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After a hiatus spanning over six years, the Star Wars cinematic universe is poised for a grand return. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is set to premiere on May 22, marking the franchise’s comeback to theaters since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” Following last year’s teaser and a brief Super Bowl clip that got fans buzzing, Lucasfilm has unveiled a full trailer packed with thrilling action, charming father-son moments, and hidden gems for the keen-eyed Star Wars enthusiasts. Don’t miss our detailed video analysis above, highlighting all the cameos and references that might have slipped past you in the new trailer.
The journey to this point has been as complex as hyperspace navigation. Lucasfilm has seen a slew of Star Wars projects shelved, most notably the anticipated “Hunt for Ben Solo” movie, which Disney ultimately turned down. Coupled with the mixed reception of “The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Mandalorian and Grogu” enters a landscape where Star Wars isn’t the box office juggernaut it once was.
The latest trailer suggests a strategic pivot towards levity and nostalgia. “The Mandalorian” struck a chord across the fanbase, and the upcoming film seems keen to capitalize on that success with plenty of endearing green creature antics, heartfelt father-son dynamics, and nods to the rich history of the Star Wars saga.
Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s incoming president and co-creator of “The Mandalorian,” has impressively stamped his influence across the new trailer. This is evident through the cameos from animated series favorites. Zeb Orrelios, voiced by Steve Blum from “Star Wars Rebels,” appears to have a more significant role after his brief appearance in “The Mandalorian” Season 3. Fans of “The Clone Wars” will recognize the bounty hunter Embo and his distinctive hat, along with Jabba the Hutt’s now-adult son Rotta, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White.
But that’s not all. The trailer teases glimpses of well-known planets like Nal Hutta and Nar Shadda, a classic Star Wars card game, iconic X-wings, potentially dragonsnakes, and even a surprise appearance by Martin Scorsese. It’s a delightful mix of elements, promising a film that, if nothing else, aims to reinvigorate Star Wars’ theatrical presence with a celebration of fun and nostalgia.
Going off the new trailer, it seems that the strategy here is to follow the fun. “The Mandalorian” was a massive success across all corners of the fandom, and the movie aims to keep that going, with lots of adorable little green guy antics, father-son moments, and adventurous nods to Star Wars’ past.
The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer is full of familiar faces
Lucasfilm/Disney
Incoming Lucasfilm president and “The Mandalorian” co-creator Dave Filoni’s heightened influence on the Star Wars franchise can be felt everywhere in the new “The Mandalorian and Grogu” trailer, mostly in the form of brief appearances by characters from the animated shows. Zeb Orrelios (Steve Blum) of “Star Wars Rebels” – a former rebel turned New Republic operative — returns for what looks to be an increased role following his cameo in “The Mandalorian” Season 3. Then there’s the bounty hunter Embo and his iconic hat, recognizable to fans of “The Clone Wars,” and of course, Jabba the Hutt’s now-grown son Rotta, played here by Jeremy Allen White.
That’s not all, though. The trailer also includes sneak peeks at some familiar planets (Nal Hutta and the “Smuggler’s Moon” of Nar Shadda), a familiar Star Wars card game, X-wings, dragonsnakes (most likely), Martin Scorsese (you read that right), and more. It’s a hodgepodge and a smorgasbord, as we can only hope the film itself will be, bringing Star Wars back to theaters with a triumphant bit of fun, if nothing else.
For a full breakdown on the trailer and all of its different Star Wars Easter eggs and clues, watch the video above.