May the 4th is a holy day for fans of the Star Wars franchise; and it’s all thanks to a clever turn of phrase. Even I, someone who’s fallen out with the post-Rise of Skywalker era of George Lucas’ epic creation, understand that sanctity. That’s part of why I decided to actually show up to the recent IMAX sneak peek for the upcoming picture The Mandalorian and Grogu.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the buzz from Disney’s 2026 CinemaCon presentation was enough to entice me to venture back to that galaxy far, far away. After having lived the experience, and rolled around what I saw in my head, I’ve come to a conclusion. For the first time in quite a while, I’ve missed that galaxy far, far away – and I’m more than ready for Star Wars’ big screen. Let’s start walking The Way, as I have a lot to share with you all.
The Mandalorian And Grogu’s IMAX Special-Look Totally Blew Me Away
Thanks to feedback from my THS colleagues, it appears that most of the “more than 25 minutes of never-before-seen footage” is the same as the reel presented at this year’s CinemaCon . That’s ok, because it was technically “never-before-seen” by the Star Wars fandom at large – and did include the treat of a special May the 4th intro from Jon Favreau.
Basically an extended preview of The Mandalorian and Grogu’s first act was shown to those in attendance last night. Which means we got to see Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu (himself) wrecking shop with some Imperial remnants. Cue the sick cliffside AT-AT set-piece The Mandalorian and Grogu’s first trailer burned into our brains, but shown as an example of why this flick was “forged for IMAX.”
We then see our heroes rendezvous with Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver), the New Republic officer who hired the boys to take out the opening target. But of course, one bounty leads to another, as Ward hires Mando and his youngling to rescue Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White). With nothing but a very outdated photo to go by, The Mandalorian and Grogu’s IMAX Special-Look Event ended with the revelation that Rotta is quite ripped – which leaves the impression that Star Wars’ latest spotlight duo have been had.
The Mandalorian’s Big Screen Debut Feels Influenced By Some A+ Classics
We may have only seen 17 minutes or so of The Mandalorian and Grogu, but that was enough to convince me it’s a summer blockbuster waiting to happen. A visually lush affair, thanks in part to cinematographer David Klein, that shot of X-Wing fighters flying at sunrise gave off some massive Top Gun vibes. That moment opens the second Mandalorian and Grogu trailer, and it’s just as beautiful in premium format.
Another huge visual influence is Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, which seems to be the major reference point for Shakari. A planet that previous reporting from Polygon as inspired by Prohibition-era Chicago, the rainy atmosphere and food stands shown off felt right at home in the sci-fi pantheon. Fresh vibes are present in The Mandalorian and Grogu, but this is definitely a Star Wars picture – even if Mando’s first act takedown felt fondly reminiscent of Goldeneye’s introduction of James Bond. Just with more aliens, and a flamethrower to boot!
Ludwig Göransson Is About To Land Another Banger Score With The Mandalorian And Grogu
As a fan of film music, my early education came through an appreciation of John Williams’ Star Wars scores. So seeing how icons like Michael Giacchino, John Powell, and Ludwig Göransson have expanded this far, far away sonic landscape has always been a treat for me. The latter candidate is back at it again, continuing his scoring gig with The Mandalorian and Grogu, after originating the series’ musical tone upon its inception.
The Academy Award-winner composer behind Oppenheimer and Sinners’ scores hasn’t missed a beat in this hotly anticipated picture. Working with some experimental electronics to signal the seedy underbelly of Shakari, as well as reinterpreting his mythic theme to The Mandalorian, this isn’t an exercise that merely plays the hits.
The world of Din Djarin has always walked a fine line between tradition and the future, through all of the components present in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Which brings this whole discussion full circle, as Ludwig Göransson’s music doubles as a sign for the future of big screen Star Wars.
The Mandalorian And Grogu’s Extended Prologue Shows The Star Wars Expanded Universe Still Holds Much Promise
What’s most exciting about this extended look at The Mandalorian’s latest chapter is the fact that it feels like the notes from recent Star Wars history were taken. While this doesn’t look like going back to the well, at the same time it feels like Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and company may be willing to let the past die. In other words, I don’t think there’s going to be a last minute Luke Skywalker cameo that’ll have me seething in anger.
At its best, this saga knows how to invoke the past – but also ask new questions and tell new stories in the wake of such queries. Seeing as there’s still alack of movement on several projects involving the IP, we may very well see The Mandalorian and Grogu leading Star Wars into an uncharted future. Which is perfect, because I still want to see a Rogue Squadron movie give us the ultimate dogfight picture we all so richly deserve.
For now, I have to admit that my skepticism is on pause – and will remain as such until the day I see The Mandalorian and Grogu. That day shouldn’t be too far off, with the May 22nd general release only a couple weeks away. In the meantime, for all of the latest and greatest in the forces of pop culture, stay on target by locking in on THS’ Movie News Archives; and may the Force be with you!
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