The galaxy far, far away is about to welcome a new iconic watering hole.
A fresh image from “The Mandalorian and Grogu” showcases Din Djarin and his pint-sized apprentice in a vibrant cantina setting that evokes the spirit of one of Star Wars’ most memorable locations—the Mos Eisley cantina from the original 1977 film.
A New Cantina for a New Era
Released via Empire, the new image immerses viewers in a lively establishment bathed in warm lighting, featuring ornate bottles lining the shelves and distinctive sci-fi decor that screams Star Wars. The scene places the armored Mandalorian and the beloved Grogu (affectionately known as Baby Yoda) in an environment teeming with the kind of diverse alien life that has become synonymous with the franchise’s most memorable gathering places.
The original cantina scene in “A New Hope” remains one of cinema’s most iconic moments—Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, and Chewbacca navigating a crowded, dangerous bar filled with smugglers, bounty hunters, and creatures from across the galaxy. That scene introduced audiences to the lived-in, cosmopolitan nature of the Star Wars universe and gave us the unforgettable Cantina Band music that’s become cultural shorthand for “Star Wars.”
Since then, the franchise has regularly returned to the cantina concept. “The Last Jedi” featured Canto Bight, an opulent casino city populated by wealthy aliens and arms dealers. Various animated series and Disney+ shows have also included their own versions of these hive-of-scum-and-villainy establishments, each adding to the rich tapestry of Star Wars’ seedy underworld.
A Bigger Mission, Higher Stakes
Directed by Jon Favreau—who co-wrote the script with Dave Filoni—”The Mandalorian and Grogu” picks up after the events of the Disney+ series’ third season. The film follows Din Djarin and his Force-sensitive ward in the aftermath of the Galactic Empire’s fall, as the fledgling New Republic recruits them to hunt down scattered Imperial warlords who continue threatening galactic peace.
Speaking with Empire, Favreau revealed that Din Djarin’s priorities have evolved significantly. “The Mandalorian has changed his priorities,” Favreau explained. “One of the last things we say [in Season 3] is, like, ‘I don’t want to go out there and just be a hired gun. I want to work for the good guys.'”
This moral shift positions Din Djarin as more than just a bounty hunter following the highest bidder—he’s now committed to a cause larger than himself, which naturally leads to bigger and more dangerous missions.
An All-Star Cast Expands the Universe
The film boasts an impressive ensemble that blends franchise veterans with exciting newcomers. Pedro Pascal returns as the voice and physical presence of Din Djarin, while the adorable puppet Grogu continues capturing hearts as Din’s apprentice.
New additions include the legendary Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward, a New Republic military officer who appears to be instrumental in recruiting the Mandalorian duo. Oscar nominee Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) takes on the role of Rotta the Hutt—yes, the same baby Hutt that appeared in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated film. Jonny Coyne joins as an Imperial Warlord, representing the fragmented remnants of the Empire that our heroes must confront.
Perhaps most exciting for animation fans is the return of Zeb Orrelios, the fan-favorite Lasat warrior from “Star Wars Rebels” who made a brief live-action appearance in “The Mandalorian” Season 3. Favreau teased that the character will have a much more substantial role in the film.
“Now we get to really have fun with [Zeb Orrelios],” Favreau said. “He’s such a compelling character, even if you’ve never seen Rebels, between the voice, the swagger, and the physical ability.”
The inclusion of Zeb suggests that Din Djarin will be working closely with former members of the Rebel Alliance who now serve the New Republic at Adelphi Base, indicating a team-up dynamic that could feel reminiscent of classic Star Wars ensemble adventures.
The Heart of the Story
Despite the expanded cast and larger scope, Favreau emphasized that the core father-son relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu remains the emotional center of the film.
“That central relationship, as they go off and face adventure together, that’s the underpinning of the film,” Favreau explained. “Star Wars is always about progression and growth and characters evolving, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. It’s about apprenticeship, it’s about one generation teaching the next. There’s more growth that happens over the course of the film.”
This emphasis on mentorship and generational storytelling connects “The Mandalorian and Grogu” to the larger thematic tapestry of Star Wars—from Obi-Wan training Luke, to Yoda’s tutelage of countless Jedi, to the complex relationship between Luke and Rey in the sequel trilogy. Din and Grogu’s bond represents a continuation of this tradition, albeit in a post-Jedi Order galaxy where the Force is returning in unexpected ways.
From Streaming Success to Theatrical Event
“The Mandalorian” revitalized Star Wars on Disney+ when it launched in 2019, proving that the franchise could thrive in episodic television format while maintaining cinematic quality. The decision to transition the story to a theatrical feature represents Disney and Lucasfilm’s confidence in these characters’ broad appeal and marks the first theatrical Star Wars film since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.”
The move also reflects a strategic shift—rather than launching entirely new theatrical trilogies, Lucasfilm is leveraging the goodwill and established fanbases of successful Disney+ properties to bring audiences back to theaters for Star Wars adventures.
The Wait Begins
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is set to release in theaters on May 22, 2026, giving fans over a year to speculate about what adventures await Din, Grogu, and their new allies. If this cantina image is any indication, the film will honor the franchise’s traditions while charting new territory—exactly what the best Star Wars stories have always done.
This is the way… to the movies.
