Is The Mandalorian and Grogu Runtime Finally Locked In?

It feels like it's been ages since Star Wars last took over movie theaters, right? Believe it or not, the last time we got an actual Star Wars film on the big screen was way back in 2019. Disney hit pause after they realized maybe churning out a new film every year wasn’t the golden ticket they thought it would be. Instead, we’ve mostly been living in Disney+’s Star Wars neighborhood, catching up with the likes of Din Djarin and his little green sidekick, Grogu. But now, Lucasfilm’s getting cinematic again—and they’re betting big on The Mandalorian and Grogu with a full-blown feature release.

So, What’s the Big Deal This Time?

If you’ve missed Star Wars on the IMAX screen, this might change your summer plans. Here’s what we know:

• Rumored Runtime: Odeon Cinemas (yes, the UK chain that rarely goofs on these things) just posted The Mandalorian and Grogu as clocking in at 2 hours and 20 minutes. For context, that’s just 12 minutes shy of The Last Jedi’s record-holding 2 hours and 32. So, yeah—strap in. This isn’t a quick popcorn flick.
• IMAX Flex: Jon Favreau didn’t just direct—he shot this thing for the giant screen. Expect spaceships, blasters, and baby Grogu in super high-def glory.
• The Cast: Pedro Pascal is back in the helmet, and here’s a curveball—Sigourney Weaver’s joining the party. No word yet on who she’s playing, but you don’t hire Ripley unless you plan to do something cool.
• The Core Team: Favreau and Dave Filoni wrote, directed, and generally shepherded The Mandalorian on Disney+, and they’re producing this one too. Kathleen Kennedy and Ian Bryce are lending their usual gravitas, and music’s by Ludwig Göransson (aka, the guy who made The Mandalorian theme stick in your brain forever).
• Where the Story Picks Up: The Empire’s in pieces, the New Republic's doing its best to keep the galaxy together, and Din Djarin and Grogu are basically the galaxy’s hottest freelance team. Details are locked down, but Disney’s official synopsis is all about seeing these two on a bigger stage, taking on warlords and helping the New Republic hold things together.

What Do the Big Names Say?

Favreau, naturally, is pumped to level up his Star Wars sandbox:

'I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created. The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.'

Kathleen Kennedy (who, yes, is still calling some shots) put it pretty bluntly:

'Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into Star Wars two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen.'

Release Date and What’s Next

Unless schedules shift (never say never with Star Wars), The Mandalorian and Grogu is slated to hit theaters May 22. That’s right before Memorial Day, so get ready for Grogu plushes to fly off shelves again.

One more thing to keep in mind: Lucasfilm hasn’t exactly had the best record for sticking to their movie plans. After all, refer back to Rogue Squadron, or that Rey post-sequel idea that’s been hanging in development limbo. But with the Favreau/Filoni dream team at the wheel and an actual release date booked, this one looks like it’s really coming.

Bottom line? Star Wars is finally heading back to the movies, and, if the early hints are anything to go by, The Mandalorian and Grogu could be the big-screen adventure the franchise has needed. Here’s hoping they stick the landing.