We’re less than a year away fromStar Wars’next movie,The Mandalorian and Grogu, which will offer the creator ofStar Wars’first, and most successful, live-action TV show his true chance to shine. Jon Favreau is a name that needs no introduction, whether it be within theStar Warsgalaxy or in greater cinema.
From his own acting to the hand he’s had in making the Marvel Cinematic Universe into what it is today, Favreau has become a foundational filmmaker. He’s since carried that on in television withThe Mandalorian, a TV show that, like himself, also needs no introduction. It’s one of the most successful, and recognizable,Star Warsstories to date.
It’s been six years sinceThe Mandalorianfirst debuted on Disney+, and now, it’s gearing up to hit the big screen in May 2026. This alone is huge for theStar Warsfranchise, given the fact they haven’t released a movie since 2019’sStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but having Favreau at the helm only makes things even better.
Jon Favreau Is Back In Full Directorial Force With The Mandalorian And Grogu
He’s Back To Doing What He Does Best: Directing Movies
While serving as creator, writer, and executive producer onThe MandalorianTV show, Favreau didn’t have the chance to direct all that much over the course of its three seasons.The Mandalorian and Grogumovie, however,sees Favreau right in the director’s chair, bringing this brand-new vision of his to life.
This is exactly where Favreau belongs, especially for a project like this. Favreau is a connoisseur of adventure movies and storytelling. Whether it be the holiday season favorite and heartfelt comedyElfor Disney’s live-action adaptations ofThe Jungle BookandThe Lion King, Favreau has risen to each and every occasion.
The Mandalorian and Groguwon’t be any different. In fact, what viewers, including myself, have already seen inexclusive footage shared at events such as Star Wars Celebration Japanconfirms this already. The spectacles are marvelous in a way thatbrings you right back to the originalStar Warsmovies.
This is because Favreau is back at home in the movie theater withThe Mandalorian and Grogu. He may have helped to revolutionize storytelling in TV with his work onThe Mandalorian, butit’s his repertoire in cinema that’s helped him to make his name. He’s returning to what he knows best.
Favreau’s Mandalorian Episode Remains One Of Star Wars' All-Time Best
“The Marshal” Feels Utterly Cinematic
If you’re not convinced just yet, let’s take a look back at Favreau’sStar Warsdirectorial work. ForThe Mandalorian, Favreau and Lucasfilm elected to bring in a diverse pool of different directors with various visions that made each episode a unique experience. This meant he barely directed any episodes himself.
“Chapter 9: The Marshal,” is perhaps the closest thing we have to a classic, galactic cinematic experience in the form of Star Wars television.
The episode he did direct, however, is easily one ofnot justThe Mandalorian’s best, but alsoStar Wars’as a whole.The Mandalorianseason 2 premiere, “Chapter 9: The Marshal,” is perhaps the closest thing we have to a classic, galactic cinematic experience in the form ofStar Warstelevision.
“The Marshal” is a nearly hour-long episode that’s complete with exposition, thrilling adventure, and an epic battle that even includes an aspect ratio change to make its creature, the famedkrayt dragon, look even more imposing. It truly never fails tomake the small-screen experience feel like something that could have easily performed well on the big screen.
If this single episode ofThe Mandalorianis any kind of indication of what’s to come inThe Mandalorian and Grogu, then it will no doubt becomeone of the franchise’s most memorable adventures. Favreau is back to doing what he knows best, and it’s that knowledge that’s going to make 2026 a big year forStar Wars.
Favreau Understands What Kind Of Movie Star Wars Needs Right Now
A Fun Adventure With Thrilling Spectacles & A Heartfelt Story
If anyone knows what kind of movieStar Warsneeds for its return to the big screen, it’s Jon Favreau. As stated above, it was his work with theIron Manfranchise that helped to turn the MCU into what it is today - which is the highest-grossing movie franchise of all time.Star Warsisn’t far behind that.
Star Warsis ready to reinvent itself at the movie theater following some burnout with cinematic experiences, and Favreau is the perfect person to lead that charge. He’s already proven his ability to make a massively successfulStar Warsstory and a movie franchise on separate occasions. Blending them together isa recipe for pure perfection.
Those who have had their confidence in Favreau somewhat shaken by bothThe Book of Boba FettandThe Mandalorianseason 3 should rest in the knowledge thattelling stories on the big screen is vastly different from the small screen, and now, Favreau is working directly within his element.The Mandalorian and Groguwill become his ultimate culmination project.
Star Warshas fallen into some very capable hands over the years, especially in the cinematic sphere, but Favreau is ready to show them all how it’s done. With just ten months to go untilThe Mandalorian and Groguhits theaters, it’s time to start gearing up for a movie that could very easily change the franchise forever.
The Mandalorian and Groguhits theaters August 13, 2025.
