One of the stars ofStar Wars’upcoming movie,The Mandalorian and Grogu, has reassured fans that Din Djarin and Grogu’s big-screen debut has been inspired by what originally madeThe Mandalorianso beloved. Since the divisive end of theStar Warssequel trilogy,The Mandalorianhas been one ofStar Wars’biggest successes, launching an entirely new timeline era and sub-franchise.
That success has paid off, asThe Mandalorian and Groguwill mark the end ofStar Wars’seven-year theatrical hiatus, picking upwhereThe Mandalorianseason 3 left off– Din has officially adopted Grogu, and the dynamic duo have created a home base on Nevarro, earning their keep by working as bounty hunters in service of the New Republic.
Still, despite that heartwarming ending,The Mandalorianseason 3 was the show’s most heavily criticized yet, with audiences disappointed with Din and Grogu’s off-show reunion, the lack of focus on their relationship, and out-of-place episodes like “The Convert” and “Guns For Hire.“OneMandalorianstar has assured fans thatThe Mandalorian and Groguwill be getting back to what matters most, however.
In an interview withRebel Force Radio(shared on X byMandoverse Updates), Brendan Wayne, one of thethree actors who have brought our favorite Mandalorian bounty hunter, Din Djarin, to life on screen, explained thatThe Mandalorian and Groguwill revisit theStar Warssub-franchise’s all-important roots:
“I think we go to the storytelling originally that we loved with Mando… We’re with the kid and Mando quite a bit, and their journey is forefront.”
Din Djarin is portrayed by Pedro Pascal, Brendan Wayne, and stuntman Lateef Crowder.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Has Returned To The Balance Of Seasons 1-2
WhereasThe Mandalorianseasons 1 and 2 focused on developing Din’s relationship with Grogu, season 3 felt like it was forced to become something bigger – a connective point in the wider, so-called Mandoverse’s storytelling. It certainly didn’t help that Din and Grogu’s separation afterThe Mandalorianseason 2 was swiftly handled inThe Book of Boba Fett, rather than inThe Mandalorianseason 3.
The shift in focus started in season 2, of course, with the live-action introductions of characters like Bo-Katan Kryze and Ahsoka Tano. Yet season 3 took it to a whole new level, with the core narrative shifting from Din and Grogu to the plight of all Mandalorians as well as the simmering political turmoil of theNew Republic era.
The disconnect between the audience’s expectations, the show’s original premise, and the franchise’s larger storytelling needs is reflected inThe Mandalorianseason 3’s Rotten Tomatoes scores. The audience’s RT scores for seasons 1 and 2 were 93% and 91%, respectively, whileThe Mandalorianseason 3’s audience score was shockingly only 51%.
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Brendan Wayne’s comments are, therefore, incredibly encouraging. IfThe Mandalorian and Grogucan recapture the magic that madeThe Mandaloriansuch a thriving success, namelyby focusing on the relationship between Din and Grogu and making their development a driving force of the narrative rather than an afterthought,The Mandalorian and Grogucould become exactly what this franchise needs.
The Mandalorian Is Ushering In A New Age Of Star Wars Again
The importance ofThe Mandalorian and Grogu’s success can’t be overstated.The Mandalorianwas responsible for launching a new era ofStar Warsstorytelling and live-action TV. Now,The Mandalorian and Groguis in charge of the franchise’s return to its cinematic roots.
Star Warshas several films currently in development. Lucasfilm has had a difficult time getting those projects off the ground, however. IfThe Mandalorian and Grogufails to meet expectations, much likeSolo: A Star Wars Storydid, it could send the franchise into a tailspin once more.
If it gives us the Din and Grogu development we want while also doing what it needs to push the New Republic’s narrative forward, however,Star Warswill be able to move on with confidence. Let’s be honest, if anyone can pull off this cinematic relaunch, it’sThe Mandalorian and Grogu’s Din Djarin and his tiny, green, Force-wielding sidekick, Grogu.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
