Sad news for Star Wars book fans: Del Rey is no longer publishing The Mandalorian Original Novel.
In an announcement on Twitter, Del Rey said the decision was “due to the ever-expanding world of The Mandalorian” … “as the story continues to unfold on screen.”
Due to the ever-expanding world of The Mandalorian, we will no longer be publishing THE MANDALORIAN ORIGINAL NOVEL at this time, as the story continues to unfold on screen.
— Star Wars Books (@DelReyStarWars) March 9, 2021
The novel was set to release on Nov. 2, 2021, from Del Rey and Penguin Random House. It was to be the first full-length novel set in the world and time period of The Mandalorian television series on Disney+. Back in July 2020, Del Rey said the novel’s release date was pushed from December 2020 to fall 2021.
Official cover art nor a synopsis were released for The Mandalorian book. When the book was announced, author Adam Christopher said “we’re keeping things under wraps – including the title, synopsis, and cover.”
This week, Del Rey said they’re continuing to work with Christopher:
"We love working with author Adam Christopher (@ghostfinder) and are already working with him on a different book. We’re excited to share details with you in the future."
The Mandalorian Original Novel isn’t the only book that’s been dropped. DK Books also announced it wouldn’t be publishing The Mandalorian Ultimate Visual Guide “as the story continues to unfold on screen.” The reference book was slated to release on July 1, 2021.
Due to the ever-expanding world of The Mandalorian, we will no longer be publishing The Mandalorian Ultimate Visual Guide at this time, as the story continues to unfold on screen.
— DK Books US (@dkpublishing) March 9, 2021
While it’s a disappointment for readers looking forward to more Star Wars books, the announcements shouldn’t worry fans. Though Del Rey didn’t elaborate on the other book Christopher is now working on, it’s quite possible that the novel could better continue the adventures of Mandalorian Din Djarin while also connecting the TV series to other Star Wars shows set to premiere on Disney+ over the next several years.
That includes Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett and Rangers of the New Republic, as all three upcoming series are set during the same time period as The Mandalorian. There has not yet been a release date announced for The Mandalorian season 3, but we do know The Book of Boba Fett is arriving in December 2021. It makes sense to hold off on publishing some Mandalorian literature to make sure their stories align with others during the same time frame.
Meanwhile, there are several Mandalorian children’s books, junior novels and art books already out there. And, Titan Comics is publishing The Mandalorian: Guide to Season One on May 18, 2021.