Jon Favreau Debuts First 17 Minutes of 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' at CinemaCon 2026

The opening footage for the new Star Wars theatrical film promises explosive action and a hardboiled tone.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass and reflective chrome surfaces, capturing the intense, high-energy tone of the new Star Wars film.The Mandalorian and Grogu's cinematic return promises to deliver a thrilling, high-stakes adventure on the big screen.Las Vegas Today

At CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas, director Jon Favreau debuted the first 17 minutes of footage from the upcoming Star Wars film 'The Mandalorian and Grogu'. The preview showcased intense action sequences, including Mando and Grogu battling Snowtroopers and AT-AT walkers, as well as a tense exchange between Mando and New Republic Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver. The footage has generated excitement, but early box office tracking suggests the film may have a lower opening weekend than previous Disney-era Star Wars releases due to the franchise's increased presence on Disney+.

Why it matters

This is the first theatrical Star Wars film since 2019's 'The Rise of Skywalker', marking the longest gap between big-screen Star Wars releases since the prequel trilogy. Favreau's preview at CinemaCon is an effort to remind audiences and exhibitors that Star Wars still belongs on the big screen, even as the franchise has expanded significantly on Disney+. The film's performance will be closely watched as an indicator of whether general audiences have grown accustomed to accessing Star Wars content primarily through streaming.

The details

The 17-minute preview established key plot points, including Mando and Grogu being tasked by New Republic Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver, to rescue the Hutt crime lord Rotta in exchange for intelligence. The footage featured intense action sequences, including Mando and Grogu battling Snowtroopers and escaping from pursuing AT-AT walkers on a snowy planet. Favreau also revealed a deep supporting cast, including the return of animated series characters like Zeb Orrelios, voiced by Steve Blum.

  • The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to premiere in theaters on May 22, 2026.
  • Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy, is scheduled to open in theaters on May 28, 2027.

The players

Jon Favreau

The director of The Mandalorian and Grogu, who also co-wrote the screenplay and produced the film.

Sigourney Weaver

The acclaimed actress who portrays Colonel Ward, a leader in the New Republic's Adelphi Rangers and a former Rebel Alliance pilot.

Jeremy Allen White

The actor who voices the character of Rotta the Hutt, a Hutt crime lord central to the film's plot.

Dave Filoni

The screenwriter and producer who also appears in the film as the characters Trapper Wolf and Embo.

Martin Scorsese

The legendary filmmaker who voices an Ardennian Fry Cook in a surprise cameo.

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What they’re saying

“Star Wars made me fall in love with movies. I saw it for the first time with my dad.”

— Jon Favreau, Director

“Messy, very messy. This isn't about revenge. It's about preventing another war and protecting everything that the rebellion fought for.”

— Sigourney Weaver, as Colonel Ward

What’s next

Early box office tracking suggests The Mandalorian and Grogu may have a lower opening weekend than previous Disney-era Star Wars films, raising questions about whether general audiences have grown accustomed to accessing Star Wars content primarily through streaming. The film's performance will be closely watched as an indicator of the franchise's continued theatrical appeal.

The takeaway

Jon Favreau's preview of The Mandalorian and Grogu at CinemaCon 2026 has generated excitement for the film's return to the big screen, but the franchise's expanded presence on Disney+ may have impacted audience expectations for theatrical Star Wars releases. The Mandalorian and Grogu will need to prove it can still deliver a cinematic experience that draws viewers away from the convenience of streaming.