the subsequent season of the present. That’s very true because it’s nonetheless unclear at this level whether it is only a reworked model of these episodic story concepts. We all know the shift back to theatrical releases is a strategic decision for Disney, however that’s the very last thing I need to be fascinated by whereas experiencing the story.
The visuals play an vital position on this, too. We’ve all been each impressed and disillusioned by what the set known as the Volume was able to do (and not do) through the years, and season 3 of The Mandalorian was an amazing instance of it getting used nicely. The Volume will reportedly be used in the film, however hopefully the creators know to combine in sufficient on-location capturing to offer the movie some extra realism and depth. Just consider the best way Andor approached its world, for instance, as that collection discovered a approach to steadiness the capturing methods with out relying too closely on the Volume.
2. More consideration on Grogu
There’s little or no all Star Wars fans can agree on, however this could be the one unifying assertion we will all get behind: We all love Grogu. He had comparatively little to do in season 3, and given his awkward reunition with Mando in The Book of Boba Fett, I actually hope the story zeroes in on him a bit extra. Given the title of the movie, I feel we’re proper to anticipate extra of a sharing of the highlight within the movie.
More than that, I hope that it’s their relationship that actually comes into focus. Hopefully, collection creator Jon Favreau can discover new elements of the connection to discover and evolve. Perhaps he may even easy over the clumsiness of the choice to have Grogu reject his Jedi roots.
What does it imply for Grogu to have chosen to be a Mandalorian? Will he begin to put on a miniature cute helmet that he can’t take off? Will he immediately grow to be a ruthless killer? We obtained bits and items of the journey in season 3, however with the occasions of the finale in place, it looks like the definition of the Mandalorian identification remains to be unclear.
Getting to see extra of Grogu’s previous might be fascinating as nicely. Obviously, we obtained the backstory of his escape from Order 66 in season 3, however establishing some future developments with extra flashbacks might be juicy — particularly if it may imply seeing extra of Ahmed Best’s Kelleran Beq character. Either means, Lucasfilm could be good to make Grogu’s position as huge as Din Djarin’s this time round.
3. Something conclusive within the characters’ story
The Mandalorian has been episodic in nature from its origin. It’s a key ingredient within the general really feel of the present and what made it stand out. The characters transfer from episode to episode comparatively unchanged, very similar to the outdated serials George Lucas was impressed by when he created the unique trilogy.
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Yet, what labored on the small display screen gained’t work in a characteristic movie. Not solely do theatrical films have a special pacing and rhythm, however there’s additionally a distinction in expectation. Even in probably the most related tales, a movie must really feel like a accomplished story. The characters and plot want to start out in a single place and journey someplace new. This can’t simply really feel like one other season of the present.
In some ways, season 3 of the present left the characters within the excellent place to just do this. They’re again collectively, on a brand new journey working for the New Republic, as each father and son and grasp and apprentice. It’s a little bit of a reset, with the politics of Mandalore and the obvious hunt for Moff Gideon of their rearview window.
For me, I’d like to see the movie finish in a brand new place for these characters. I’m not saying the pair have to half methods (once more) or that Din Djarin must abandon his helmet for good or something like that — particularly since Pedro Pascal’s involvement has always been tenuous with the series. But a conclusion that feels substantial will actually assist this movie really feel like a turning level (and even endpoint?) for these characters. Favreau has been very open-ended about how lengthy the collection (or movies?) will run for, so it’s anybody’s guess how definitive the movie can be.
4. Appropriate cameos
It’s onerous to think about this film with out tons of cameos in it. There is a wealth of Mandalorian-era characters obtainable to make use of, whether or not that’s Migs Mayfeld, Bo-Katan, Cobb Vanth, Boba Fett, Carson Teva, or dozens of others. I’d be shocked if we didn’t see a few of them pop up – they may even be a part of the titular duo on a mission.
But there’s additionally the broader forged of characters within the Star Wars galaxy working round at this level within the timeline. That consists of characters from Ahsoka, in addition to the upcoming Skeleton Crew present.
And, in fact, the beginnings of the sequel trilogy timeline are coming into view. Could we see one other return of Luke Skywalker on the large display screen? How about extra exploration of the beginnings of the First Order? If Djarin and Grogu are embarking on an journey throughout the Outer Rim, it’s not onerous to think about that they come across the conspiracy to kick-start the subsequent period of evil empires.
All that’s enjoyable to think about in idea, but it surely must be executed with a light-weight contact. As a lot as all of us love seeing crossover characters when it is smart, it’d be all too tempting to lean too closely on big-name characters. I’m not one to frown upon inclusions of recognized characters, particularly in the event that they play into the story in a means that is smart. When executed nicely, it’s what makes the Star Wars universe really feel related. But these characters should stand on their very own as a lot as attainable.
5. Some constructing blocks towards the Dave Filoni film
I simply obtained executed telling you that the characters of The Mandalorian & Grogu want to face on their very own. But we additionally know that the movie will doubtless tie into the opposite constructing plotlines which can be growing on this time interval. We’ve already been informed that Dave Filoni’s at present untitled movie can be an endpoint for the New Republic and Grand Admiral Thrawn, that means The Mandalorian & Grogu can be part of the buildup to that closing showdown — not less than indirectly.
As the primary feature-length movie since 2019, I anticipate it to have some touchpoints within the bigger timeline slightly than simply being offered as a sidequest for the duo. Assuming Moff Gideon doesn’t return (once more), it’s anybody’s guess as to who the villain be and what they’ll symbolize within the bigger risk to the galaxy.
However, there are many timeline questions on this movie that stay up within the air. Many of the tasks that have been scheduled for 2025 have been moved to 2026 (together with The Mandalorian & Grogu movie), leaving simply Andor season 2 on the schedule for 2025. So, whether or not Ahsoka season 2 will play into The Mandalorian & Grogu indirectly feels up within the air. It’s additionally value contemplating the truth that Dave Filoni’s movie will doubtless come out only a yr or two later. There’s a Rey film starring Daisy Ridley positioned in between them (in December 2026) — however establishing a extra direct connection between Favreau’s and Filoni’s movies appears inevitable.
But that’s factor. There’s quite a lot of hype within the fan base round Filoni’s movie being an interpretation of the beloved Heir to the Empire novels from the early Nineteen Nineties. Lucasfilm could be good to search out extra methods to lean into it and construct anticipation for the grand conclusion to this entire saga. That doesn’t imply this must be a prequel or a component one, however I feel all of us need to see a significant basis being constructed to arrange that movie.