'The Mandalorian and Grogu' first reactions divided ahead of theatrical return

Early reactions to 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' are mixed, with praise for visuals and criticism of story and pacing

Early reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu, the latest Star Wars theatrical release, have been split among critics, with responses ranging from praise for its entertainment value to criticism of its narrative execution and tone.

Some early viewers described the film positively, “It’s less about the lore and more a fun, freaky romp across the galaxy. I really dug that about it,” adding that Ludwig Göransson’s score stood out, particularly “the parts that felt like an homage to ‘80s synth-driven horror and action thrillers.”

He added that it highlights how “fun ‘Star Wars’ can be when it stops worrying about canon homework and just cuts loose.”

However, several reactions were more critical of the film’s structure and pacing. i09’s Germain Lussier wrote that it “feels like a longer, bigger episode of the show,” adding that it is “more interested in developing the story to new locations with new creatures than the characters.”

Collider’s Peri Nemiroff commented on Jeremy Allen White’s character Rotta the Hutt, noting, “Live action Hutts are a challenge to pull off, a gladiator Hutt even more so, and it didn’t help that Rotta’s dialogue was often too on the nose.”

More critical responses were also shared online. Reporter Jonathan Sim described it as “one of the weakest ‘Star Wars’ movies,” calling it “an emotionless, predictable experience” with “dull, unexciting fight scenes.”

The film continues the story of Din Djarin and Grogu, with Pedro Pascal returning in the lead role. The official synopsis states the narrative follows the aftermath of the Empire’s fall as the New Republic attempts to stabilise the galaxy while Imperial remnants remain active.

Directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Kloor and Dave Filoni, the film also stars Sigourney Weaver and marks Star Wars’ return to cinemas following 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.