Favreau Promises 'Mandalorian' Movie Will 'Up the Game' for Big Screen

Director says storytelling and visuals must be elevated for theatrical release.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In an interview at the New York Toy Fair, Jon Favreau, co-creator and director of the hit Disney+ series 'The Mandalorian', discussed the challenges of bringing the show's first big-screen adventure to theaters. Favreau acknowledged that they will need to 'up their game' in terms of the storytelling, visuals, and overall cinematic experience to capture the attention of audiences used to watching the series at home on streaming.

Why it matters

The transition from a successful streaming series to a major theatrical release is a significant challenge for 'The Mandalorian' team. They must ensure the movie delivers an experience worthy of the big screen and stands out in a crowded entertainment landscape where viewers have many options competing for their attention.

The details

Favreau said the team will need to utilize taller aspect ratios for IMAX, build more elaborate sets, and generally 'notch everything up' to create a cinematic experience that compels audiences to leave their homes and go to the theater. This extends even to the character of Grogu (formerly known as Baby Yoda), who will be 'leveled up' in some way for the movie.

  • The Mandalorian and Grogu is scheduled to hit theaters on May 22, 2026.

The players

Jon Favreau

Co-creator and director of the Disney+ series 'The Mandalorian'.

Grogu

The adopted child of the main character Din Djarin, formerly known as Baby Yoda, who will be 'leveled up' for the big-screen adaptation.

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What they’re saying

“We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of that… we have to notch everything up and then the storytelling as well.”

— Jon Favreau, Co-creator and director (ScreenRant)

“We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen and has to be something where people at this moment in time, when so much is competing for your attention, that you're gonna stop what you're doing and you're gonna go to a movie theater.”

— Jon Favreau, Co-creator and director (ScreenRant)

What’s next

The first trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected to be released in the coming months, providing a closer look at the elevated visuals and storytelling Favreau has promised for the big-screen adaptation.

The takeaway

Transitioning a successful streaming series to the big screen is a significant challenge, but the 'The Mandalorian' team is committed to delivering a cinematic experience worthy of the franchise's loyal fanbase and the theater-going experience.