‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Debuts with 58% on Rotten Tomatoes – First Star Wars Film in 7 Years

‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Debuts with 58% on Rotten Tomatoes – First Star Wars Film in 7 YearsThe Mandalorian & Grogu, the first theatrical Star Wars film since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, has officially debuted to mixed critical reception.As of May 2026, the movie holds a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews, with an average score of 6.1/10. The audience score currently stands significantly higher at 82%, indicating a clear divide between critics and fans.The Long-Awaited ReturnDirected by Jon Favreau and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian & Grogu picks up after the events of The Mandalorian Season 3 and The Book of Boba Fett. The story follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu as they embark on a new journey across the galaxy, facing old enemies and new threats.The film marks the big-screen debut of the beloved characters who skyrocketed to global fame through the Disney+ series. It also serves as a bridge between the Mandalorian era and the upcoming Star Wars films in development.What Critics Are SayingThe consensus among critics is that the film delivers strong visuals, excellent action sequences, and heartwarming moments between Mando and Grogu, but falls short in storytelling depth and originality.Positive Highlights:Pedro Pascal’s performance as Din Djarin Outstanding practical effects and creature design Emotional father-son dynamic between Mando and Grogu Spectacular lightsaber and space battle sequences Common Criticisms:Predictable plot beats Underdeveloped supporting characters Some pacing issues in the middle act Many reviewers describe it as a “safe but satisfying” Star Wars movie — enjoyable for fans but not reaching the heights of The Empire Strikes Back or Rogue One.Fan ReactionsEarly audience reactions have been much more enthusiastic. Social media is filled with praise for the tender moments between Mando and Grogu, with many calling it “the Star Wars movie we’ve been waiting for.” The higher audience score suggests the film is successfully delivering fan service while introducing new elements.Box Office ExpectationsDespite the mixed critic score, The Mandalorian & Grogu is projected to have a strong opening weekend. Analysts expect it to gross between $85–110 million domestically in its first three days, benefiting from strong pre-sales and the massive built-in audience from the hit Disney+ series.What This Means for Star WarsThis film is a critical test for Lucasfilm. After years of divisive theatrical releases and successful Disney+ series, The Mandalorian & Grogu is seen as a return to the big screen for the franchise. Its performance will likely influence the direction of future Star Wars movies, including the upcoming Rey Skywalker film and the Mandalorian-era projects.Final VerdictThe Mandalorian & Grogu is a crowd-pleasing, visually impressive entry that prioritizes fan-favorite characters over bold risks. While it may not convert all critics, it appears poised to satisfy the vast majority of Star Wars fans who have been waiting seven long years for a new theatrical adventure.Whether the 58% critic score holds or improves as more reviews come in remains to be seen, but the early audience love suggests this will be a commercial success.Are you planning to watch The Mandalorian & Grogu in theaters? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!