The Mandalorian and Grogu Draws Split First Reactions Ahead of May 22 Release

7 articles · Updated · Variety · May 15

First social-media reactions to “The Mandalorian and Grogu” split sharply, with some critics calling it “a thrilling adventure” and “a perfect summer movie,” while others labeled it one of the weakest “Star Wars” entries.
Positive notices praised its pulpy, standalone energy and Ludwig Göransson’s score, saying the film works best when it drops dense franchise lore for a looser galaxy-spanning romp.
More skeptical reactions said it plays like an oversized episode of the Disney+ series, faulting thin character development, predictable action and Jeremy Allen White’s Rotta the Hutt dialogue.
May 19 is the review-embargo lift date, with the film opening May 22 as the first “Star Wars” theatrical release since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.”
That debut also tests Lucasfilm’s post-Kathleen Kennedy era, making Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s big-screen handoff a closely watched moment for the franchise.

Can a story built for streaming successfully revive Star Wars in theaters after a seven-year absence?

Will this film feel like a true cinematic event or just a high-budget TV episode on the big screen?

Is Sigourney Weaver's New Republic hero secretly the movie's true villain?