Star Wars is finally returning to theaters, but the first reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu suggest fans may be split over whether Din Djarin and Grogu’s jump from Disney+ to the big screen truly feels cinematic.

After years of Star Wars living mostly on streaming, The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to bring the franchise back to cinemas on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film continues the story of Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian warrior Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu, better known to many fans as Baby Yoda. Disney’s official page describes the film as the duo’s “most thrilling mission yet,” while confirming the theatrical release date.

Early reactions from press screenings are now online, and the response is noticeably mixed. Some viewers are calling the movie a fun, crowd-pleasing Star Wars adventure, while others argue it feels more like an expensive extended episode of The Mandalorian than a major theatrical event. Variety reported that press reactions ranged from praise such as “a thrilling adventure” and “a perfect summer movie” to more critical takes calling it one of the weaker Star Wars films.

The positive reactions appear to focus on the film’s sense of adventure, Grogu’s charm, action sequences, creature work and nostalgic Star Wars energy. For fans who simply want to see Din and Grogu back together on a larger canvas, the movie may deliver exactly what they are hoping for. GamesRadar described the first wave of reactions as ranging from “a ton of fun” to “totally inessential,” showing just how divided the response has become.

However, the criticism seems to center on whether the film justifies its theatrical format. Several early viewers reportedly felt that the story was too light, too familiar, or too dependent on the structure of the Disney+ series. Some reactions suggested that the film plays like a “supersized” TV episode rather than a major new chapter for Star Wars. Winter Is Coming highlighted reactions describing the movie as fun but also closer to an “adventure of the week” than a huge galactic event.

That debate may be unavoidable. The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives at an important moment for Lucasfilm. It is the first Star Wars movie in theaters since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, ending a seven-year theatrical gap for the franchise. Rotten Tomatoes noted that the movie’s May release window also returns Star Wars to a more traditional big-screen launch period.

The film also features Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, with Weaver playing Colonel Ward and White voicing Rotta the Hutt. Disney’s UK listing names Jon Favreau as director and lists Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White among the cast.

For Lucasfilm, the key question is whether The Mandalorian and Grogu can appeal beyond loyal Disney+ viewers. The original series became one of the biggest streaming-era successes for Star Wars, largely thanks to the emotional bond between Din Djarin and Grogu. But turning that formula into a theatrical blockbuster comes with higher expectations. A movie audience may want bigger stakes, stronger character development and a story that feels essential to the future of the franchise.

At the same time, not every Star Wars film needs to reshape the galaxy. A self-contained adventure with beloved characters, practical creatures, action and humor could be enough for many fans, especially after years without a Star Wars movie in theaters.

For now, the first reactions suggest that The Mandalorian and Grogu may not be a universally praised comeback, but it is already sparking the kind of passionate discussion Star Wars is known for. Whether audiences see it as a welcome return to fun space adventure or a missed opportunity will become clearer when the film opens in theaters on May 22, 2026.