Mandalorian and Grogu Join Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Ride

The fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy is getting an exciting upgrade. Disney recently announced during D23 that The Mandalorian and Grogu will be joining the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride. This popular motion simulator attraction allows guests to step into the cockpit of the famed Corellian light freighter at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, located in California and Florida.

The inclusion of The Mandalorian and Grogu comes ahead of their movie debut, slated to jump from Disney+ to the big screen in 2026. According to Disney, this dynamic duo will be featured in a “brand-new story” exclusive to the theme parks. The new storyline promises a thrilling experience, reflecting the action-packed adventures that fans have come to love from the series.

Star Wars’ creative executive Dave Filoni expressed his excitement on stage at D23 2024, alongside Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro. “The intersection of storytelling and innovation has always been central to Lucasfilm, and we’re excited to see where this collaboration will take us next,” Filoni said. He added, “Just imagine it: you’ll be able to fly alongside Mando and Grogu on thrilling, and dangerous, missions.”

In enhancing the ride, Disney is collaborating with Epic Games to use the Unreal Engine, the same technology employed to create some of the virtual sets for The Mandalorian television show. This advanced technology will be utilized to develop updated computer-animated show scenes for the ride, ensuring an immersive and visually stunning experience.

Since its opening in 2019 at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the ride has primarily featured space pirate Hondo Ohnaka, who sends riders on an interactive smuggling mission aboard the Millennium Falcon, a ship once piloted by Han Solo.

The Mandalorian and Grogu, who became roaming characters in the land in 2022, have been part of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue simulator ride since 2024. This update featured characters and locations from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Andor, providing fans with a more connected and comprehensive Star Wars experience.

Jon Favreau, the creator and showrunner of the first live-action Star Wars series, is writing and directing the upcoming Mandalorian movie. Favreau is also producing the film alongside Filoni and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. Although plot details remain under wraps, a teaser trailer shown at D23 gave fans a sneak peek. The trailer featured the Mandalorian and his apprentice piloting an AT-ST Walker while evading blaster fire from AT-ATs, an encounter with the rebel Zeb, and Grogu in a pod with tiny Anzellans, as seen in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

The Mandalorian and Grogu will officially join the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run around the time the movie hits theaters in May 2026. Fans can look forward to this exciting addition, which promises to bring even more of the beloved series’ magic to Disney’s Star Wars-themed parks.

Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling development and other news from D23 2024.