'The Mandalorian and Grogu' reviews split critics ahead of May cinema release

Critics debate whether 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' works better as film or extended TV episode

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu has received a mixed critical response ahead of its global cinema release on May 22, with reviewers divided over whether the Lucasfilm production succeeds as a standalone film adaptation of the Disney+ series.

Directed by Jon Favreau, the film follows Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, and Grogu as they are recruited by the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White, in exchange for information on a target. Sigourney Weaver also stars in the latest addition to the Star Wars franchise.

Early reactions from critics have been varied, with the film holding a 62% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 50 reviews at the time of reporting. Several reviewers praised the film’s familiar characters and action sequences, while others questioned whether the project justified a theatrical release.

Deadline described the film as “pretty entertaining when it’s at its simplest”, but also suggested the franchise appeared “lost and in need of a way back to base”.

IGN wrote, “This is not the way…It feels inevitable that, in the years to come, the popular criticism of The Mandalorian and Grogu will be that it just feels like either a truncated season of the TV show or a too-long episode.”

Other outlets echoed similar concerns. The Verge stated that the project “should have been a season of TV”, while IndieWire called it “three good-enough TV episodes smushed together”.

Despite criticism, some reviews were more favourable. The Guardian awarded the film three stars, calling it a “decent outing”, while Polygon said the movie “probably shouldn’t exist” but added that it was “still a damn good time”.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is produced by Lucasfilm and written by Favreau, Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor.