This is the Way... to the next Star Wars film, as The Mandalorian & Grogu now has a release date.
In an earnings call to shareholders, Walt Disney Company's Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger shared that the film is set to arrive in 2026. This would make it the next Star Wars movie in the theaters ahead of the previously announced films, including Dave Filoni's Avengers-style Mandoverse movie, to bring all of the series to a close. The film is directed by The Mandalorian's showrunner, Jon Favreau, with him, Filoni, and Kathleen Kennedy as the producers.
When it was announced, Kennedy shared with StarWars.com:
"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."
Any plot of the film is unknown at this time. However, reports have stated it's set to start filming this summer. We'll have to wait and see if the other Mandoverse shows, such as The Book of Boba Fett and the upcoming Skeleton Crew, will tie in with the film. It's all but assured at this time that Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as the titular character. With the recent passing of Carl Weathers, who played Greef Karga in the Mandoverse, it is unknown if the late actor had a significant role to play or what changes to the script had to be made.
It's exciting to think there is a new movie coming sooner rather than later. After all the back and forth with the canceling of Rogue Squadron, not knowing what the heck is up with Taika Waititi's film, and waiting patiently for all the movies announced at last year's Star Wars Celebration, it's nice to hear a confirmation date. Let's just hope it's not yanked away like Rogue Squadron.