Jon Favreau is stepping fully into the feature-film spotlight with The Mandalorian & Grogu, marking a monumental evolution in the saga he helped bring to life on Disney+. As both writer and director for the highly anticipated 2026 release, Favreau is leading the charge on this next chapter, translating the intimate, stylized storytelling of the series into a full-scale cinematic adventure.
With a focus on big-screen scope and IMAX presentation, he’s diving deep into a production process that allows for greater planning, more elaborate set construction, and an expanded visual effects pipeline. While the film retains the spirit and tone that made The Mandalorian a phenomenon and spearheaded a new era in the beloved sci-fi franchise, Favreau is embracing the opportunity to explore new creative territory, blending practical and digital techniques to craft something that feels both fresh and true to the Star Wars legacy. In addition to Pedro Pascal and Jonny Coyne, the movie also features Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White.
At Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, Collider's Steve Weintraub spoke with Favreau to discuss the film’s progress and the unique challenges of adapting a beloved streaming series for theatrical release. In the interview, Favreau speaks about everything from virtual scouting and visual effects workflows to balancing accessibility for new audiences while rewarding longtime fans. Though details about surprises and runtime remain under wraps, Favreau’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable, and his reflections offer a fascinating look at how The Mandalorian & Grogu is shaping up to be a defining moment for the franchise on the big screen.
29