“The Mandalorian and Grogu” Early Buzz: A Charming, Action-Packed Return to Theaters

Director Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu held its first public screening last night. While full reviews are still embargoed until May 19, ahead of the May 22 release date, brief social media reactions were allowed to make the jump to hyperspace, and they’ve been flying across the internet faster than the Millennium Falcon made the Kessel Run (which was, according to Han Solo, less than 12 parsecs).

The Mandalorian and Grogu has a lot riding on it—it’s the first Star Wars film since J.J. Abrams’ 2019 The Rise of Skywalker—and launches Pedro Pascal’s bounty hunter Din Djarin and his adorable sidekick Grogu from their Disney+ series onto the big screen. The film boasts Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt and Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward, and centers on Din and Grogu’s mission to rescue Rotta while evading or taking down a slew of deadly bounty hunters and Imperial remnants.

Favreau directs from a script he wrote alongside Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor. Many reactions highlight, predictably, the lovability of Grogu, but also the strength of puppeteering overall, including the return of the droidsmiths, specifically Babu Frik, one of the standout aliens from The Rise of Skywalker.

There’s also a special shoutout to three-time Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, whose Western-influenced score for The Mandalorian on Disney+ and now The Mandalorian and Grogu continues to prove why he’s one of the most sought-after composers in the industry.

Let’s take a peek at some of the reactions:

THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU is a perfect expansion of what the show set up. Truly the best outing yet for Baby Yoda and his dad. And also the best 20 minutes of a side quest to ever exist. God I love Star Wars on the big screen!!!!! pic.twitter.com/nllkSNETUQ

— Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman) May 15, 2026

The Mandalorian and Grogu: the marketing had me worried, but this movie is actually a lot of fun. Yes it does feel like a supersized high budget few episodes of the tv show – more of an adventure of the week than a huge galactic event story. If you like the show you’ll love this.…

— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) May 15, 2026

I liked #MandalorianAndGrogu way more than I expected. The first half felt like what I thought it’d be, but I did not expect to love Rotta the Hutt as much as I did. And seeing Grogu be the hero was great. Star Wars on the big screen just feels right. pic.twitter.com/MeghNqpAK9

— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) May 15, 2026

MANDALORIAN & GROGU is light on story but high on charm. Film at its best when Pascal and Baby Yoda are just allowed to cook. The puppetry work is some of the best in years. Feels very early Ron Howard (WILLOW vibes abound). Full review next week. pic.twitter.com/OoDnxCoE4p

— Kristen Lopez (@kristenklopez) May 15, 2026

STAR WARS is back on the big screen and #TheMandalorianAndGrogu is a thrilling adventure full of big fights, gnarly creatures and plenty of adorable Grogu moments. It’s less about the lore and more a fun, freaky romp across the galaxy. I really dug that about it.

Also really dug… pic.twitter.com/XoQwKbRG9N

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 15, 2026

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is thankfully a Star Wars adventure worthy of the big screen that offers plenty of galactic fun for the whole family. Favreau rightfully chooses to take this IP back to its Eastwood-esque space western roots as he effectively expands this world instead… pic.twitter.com/vteov4l8yS

— Tom Chatalbash (@TomChatalbash) May 15, 2026

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is fun. I am not an intense know-everything kind of “Star Wars” aficionado, so this was kind of perfect for me. A stand-alone movie that felt like an amusement park ride. Now, I think it’s time for Grogu to have his own movie. pic.twitter.com/iMGRCilGc5

— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) May 15, 2026

I went into The Mandalorian & Grogu as a casual Star Wars fan with no real expectations and I really enjoyed it! Pedro Pascal is great, Grogu is gosh-darn delightful and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt is surprisingly cool. Some pacing issues, but a lot of fun overall. pic.twitter.com/StoXnvFO1j

— Molly Freeman (@mollyrockit) May 15, 2026

#TheMandalorian and #Grogu was really cute and so heartfelt. It felt like three or four episodes put together, each with its own different style. The ACTION WAS INCREDIBLE. I loved the action & CGI. No AI. All puppeting. This is the way. #TheMandalorianAndGrogu

— Laura ลอร’า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul) May 15, 2026

#TheMandalorianAndGrogu is a grin-inducing crowd-pleaser that puts Star Wars back on theatrical track. Director Jon Favreau is (again) a safe pair of hands that deliver a solid, thrilling and engaging romp. A solid popcorn movie that is the summer blockbuster you’re looking for. pic.twitter.com/ox2cVXexoJ

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 15, 2026

My spoiler-free reaction to @StarWars: #TheMandalorianAndGrogu:

A fun, action-packed, heartwarming return to the big screen for #StarWars that can only be led by a bounty hunter and his Force-wielding kin, which may be my favorite time seeing a @StarWars movie on the big screen… pic.twitter.com/uuiwVmeOZP

— Hater Hunter (@haterhunter450) May 15, 2026

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU: Ludwig Göransson never asleep at the wheel. His new themes and motifs are just as addicting as ever. If it wasn’t already obvious, he is invaluable to the whole Mando franchise.

— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) May 15, 2026

Featured image: (L-R) Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Photo by Nicola Goode. © 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd™. All Rights Reserved.