The moment of truth is finally here. It’s been the better part of a decade since Star Wars graced the big screen. At that time, fans were still watching season one of The Mandalorian, the franchise was just finding its footing on the small screen, and we’d seen five films in five years. Star Wars was everywhere. No one would have guessed then that seven years would have to pass before we all stepped into a theater for a new Star Wars movie, and TV characters would be the new stars.
And yet, that’s what’s about to happen. The Mandalorian and Grogu opens next week but held its world premiere and other advanced screenings on Thursday night. Out of that, fans and critics alike were allowed to weigh in on social media ahead of full reviews.
So what’s the verdict? We’ll let you read a bunch of different reactions below, but for the most part it’s certainly positive. Well, except for this first guy.
#TheMandalorianandGrogu is as expected. A longer, bigger episode of the show. It has one or two stand out scenes but it feels much more interested in developing the story to new locations with new creatures than the characters. Enjoyed some of it, left frustrated but the rest. pic.twitter.com/LRlf8x8CVU
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 15, 2026
But what about everyone else?
Ludwig Göransson goes so hard with the #MandalorianandGrogu score. It really is going to be the summer of Ludwig. As for the film, this is Grogu’s world, and he steals the show. pic.twitter.com/ytwgMIaV81
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) May 15, 2026
Loved #TheMandalorianAndGrogu !
It’s a fun, pulpy space adventure that reflects the Flash Gordon styled tales that inspired George Lucas for #StarWars
No need to know Mandalorian lore or to have watched much of the show – it’s an entertaining side quest to kick back & enjoy~ pic.twitter.com/Z9AhUVRHE5
— Jeff Goldsmith (@yogoldsmith) May 15, 2026
Ludwig is just the best #TheMandalorianAndGrogu
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) May 15, 2026
#TheMandalorianAndGrogu is the most fun I’ve had at a @starwars film in a decade! Bigger, bolder, more brutal than Mando’s ever been. It begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible! @themandalorian pic.twitter.com/NrIrSUuLvv
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) May 15, 2026
#TheMandalorianAndGrogu is a ton of fun! A perfect Summer movie. Action-packed with a lot of humor & heart. Not episodic. A fully cinematic journey. Grogu steals the show. See it on the biggest screen possible. pic.twitter.com/f8TTAs5uB6
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 15, 2026
If you wished The Mandalorian was 3x as long, both in runtime and screen size, then you’ll love #TheMandalorianandGrogu
It’s a perfectly fine standalone adventure full of explosions, monsters, and an uncomfortably jacked Hutt. I had a good time! pic.twitter.com/073gw6MPDa
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) May 15, 2026
As someone known for not being much of a Star Wars fan, I thought Favreau & Filoni really did a great job making #TheMandalorianAndGrogu work as a standalone film that didn't require advance knowledge of the show. A few issues, but I think Star Wars fans are really gonna love it!
— Edward Douglas (@EDouglasWW) May 15, 2026
I would call “#StarWars: #TheMandalorianAndGrogu” a pleasantly low-stakes adventure. The galaxy isn’t in danger; it’s really just a few lives, but that makes it all the more intimate and character-driven, especially in its back half. (cont’d) pic.twitter.com/DJD2CAF4cv
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughingplace) May 15, 2026
#TheMandalorianAndGrogu is one of the weakest Star Wars movies.
An emotionless, predictable experience that doesn't push Din Djarin anywhere interesting. Dull, unexciting fight scenes; just CGI monsters. Action figures mashed together.
A long, colorless made-for-TV movie. pic.twitter.com/DoOpve0fPC
— Jonathan Sim (@TheJonathanSim) May 15, 2026
I’ve seen #TheMandalorianAndGrogu!
Above all else, M&G is a super FUN Star Wars movie. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot for fans to love. It plays like an extended episode with double the budget and moves from one incredible action set piece to the next. IMAX is a must. pic.twitter.com/guMoP6bwZc— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) May 15, 2026
Criticism and nitpicks aside, #TheMandalorianAndGrogu is a solid line drive past second base, w/ lots of "Neat… haven't seen that in a STAR WARS before" charm. And yes, I asked my son to come for demographic research purposes (bribed him w/ Toothsome Chocolate Emporium). pic.twitter.com/fkIZ5zL0JY
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) May 15, 2026
#TheMandalorianandGrogu is the ultimate team up! If you love Grogu you’ll gush over this. Fun & action packed w/ a strong opening. However, bit too long, with 2nd act dragging down the pacing & its lack of dialogue. Enjoyed the relationship between Mando & Grogu. LOVED the score pic.twitter.com/aTPt8ugDnU
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) May 15, 2026
#TheMandalorianAndGrogu is fun. A cool action flick with Mandalorian kicking tons of ass. However, as a Star Wars movie it doesn’t quite clear the bar of the quality one would come to expect from a Star Wars film. It still feels a little too tv. I wanted slightly more. pic.twitter.com/r468LdzA3s
— Andres Cabrera (@SquadLeaderAce) May 15, 2026
That is a very large majority of positive reactions. A few outliers in there, including yours truly, but it seems like if you go in just hoping for a fun, Star Wars ride, this movie delivers.
Co-written and directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Jeremy Allen White. It opens everywhere on May 22.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
