As extra particulars about The Mandalorian and Grogu, the Star Wars franchise’s subsequent film, come to mild, I develop into increasingly more satisfied that it is set to develop into Disney’s very personal model of The Empire Strikes Back. The famed Star Wars sequel film is usually cited as the head of the franchise for quite a lot of causes.
Because the follow-up to the extremely profitable and historic Star Wars (later retitled A New Hope), it is a surprise that Empire continues to eclipse all other Star Wars movies time and time once more. Now, Disney’s Star Wars is in the same kind of place with The Mandalorian and Grogu, and I am satisfied they’re about to make their very personal Empire.
The Mandalorian And Grogu Will Be Extra Than Simply A “Enjoyable” Film
The Empire Strikes Again stood out straight away as a result of it was greater than only a enjoyable follow-up to Star Wars. Slightly, it was grounded in its method, unafraid to boost the stakes and even depart off on a defeated, albeit hopeful, notice. It did not draw back from darkish moments that rounded out its story.
In accordance with Sigourney Weaver, who will play the brand-new character Colonel Ward in The Mandalorian and Grogu, the subsequent Star Wars film can also be taking this method. In talking to Collider, Weaver hinted that The Mandalorian and Grogu should not be taken at face worth as nothing greater than a “enjoyable” film, even compared to the critically-acclaimed Andor collection.
Like Empire, it appears that evidently The Mandalorian and Grogu goes to dig into its story and supply a doubtlessly darker, extra riveting story that goes past the anticipated “enjoyable” Star Wars movie show expertise. This suits nicely with the precedent The Mandalorian season 1 set, though the present drifted from that precedent in later seasons.
Star Wars’ Subsequent Film Has Already Referenced ESB
After all, there’s nonetheless little we find out about The Mandalorian and Grogu, which has but to publicly launch even a single trailer. What we’ve seen, nevertheless, proves that the film is not shy in its personal direct references to The Empire Strikes Again, which additional ties this film to the traditional Star Wars sequel.
That is most notable with the inclusion of a battle in opposition to AT-AT Imperial walkers on a snowy world, which may very nicely find yourself being Hoth itself. If that’s the case, it is going to be the primary time we have seen that planet on display screen since its debut in The Empire Strikes Again. This definitely primes The Mandalorian and Grogu as Disney’s personal Empire.
Plus, this film follows the titular bounty-hunting Mandalorian, Din Djarin, who’s straight impressed by Boba Fett – a personality who famously made his full debut in The Empire Strikes Again after briefly being glimpsed within the notorious Star Wars Vacation Particular. His starring function is a wider echo of the trail Boba Fett paved in Empire.
It is onerous to say precisely how comparable the 2 films will likely be, figuring out as little as we do at the moment, however even then, it is clear to see how the groundwork has been laid, each deliberately and unintentionally. The Empire Strikes Again is untouchable, however The Mandalorian and Grogu has an opportunity to earn the same sort of title for itself.
The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters Might 22, 2026.
