Credit: LucasfilmThe Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) will soon be landing, marking the Star Wars franchise’s first time back in theaters since The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Despite a rocky start with fans following its initial trailer, which left many feeling that it looked more like a feature-length episode of the Disney+ series, and the recent Super Bowl ad sparking confusion about how the film is being marketed, excitement is starting to build.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Buzz Begins
This comes as the second trailer, which premiered recently, impressed more than disappointed. Despite it still lacking the visual upgrade for a series-turned-cinematic release — which can likely be attributed to its surprisingly low budget — the film looks to be a thrilling return to a galaxy far, far away while reuniting fans with Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu.
While the bounty hunter and his adorable, Force-wielding sidekick don’t command the same cultural relevance as they did during the height of The Mandalorian‘s success on Disney+ between 2019 and 2023, there’s clearly still an appetite to see them on the big screen.
But perhaps that excitement has more to do with what other characters might appear.
Related: Lucasfilm Finally Confirms That Grogu Is Alive During the ‘Star Wars’ Sequel Trilogy
The Mandalorian‘s History With Cameos
There’s no denying that The Mandalorian was, at times, brilliantly unpredictable during its four-year run on the streaming service, particularly where its cameos were concerned.
Season 2 in particular was full of surprises, with appearances from Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), characters who had only ever been seen in the animated shows The Clone Wars (2008) and Rebels (2014). Then there were legacy characters Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and R2-D2.
It’s hard to imagine The Mandalorian and Grogu not following suit, especially given how Season 3 also delivered some surprise cameos, which included Rebels character Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios (Steve Blum). While the film is likely keeping some cameos close to its chest, here are all the ones who have been confirmed so far.
Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios
Zeb (Steve Blum), who was a member of the Ghost Crew in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, made his first live-action appearance in The Mandalorian Season 3. His cameo in the Disney+ series was brief but it seems he has a major role in the upcoming film.
Dave Filoni
The Mandalorian and Grogu co-writer and new Lucasfilm President Dave Filoni will reportedly reprise his role as New Republic X-Wing pilot Trapper Wolf, having first appeared in the Disney+ series.
Related: Disney Shakes Up ‘Star Wars’ Fans With MASSIVE ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ Spoiler
Carson Teva
Following a recent Star Wars LEGO reveal, Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), another New Republic X-Wing pilot who appears in The Mandalorian, is now also expected to return in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Additional LEGO sets also suggest that Cad Bane (Timothy Olyphant) and Cobb Vanth (Dorian Kingi/voiced by Corey Burton) will also have cameos.
Embo
Embo, a formidable bounty hunter from the animated series The Clone Wars, makes a surprise appearance in the latest trailer for the new film.
Rotta the Hutt
The Mandalorian and Grogu also introduces a character from the 2008 Clone Wars movie: Rotta the Hutt. The live-action adult version of the character is portrayed by Jeremy Allen White of The Bear.
The Hutt Twins
The Hutt Twins, or the Twins, first appeared in the Disney+ series The Book of Boba Fett (2021). Now, it seems they’ll have a more central role as villains in the new Star Wars film.
Mandalorian Cameos We Hope to See
While The Mandalorian and Grogu is likely to bring back some characters from the Disney+ series other than Din, Grogu, and Zeb, sadly there are a few we can instantly rule out.
The Mandalorian has a large roster of supporting characters, including Greef Karga (Carl Weathers), The Armorer (Emily Swallow), Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris), IG-11 (Taika Waititi), Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), Cara Dune (Gina Carano), Koska Reeves (Sasha Banks), Boba Fett, Bo-Katan Kryze, Ahsoka Tano, and Luke Skywalker.
However, Gina Carano is unlikely to return after being fired by Lucasfilm in 2021 and then filing a wrongful termination lawsuit (which was settled in 2025). And Carl Weathers tragically passed away in 2024. As for Katee Sackhoff, last year, she said she has struggled to find work since The Mandalorian, which suggests she doesn’t have a role in the new film.
Still, here’s hoping we see the likes of Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker appear, which could pave the way for Dave Filoni’s untitled Mando-Verse crossover movie.
Yoda’s Force Ghost
It remains to be seen whether The Mandalorian and Grogu will finally answer some longstanding questions about Grogu’s origins. However, an appearance from Jedi Master Yoda (his Force ghost, that is), another member of the mysterious and as-yet-unnamed species, would undoubtedly thrill longtime Star Wars fans and Grogu lovers alike.
In fact, there’s a scene in the trailer where Grogu is seen meditating in a Dagobah-inspired forest setting. Will Yoda appear to him from the Force? Just have to wait and see, we will.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
The Mandalorian and Grogu stars Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin), Sigourney Weaver (Ward), Jeremy Allen White (Rotta the Hutt), and Jonny Coyne (an unnamed Imperial Warlord). Watch the official trailer for the film below:
“The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy,” the official synopsis on StarWars.com reads. “As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.”
The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to release in theaters on May 22.
Are you excited about The Mandalorian and Grogu? Share your thoughts in the comments below!