Star Wars fans are counting down the days until The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters on May 22, 2026, and the excitement is already palpable on Disney+. A special preview of the film, released just two weeks ahead of its big-screen debut, has shot to the #2 spot on the streaming service’s global charts. This early success underscores the massive appetite for the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
The buzz around The Mandalorian and Grogu comes on the heels of a busy year for the franchise on Disney+. Earlier in 2026, the streamer dropped Maul – Shadow Lord, the first Star Wars series of the year, which wrapped its debut season to strong fan response. The show has already been renewed for a second season, with star Sam Witwer promising a short wait. Meanwhile, anticipation for Ahsoka Season 2 remains sky-high, even as official details remain under wraps. The return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker has only fueled that demand.
But the crown jewel of 2026 is undoubtedly The Mandalorian and Grogu, a continuation of the beloved Disney+ series that follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable Force-sensitive ward. The film brings together a stellar cast, including Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward, Martin Scorsese as an Ardennian Fry Cook, Steve Blum as Zeb Orellios, and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt. The sneak peek, now streaming, offers a tantalizing glimpse into their next adventure.
For those wondering if they need to catch up on the series before the movie, the short answer is yes—but it’s not strictly required. Early reactions to the first 25 minutes of the film praise its accessibility for newcomers, but the story is a direct continuation of the events in The Mandalorian. Watching all three seasons of the show is highly recommended, and a deep dive into The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka wouldn’t hurt either. The core narrative, however, remains rooted in the journey of the Mandalorian and Grogu.
The streaming success of this special look is a strong indicator of the film’s potential box office draw. It also mirrors a broader trend of sci-fi properties finding new life on streaming platforms. For instance, 'The Predator' reboot recently found surprising free streaming success on Tubi, while 'Project Hail Mary' has soared past $638 million at the box office. Star Wars itself has seen a resurgence on Disney+, with the prequel trilogy surging in viewership as fans revisit the galaxy’s most controversial era.
As May 22 approaches, all eyes are on The Mandalorian and Grogu to reignite the Star Wars movie magic. With a sneak peek already dominating streaming charts, the Force is clearly strong with this one. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date draws near.
