The Mandalorian 2026 : In-Depth Review of the Star Wars Movie With Grogu & Spoilers

The Mandalorian 2026 : in-depth review of the Star Wars movie with Grogu and spoilers

Hey Boyz, today we are talking about Star Wars, and the latest movie released in theaters ! To explain everything, I had absolutely zero spoilers before watching The Mandalorian, aside from the trailer I discussed here. If you want to explore other Star Wars universes, feel free to check out our analysis of the new era of Star Wars games. So here is my honest opinion on this feature film, backed up with all the spoilers. I highlight the aspects I loved, and I also discuss the parts that left me wanting more !

Before the movie : my expectations and the context

Well first off, you have to know I generally enjoy The Mandalorian series, especially the first two seasons. The third one left me somewhat disappointed, along with many other fans. For this 2026 Star Wars movie, I went in with simple expectations : we knew the feature film would not conclude the series (studios had already confirmed scripts were ready for a season 4). I was still hoping to learn more about Grogu and his evolution.

I had also read some spoiler-free reviews describing the movie as average, without pretension. Let's just say I was ready for almost anything.

The on-screen action : between epic scenes and nods to the Star Wars universe

A spectacular opening featuring 3 AT-ATs

The movie kicks off strong with an intro sequence where an Imperial officer discusses with planetary governors. They request his help against bandit attacks. Unsurprisingly, the Imperial leader refuses, even executes one of them to assert his authority, and then lays down his law. This is exactly when Din Djarin makes his grand entrance.

Combat scenes against Stormtroopers follow, where our favorite bounty hunter wrecks everything in his path before chasing down the Imperial leader. And then... he finds himself facing three AT-ATs. The low-angle shots are magnificent, the machines look incredible, and the artillery opens fire in every direction. Our hero destroys all three of them, right up until Grogu, clinging to his protector like BD-1 on Cal Kestis, frantically taps on his helmet to warn him of imminent danger (grenades about to explode). Din Djarin has one final precision shot to take, sending the Imperial leader crashing into the rocks of a cliff, before activating his jetpack for a last-second escape.

This opening scene perfectly summarizes the very best of The Mandalorian 2026 : flawless visuals, fast-paced action, and a Grogu fully embracing his role as a companion who is as adorable as he is useful. The emotion hits hard, blending tension, smiles, and genuine laughs. You never feel bored for a single second.

The only slight downside : watching Din Djarin destroy three Imperial AT-ATs in barely 15 minutes. We all remember Luke Skywalker on Hoth, struggling to take down just one, expending massive effort. One AT-AT is already impressive. Two is exceptional. Three... feels a bit too much. Anyway, that is modern cinema : we always want more.

The opening credits : a visual tribute that leaves a mark

Following this intense introduction, we are treated to an opening sequence featuring X-Wings flying across a sunset. Visually, it is absolutely sublime. A true feast for the eyes.

Nal Hutta and the Hutt Twins : an immersive dive into Star Wars lore

Din Djarin and Grogu then arrive on a planet housing an Alliance cell, led by Sigourney Weaver (we love you !). Much like in the series, our hero receives a mission : capture a high-ranking Imperial. To achieve this, he must go through the Hutts, who will provide his target's location... in exchange for a favor.

Here is where the movie solidifies its status as a massive episode functioning alongside the standalone Star Wars movies. We have seen this pattern multiple times in the show. Mando needs to capture someone... Mando needs to deliver something... Once you accept this narrative loop, you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacle.

Next stop is Nal Hutta to meet The Twins, a Hutt brother and sister, cousins to Jabba the Hutt. This is their second appearance : we previously crossed paths with them in The Book of Boba Fett (season 2), back when they wanted to seize control of Tatooine after Jabba's death.

This is where the film truly excels : Nal Hutta has never been portrayed this beautifully on the big screen. The planet, with its dense vegetation, swamps, fog, and sticky atmosphere, remains incredibly faithful to the lore. The arrival scene looks visually stunning. We then discover the Twins' palace (quite well designed, echoing Jabba's aesthetic, enriched with an organic, almost fungal overlay), guarded by a droid army resembling Trade Federation scrap. These are robots, meaning they can all be eliminated without any remorse. Since Disney took over Star Wars, killing humans is extremely rare... resulting occasionally in somewhat bland combat scenes. (We all remember the Obi-Wan series, with the Third Sister getting impaled by a lightsaber and then... actually I am completely fine, no prob Bob !)

The Twins offer Din Djarin a deal : save Rotta the Hutt (Jabba's son), held prisoner on a distant planet and facing certain death. We know the Hutts : they are masterful manipulators. The setup is entirely obvious.

Shakari and the gladiator fight : Rotta in the arena

Change of scenery with Shakari, a densely populated urban planet, somewhat resembling Coruscant. We learn that Rotta has become a gladiator, and his final match is scheduled for that very evening. The catch : it will genuinely be his final match, as his lanista, Lord Janu, plans to kill him during the confrontation.

Din Djarin manages to reach Rotta in his cell before the fight and warns him about the trap. The skeptical Hutt refuses to believe him. Our Mandalorian gets captured, and you can guess what happens next : he ends up in the arena cell right alongside Rotta.

On the musical side, we discover a dynamic new theme, functioning as a high-energy remix of the series soundtrack. The result feels highly convincing and blends perfectly with the action.

The battle commences, and unsurprisingly, Din Djarin gains the upper hand. Janu had a sinister backup plan : he unleashes a pack of beasts on the two fighters. Fans of episodes 4, 5, and 6 will instantly recognize the board game found aboard the Millennium Falcon, played by Chewbacca and C-3PO. The creators even recreate a monster attack exactly the way George Lucas originally filmed it.

In short, a massive brawl, leaving the two sidekicks alive and allowing them to successfully take off.

A few thoughts on this sequence : despite swords, axes, and teeth flying everywhere, nobody seems injured. We do note one opponent gets eliminated by Din Djarin once outside, just for good measure. The board game reference is a brilliant touch, showing that Dave Filoni (the new boss of Star Wars movies) continues weaving deep connections with the classic films.

Final point : Rotta. We saw him as a baby in The Clone Wars, causing no consistency issues there. However, his original voice acting feels baffling, even compared to other Hutts. It sounds like a mix between Arnold Schwarzenegger and a didgeridoo. Furthermore, seeing a six-pack on a Hutt... honestly, it looks incredibly weird. Okay, they needed to show Rotta knows how to fight, realizing a Hutt lacks standard human morphology. I struggle to imagine a slug developing rock-hard abs after years of combat. Oh well, why not ? I still applaud the animators' hard work : making a slug move this dynamically must have given them cold sweats and nightmares... so hats off to them.

Return to the ship and betrayal : the arrival of Embo

Back in their ship, Rotta reveals to Din Djarin that the Imperial agent he is hunting down is none other than... Janu. U-turn, they decide to intercept him, making it a mere formality. They receive crucial help from Zeb Orrelios, a familiar face from the animated series Star Wars Rebels. Meanwhile, Grogu keeps doing his thing, and it works every single time.

They bring Janu back to the Rebellion (this is where you will spot a Dave Filoni cameo, wearing his signature cowboy hat). Din Djarin then contacts a transporter to ensure Rotta can leave safely. Huge mistake : this transporter was actually dispatched by Embo, a bounty hunter previously seen in The Clone Wars (season 2), accompanied by his loyal dog.

Before heading out again, Din Djarin's ship requires serious modifications. He calls upon the Anzellans, those tiny mechanical expert creatures. I absolutely love them, and their dynamic with Grogu feels equally endearing.

Night falls, bringing Embo back in person. He captures Din Djarin and one of the Anzellans.

The fight against the Dragonsnake : always more impressive

Grogu and the rest of the little critters stayed behind... And right there... they collectively decide to take action ! A fantastic mini tribute scene to Rambo, or more accurately Gizmo in Gremlins : Grogu gears up like a soldier from head to toe, completely ready for combat.

Simultaneously, Din Djarin is handed over to the Twins, who remove his helmet, shattering his Creed (a Mandalorian is strictly forbidden from removing his helmet in public). As he threatens them, the Twins press a button, exactly like Jabba : a trapdoor opens beneath him, plunging him into a pit where fish-men soldiers and a colossal Dragonsnake await.

This isn't our first time seeing one : the creature appears in The Clone Wars (season 3), and prominently in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), on Dagobah, where R2-D2 gets swallowed by an underwater beast... which eventually spits him out. That was also a Dragonsnake !

In short, the fight pushes the boundaries of always bigger. It feels as if Mando is facing a Level 10 Rancor. Din Djarin, without his gear, manages to survive getting chewed up and poisoned, thanks to arriving reinforcements : the Strike Team formed by Grogu and the Anzellans. The latter, after returning to their ship, fly back into space to seek heavy backup.

Meanwhile, Din Djarin, too tall for their tiny ship, remains stuck on Nal Hutta. Droid soldiers swarm in from all sides. He destroys a massive amount of them, eventually passing out from the potent poison.

The most accomplished moment : Grogu healing Din Djarin

Fortunately, Grogu stayed behind and steps up to care for him. I found this specific segment nearly perfect in its execution. We discover a Grogu starting to act like an adult, fending for himself when the situation demands it. Okay, watching him try to squeeze Din Djarin into a dirt hideout resembling Yoda's hut, repeatedly bumping his head against the back wall, feels incredibly clever. Simple and highly effective.

What I truly appreciated is how this moment embodies the core strength of Star Wars : telling simple, intimate stories, isolated on a distant planet, yet crucial to the overarching plot. We experience this while knowing much larger events are unfolding across the galaxy.

This exactly mirrors what happens on Dagobah, when Luke finds himself alone with Yoda. Or on Hoth, when Luke sees Obi-Wan. Or during Attack of the Clones, when Anakin returns to Tatooine with Padmé to face the Tusken Raiders.

These moments offer a powerful contrast. This is exactly what The Mandalorian delivers right here : an intimate scene, forcing Grogu to independently care for Din Djarin on an uncharted world.

I don't know if you noticed, right at this specific moment, everything shifts : the music, the camera angles... We even catch the vibe of the Ewoks movies, featuring a tiny creature surviving in the forest, just like Wicket. We hear the classical instruments of vintage Star Wars, alongside a Grogu hustling through the ferns.

I would bet my life that watching him try to catch fireflies buzzing around him serves as a direct parallel to Wicket in The Battle for Endor. Shortly after, they stumble upon a crashed ship in the forest : the very transport meant to pick up Rotta. Its weathered look gives the impression it has been sitting there for ages... visually echoing Noah's starcruiser. Well, I am a huge Ewoks fan, as you probably guessed.

To sum up, Grogu gets Din Djarin back on his feet, and together they decide to finish off the Twins.

Grendizer, Godzilla and a happy ending

To succeed, they have to face two massive droids guarding the Twins. The scene rocks, showcasing jerky movements providing a fresh change from the ultra-smooth robots we normally see on screen.

Once the mission is accomplished, following the cowardly escape of Embo who abandons the two Hutts to their fate, Din Djarin sends them directly to get devoured by the Dragonsnake. They rescue Rotta, Ripley arrives (another cool Filoni cameo) and completely levels the Hutt base using X-Wings and Y-Wings.

Final verdict : a solid Star Wars, minus the lightsabers but full of heart

If I had to summarize the movie The Mandalorian in a single sentence, I would confidently say it is a solid Star Wars movie. No lightsabers, packed with pure heart. Certain elements lack perfection, alongside others that are brilliantly executed.

I will be pretty straightforward, laying all my cards on the table : with Kathleen Kennedy gone and Leslye Headland absent from the project, we successfully dodge the massive pitfalls of recent years. No Wookiees with curlers, no I am all the Jedi at once, no somehow Palpatine returned, no failed Han Solo, no nonsensical twin storylines... Finally.

It might sound like I am settling for scraps, the reality is the exact opposite : I desperately want to believe. I hope the franchise eventually gets back on its feet. Watching The Mandalorian, I ultimately had a great time. Zero disasters, plenty of genuinely enjoyable moments.

I tried to break down as much as possible to show you this is not a Major Star Wars on the scale of episodes 4, 5, or 6, or even 1, 2, or 3, depending on your generation (please do not bring up 7, 8, or 9, thank you). We have to view it as a massive Mandoverse episode, functioning brilliantly in its own lane.

It won't teach us much more about Grogu. They will eventually have to make a definitive choice regarding this character's future. As the Twins tell Din Djarin : you will die soon, he will live for hundreds of years. What is their master plan ? A complete mystery. Do they even have one ? Only the future will tell...

In the meantime, I believe this movie deserves a chance. As we proudly say in this corner of the Galaxy... This is The Way. To stay completely immersed in the universe, you can also check out our review of Monopoly Star Wars Heroes vs Villains.

How about you, have you seen it ? What did you think ?