Jon Favreau to Headline CinemaCon Chat Ahead of 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu' Release

The veteran filmmaker will discuss his upcoming Disney title at the annual industry event in Las Vegas.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:53pm

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Jon Favreau, the acclaimed director and producer behind the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, is set to headline CinemaCon's annual Creative Community luncheon on April 16 in Las Vegas. The chat, moderated by journalist Matt Belloni, will take place just before Favreau presents the upcoming Disney film Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu to the industry audience.

Why it matters

Favreau's appearance at CinemaCon underscores the immense anticipation for the new Star Wars film, which will be the first theatrical release in the franchise since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. As a renowned filmmaker, Favreau's insights on the making of the movie and the future of the Star Wars universe are highly anticipated by industry insiders and fans alike.

The details

The annual CinemaCon Creative Community luncheon, sponsored by Fathom Entertainment and D-BOX Technologies, has previously featured appearances by other high-profile filmmakers and actors. Favreau's chat will take place in Caesars Palace's Octavius Ballroom, just before the Walt Disney Studios presentation at 2:30 p.m., where he will officially unveil Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu.

  • The CinemaCon Creative Community luncheon featuring Jon Favreau will take place on April 16, 2026.
  • Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to open in theaters worldwide on May 22, 2026.

The players

Jon Favreau

A veteran filmmaker known for his work on the Star Wars series, including directing and producing the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian.

Matt Belloni

The host of The Town and Puck News podcasts, and the former editor of The Hollywood Reporter, who will moderate the CinemaCon chat with Favreau.

Michael O'Leary

The president and CEO of Cinema United, the organization that hosts CinemaCon, the annual convention for the movie theater industry.

Pedro Pascal

The actor who stars as the title character in The Mandalorian, and will reprise the role in the upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu.

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What they’re saying

“Anticipation for a new Star Wars movie on the big screen is sky high, making this an incredible way to kick off the summer movie season.”

— Michael O'Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United

“This event presents a great opportunity to hear from Jon Favreau, one of the most talented filmmakers working today.”

— Michael O'Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United

What’s next

Favreau's appearance at CinemaCon will be closely watched by industry insiders and Star Wars fans, as it will provide a first look at the highly anticipated film Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is set to open in theaters on May 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Jon Favreau's CinemaCon appearance underscores the continued importance of the theatrical experience for major franchise films, even as streaming has become a dominant force in the industry. The anticipation for a new Star Wars movie on the big screen reflects the enduring appeal of the galaxy far, far away, and Favreau's insights will be closely watched by industry professionals and fans alike.