A non-canonical, or semi-canonical tale from the Star Wars universe delivers entertaining but familiar narrative tropes on a spectacular Imax scale. Developed from the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, it is set just after Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, where holdout warlords from the defeated Empire plot a return against the New Republic.
Familiar Characters and Themes
Pedro Pascal plays the Mandalorian, a badass bounty hunter not unlike Han Solo, with Grogu, his Yoda-species ward, on his shoulder. The Mandalorian rarely removes his helmet, with body-double actors Lateef Crowder and Brendan Wayne portraying the character in action scenes, allowing flexibility in filming. This highlights the importance of genre IP over star presence, reminiscent of Dave Prowse as Darth Vader.
The Plot Unfolds
The Republic’s Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver) hires the Mandalorian and Grogu to rescue Rotta the Hutt (voiced by Jeremy Allen White), son of Jabba the Hutt, from an imperial warlord (Jonny Coyne). In return, the Hutts provide intel on Empire schemers. The duo embarks on their quest in a reconditioned battlecraft akin to the Millennium Falcon, encountering wacky characters like a four-armed street-food vendor voiced by Martin Scorsese.
Director Jon Favreau includes exotic creatures for Mando to battle, including a giant snake from the depths ruled by the reptilian Hutts. The film barrels along capably but lacks the humanity, humour, and space melodrama that make Star Wars lovable. It features a climactic aerial combat with X-wing fighters, as expected.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is released on 21 May in Australia and 22 May in the UK and US.
