Full Breakdown
Star Wars' Return to Theaters Falters: 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' Misses Box-Office Marks
5/28/2026, 4:10:55 AM
Box Office Performance
Over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” earned $167 million worldwide, the lowest opening for any Star Wars film and below the $168 million opening of 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Background: Disney’s Shift to Streaming
After Bob Iger’s 2019 “hiatus” announcement, Disney moved Star Wars to Disney+, debuting “The Mandalorian” that year. The series, created by Jon Favreau, introduced Grogu and spawned live-action spinoffs such as “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Key Figures
Jon Favreau, known for directing “Iron Man,” “The Jungle Book,” and “The Lion King,” led the film. Disney and Lucasfilm produced it; Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling are attached to the upcoming theatrical project “Starfighter.”
Impact and Why It Matters
The modest opening suggests audiences may favor streaming over cinema for Star Wars, challenging Disney’s blockbuster model. Close ties to the TV series likely discouraged fans from paying premium IMAX prices for familiar content.
Official Statements & Responses
Disney declined comment on the film’s performance. Lucasfilm called the release a “supersized” version of the series, but offered no further official response.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics said the movie feels like an extended episode, not a standalone event. Fans wanted fresh theatrical storytelling and were disappointed by familiar elements, including Sigourney Weaver replacing Carl Weathers and a “muscular son of Jabba the Hut” voiced by Jeremy Allen White.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Box-office numbers are clear, but the article lacks second-weekend earnings, audience demographics, and Disney’s internal profitability assessment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" brought in $167 million at the worldwide box office over the four-day holiday weekend, making it the lowest opening ever for a "Star Wars" movie.” — Business Insider, analysis
- “The fans weren't looking for "The Mandalorian and Grogu" to be an elevated episode of the beloved show, but that's what they got.” — Unnamed fan, Business Insider
- “Instead of Carl Weathers (RIP) giving Mando jobs, in the movie, it's Sigourney Weaver.” — Unnamed critic, Business Insider
- “Fans want more daring, original stories; that should have been the biggest takeaway from the franchise's self-imposed hiatus.” — Business Insider, commentary
What’s Next
“Starfighter,” Disney’s next Star Wars theatrical venture, is slated for release five years after “The Rise of Skywalker.” Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, it promises an original storyline aimed at re-engaging audiences seeking novel cinematic experiences.
