The Mandalorian & Grogu: Din Djarin's growth is the movie's make-or-break factor

When The Mandalorian started, it was an "adventure of the week" style that was, in many ways, also character-driven at the same time.

The earlier episodes allowed us to look at the galaxy through Din Djarin's eyes, but as the series progressed, Din's world became both larger and smaller. It became larger as his potential grew, and he opened his heart to new experiences, but it became smaller as he began to meet characters who knew more of the galaxy and its history than him. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and it wasn't an issue for the series until Season 3.

The Mandalorian Season 3 is where things undoubtedly began to go awry for the series, largely from the fact that while the story became larger in scope, focus shifted away from the titular Mandalorian. The Season 3 promotional tour was marred by controversial and confusing statements from the show's producers, including Rick Famuyiwa, who tried to explain that the titular Mandalorian could be anyone. Fans were in an uproar as a debate started in the media over Din Djarin's status as 'The Mandalorian.' This was damaging to the season and the series as a whole. However, a year since Season 3 ended, Lucasfilm has sent out more than one signal that the titular Mandalorian is none other than Din Djarin. While Mandalorians have been around longer than Din Djarin, as far as 'The Mandalorian' is concerned, it will always be Din Djarin.

Regardless, The Mandalorian Season 3 has the lowest audience ratings on IMDb compared to any other season. The Book of Boba Fett "Chapter 5: The Return of the Mandalorian" has higher ratings than any episode of Season 3, which tells you everything you need to know about this show. Even as Ahsoka Tano, Bo-Katan Kryze, Boba Fett, and Luke Skywalker took over episodes of Season 2, that never stopped Din Djarin from being in the driver's seat as his growth and evolution ran side by side in near perfection with the series' growing scope.

On the other hand, Season 3 told us almost nothing new about Djarin, while other seasons, including The Book of Boba Fett, did. In "Chapter 13: The Jedi," Djarin took Grogu to the planet of Corvus, and this episode is a prime example of how you can give the audience everything they want and more. The Ahsoka Tano fans got Tano's introduction to live-action, information on her whereabouts, a Thrawn name drop, and Tano alluding to her former Master. This alone made the episode an absolute banger, but Filoni also showed an understanding that the show belongs to Din and Grogu. We got to hear Grogu's name and backstory, witnessed Din's reaction to Grogu's name, and saw firsthand that letting Grogu go was hard on him.

The same goes for episodes that brought Bo-Katan Kryze to live-action in Season 2 and marked Boba Fett's return from the Sarlacc along with Fennec Shand. These were well-balanced episodes that gave importance to everyone, including the main character. Season 1 is a different story as there was no one to steal Din's thunder, and nearly every episode taught us something new about a character who had just made his debut in the Star Wars franchise. The first few episodes established what kind of personality he has, the middle of the season told us about his shady past, and the end of the season unmasked him, revealing not only his face but where he came from, and how he ended up a Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian Season 1 and Season 2 should be the blueprint for The Mandalorian and Grogu if the movie is to be a big success. Lucasfilm is obviously well aware of how popular the show is and how much people love Grogu, but I often doubt their understanding of how much people love Din Djarin. Jon Favreau laughed off the idea of Din being a Star Wars version of Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. It appears Favreau doesn't see Djarin as anything more than a bounty hunter, but that doesn't mean fans don't. Fans love this guy and want him to rise through the ranks. Din Djarin is a character we all see ourselves in. So, while I understand Favreau's surprise at fans' hopes for Mando's character arc, it also worries me.

I hope Jon Favreau doesn't underestimate his creation because regardless of how loved and popular Grogu is and will continue to be, Din Djarin is the guy in the driver's seat - and people want to witness his triumph. Favreau still has time to surprise us with his plans for Djarin. I hope they go beyond bounty hunting because "The Marshal" shows Din Djarin's abilities lie in negotiating, revealing a leader in there whether Jon Favreau admits it or not. Favreau must ensure this character gets better, improves, and grows beyond our expectations for him. We need to learn more about his past, his family, and his homeworld. Thus, the movie should be the beginning for him and a chance to correct where Season 3 went wrong by bringing focus and attention back to Din Djarin as the main character.

The Mandalorian & Grogu premieres May 22, 2026.