New Star Wars Strategy Teased in Mandalorian & Grogu D23 Movie Footage

Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s upcoming film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is set for release in 2026. However, Disney’s recent D23 event has already given fans a sneak peek into what the movie has in store. The footage unveiled at the event revealed that Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu will journey to a snowy planet, and the iconic AT-AT walkers will play a role in the story. Additionally, fan-favorite Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios (Steve Blum) made an appearance, continuing his live-action story from his cameo in “The Mandalorian,” Chapter 21. Another delightful surprise was the inclusion of several tiny Anzellans, including possibly the beloved mechanic Babu Frik (Shirley Henderson).

As the first “Star Wars” film following the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga with “Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker,” the success of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” carries significant weight. The film’s performance might indicate how the franchise will approach its future cinematic endeavors. The appearance of Zeb and the Anzellans suggests that “Star Wars” might follow a newer strategy already honed in “The Mandalorian” series: highlighting minor but well-liked characters from the vast “Star Wars” universe.

While this approach isn’t entirely unexpected, it’s a significant shift from the earlier days of the cinematic universe where new characters introduced in a film were often sidelined later. Up until now, live-action projects under the “Star Wars” banner have primarily relied on expanding beloved characters’ backstories on Disney+. Zeb and the Anzellans might be the first indicators that future films will adopt a similar approach, stepping up the game by incorporating more minor characters into major storylines.

The potential elevation of minor characters like Zeb and the Anzellans to the big screen aligns with what fans have seen in Disney+’s “Star Wars” shows. These series have excelled in spotlighting characters who might not be A-listers but have earned a special place in the franchise. “The Mandalorian” has notably done this with characters like Cobb Vanth (Timothy Olyphant), alongside pivotal figures like Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff). Other Disney+ “Star Wars” shows have continued this trend, giving screen time to lesser-known, yet beloved, characters.

This strategy has not only allowed live-action series to incorporate interesting characters from previous projects but has also reintroduced many popular elements from “Star Wars Legends” into the official canon. The series “Ahsoka” has further extended this approach by acting as a sequel to the animated “Star Wars Rebels” and featuring its well-regarded characters.

With Din Djarin and Grogu now established as central figures in the “Star Wars” universe, their upcoming movie might cement the Disney+ strategy as the official approach for future “Star Wars” films as well. If this holds true, fans can likely expect even more minor characters to get their moment in the spotlight. Additionally, the film might finally allow fans to settle an ongoing debate: who is cuter, Babu Frik or “Baby Yoda”?