Star Wars Celebration 2025: 5 major highlights from The Mandalorian and Grogu panel

Mando fans, how ya doin'?! Day 1 of Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan had the stuff Mando and Grogu fans have dreamed of since the end of Season 3 and the announcement of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Appearances by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Pedro Pascal, Grogu, and Sigourney Weaver are just some of the many highlights from the Mando panel. Also shared were pictures from The Mandalorian and Grogu, which Jon Favreau confirmed was filmed for IMAX. So much happened, so let's round it all up!

Here are 5 major highlights from The Mandalorian and Grogu panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan

1. A special look at Pedro on set as a helmetless Din Djarin

Favreau and Filoni shared a brand new image of Pedro in the Mando suit, confirming his return as Din Djarin in the movie. Din is helmetless for the first time since the finale of Season 2. Rest assured, Pascal will be in the suit, looking better than ever!

2. Sigourney Weaver talks about her love of The Mandalorian

Sigourney plays a New Republic fighter pilot who works with Din Djarin. There's a picture of Weaver in costume from the set, and one of her with Jon Favreau on set. Calling herself "really lucky", Weaver revealed she hadn't watched The Mandalorian, but after she did, she became a huge fan of the show and its two main stars, Din Djarin and Grogu.

3. Favreau confirms The Mandalorian and Grogu was filmed for IMAX with new behind-the-scenes images

The Mandalorian and Grogu is coming to an IMAX theater near you. Favreau confirmed they shot the film for IMAX screens, and there will be loads of new sets, including a Walker. There are behind-the-scenes pictures of Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau directing. Pictures include Anzellans, Din Djarin, and a taller Grogu with Zeb Orellios, Din Djarin at a bar with Grogu perched on his shoulder, and Din Djarin riding a speeder bike with Grogu sitting in the front.

4. Pascal shares his initial thoughts on playing Din Djarin

A beaming Pedro Pascal spent most of his time filming fans while he was on stage to talk about the movie. Pedro told fans that the show's success came as no surprise to him. He knew when he was brought on board to play Mando that fans would form a strong connection to the helmeted hero.

He was helped by his adorable co-star, Grogu. Kathleen Kennedy was asked why fans love The Mandalorian, and she credited the bond between father and son, saying, "The relationship with Mando and Grogu is one we really understand. That parent-child dynamic. And that really resonates with fans."

5. Grogu greets his fans and snuggles with Dad!

By far the most heartwarming moment from Day 1 of Star Wars Celebration was Grogu's adorable bond with Pedro Pascal. Jon Favreau brought Grogu for a few minutes so the little guy could greet his adoring fans. Grogu waved to all his admirers, but the moment that stole everyone's heart was Pascal's interaction with his on-screen son.

The father and son chatted, Pedro held Grogu's hand, and Grogu adorably responded by caressing his dad's cheek.

These were a few of the many highlights from the stars of The Mandalorian and Grogu. There was new footage shown that hasn't been officially posted by Star Wars yet. It includes a scene of Grogu and Zeb swimming together, and a one-shot sequence of Din Djarin taking down a cockpit full of troopers single-handedly, kicking and blasting his way through them like it's nothing. The clip ended with a shot of a very buff-looking Rotta the Hutt in an arena.

The Mandalorian and Grogu premieres May 22, 2026.