As fans across the country eagerly gathered in IMAX theaters on May 4th for a sneak peek of the upcoming film The Mandalorian and Grogu, the mood was cautiously optimistic after years away from the beloved galaxy far, far away. The initial marketing for the film had left many fans skeptical, but what unfolded in those first 25 to 30 minutes was a pleasant surprise that reignited the Star Wars conversation in a way not seen since the third season of The Mandalorian.
In Los Angeles, Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni personally greeted the audience, setting the stage for an exciting viewing experience. Meanwhile, at AMC Lincoln Square in New York, fans were treated to the presence of an armored Mandalorian and a puppet Grogu before the footage began. As social media buzzed with reactions the following day, it was clear that something special had been witnessed.
Fan account Star Wars Holocron was quick to share their thoughts, describing the footage as cinematic and powerful, with composer Ludwig Göransson’s score evoking strong emotions. Attendee Kyle Selby praised the film for hitting the ground running with intense action and memorable Grogu moments. Star Wars podcaster William Devereux highlighted the exceptional chemistry between the two leads, making it a must-see experience.
While not all reactions were entirely positive, with some noting areas where CGI could be improved, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly in favor of the film. Viewers expressed excitement for the theatrical release on May 22, praising the IMAX format for enhancing the action sequences and score.
The Mandalorian and Grogu marks the return of Star Wars to the big screen since 2019, transitioning from its successful run on Disney+ to a cinematic audience. The film’s arrival has been eagerly anticipated, with early tracking reflecting high expectations for its box office performance over the Memorial Day weekend. Disney and Lucasfilm’s strategic decision to offer sneak screenings to core fans speaks to their confidence in the film’s potential success.
The experience of watching The Mandalorian and Grogu felt like a nostalgic throwback to the show’s first season, now scaled up for the big screen. The intimate father-son dynamic remains intact, coupled with breathtaking action sequences and immersive production design. The film’s tone has been compared to classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark, capturing an old-fashioned adventure energy that fans old and new will appreciate.
As the film prepares to open in theaters and IMAX, fans and industry insiders alike are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a memorable cinematic experience on May 22, 2026.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.