In Surprise Turn of Events, Lucasfilm Greenlights 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' Prequel for 'Star Wars'

We’re officially getting a prequel to The Mandalorian and Grogu.

The Mandalorian and Grogu hit theaters back in May, marking a major shift for the franchise. The film transformed Disney+’s most successful Star Wars series into the brand’s first theatrical release since 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu as they embark on a new adventure beyond the events of Season 3. The film also features Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward, a New Republic military leader, and Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt.

The project was preceded by what was expected to be The Mandalorian Season 4. Following industry strikes and Lucasfilm’s broader theatrical strategy changes, the season – which was already written – was scrapped, with a feature film developed from scratch in its place.

But despite arriving with significant fan anticipation, the film has struggled to match previous Disney-era Star Wars releases. It posted the lowest opening weekend of any Disney-produced Star Wars movie and has earned just over $257 million worldwide as of writing (via Box Office Mojo).

Its steep second-weekend drop has fueled debate about the future of the so-called “MandoVerse,” particularly as Lucasfilm continues developing interconnected stories centered on Din Djarin, Grogu, and characters introduced through Disney+ series.

Even so, Lucasfilm isn’t slowing down. The studio is already expanding the story with a newly announced prequel adventure.

Lucasfilm Expands the Story Before the Film’s Events

Lucasfilm Publishing has teamed up with Mad Cave Studios and Papercutz for Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu – Danger in the Dark, a new comic one-shot centered on Din Djarin and Grogu. The release is being billed as the first original comic one-shot starring the duo.

Set after Season 3 of The Mandalorian and before the events of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the story effectively acts as a prequel to the film. It fills in part of the timeline between the Disney+ series and the theatrical adventure.

The comic is written by Delilah S. Dawson, with artwork from Arianna Florean, Mario Del Pennino, and Gaia De Bernardini. It arrives on July 22, 2026, and spans 40 pages.

According to the official synopsis, the adventure sends Din Djarin and Grogu beneath Nevarro’s surface after a crashed pirate ship creates a new threat. Along the way, they’ll team up with a group of Anzellan allies and navigate dangerous lava tubes packed with creatures and obstacles.

The full synopsis reads: “A hidden danger looms deep beneath the surface of Nevarro, and it’s up to the Mandalorian and Grogu to stop it! Joined by a courageous crew of Anzellan friends, Din Djarin and his foundling venture into the lava tubes underneath the city to defuse a crashed pirate ship, facing creepy creatures and perilous obstacles along the way. But with the planet’s safety on the line, can Grogu learn to listen to Mando’s guidance? And can Mando balance teaching Grogu with letting the little guys lead? Don’t miss this high-energy story full of humor and heart!”

Its story also focuses on Grogu’s continued training. As the pair face a growing crisis, Din must balance teaching his young apprentice while allowing him greater independence in the field.

Although the comic is aimed primarily at middle-grade readers, Lucasfilm is positioning it as an accessible entry point for both longtime fans and newcomers. The adventure stands alone while also providing additional context for the movie’s events.

The bigger question is what all of this means for the future of the MandoVerse.

The Mandalorian is one of Lucasfilm’s most recognizable modern brands, but the film’s box office performance has raised concerns about whether audiences are as eager to follow Disney+ storylines onto the big screen. It also casts doubt on the viability of Dave Filoni’s previously announced MandoVerse movie, which would have presumably united characters such as Din Djarin, Grogu, Ahsoka Tano, and Ezra Bridger.

Whether future films continue to focus on Din and Grogu may ultimately depend on how The Mandalorian and Grogu performs over the remainder of its theatrical run – including its newly released cut with director’s commentary.