The wait since The Rise of Skywalker (2019) has been long, but the The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer makes a compelling case for why Star Wars belongs in IMAX. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written by Dave Filoni, the film looks to bridge the gap between the intimate, episodic nature of the TV series and the grand, operatic scale of the original trilogy.
The trailer opens with a quiet, domestic moment on the Razor Crest—not the N-1 starfighter we’ve seen recently, but a brand-new ST-70 assault ship. It seems Din Djarin has realized that while a hot rod is fun for a mid-life crisis, a dad needs room for a stroller (and a kitchen for Grogu’s snacks).
Embo and the Return of the “Kyuzo” Style
The biggest “scream-at-your-laptop” moment for Clone Wars fans was the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it reveal of Embo. The Kyuzo bounty hunter, originally voiced by Dave Filoni himself, is making his live-action debut. Known for his signature circular shield-hat and his loyal pet Anooba, Marrok, Embo was one of the few hunters who could go toe-to-toe with Jedi like Anakin Skywalker.
In the trailer, Embo appears to be back in the employ of the Hutt Clan, acting as a primary antagonist for Din Djarin. Seeing a character from the 2D-inspired animation of the 2010s translated into a high-budget 2026 blockbuster is a testament to the “Filoni-verse” and its commitment to rewarding long-term fans. Embo isn’t just a cameo; he represents the gritty, “lived-in” underworld that makes Star Wars feel like a home.
Rotta the Hutt: From “Stinky” to “Jacked”
If Embo was the surprise, Rotta the Hutt was the shock. For those who need a refresher, Rotta is the son of Jabba the Hutt, first introduced as a kidnapped infant (nicknamed “Stinky”) in the Clone Wars movie. Nearly 30 years have passed in-universe, and Rotta is no longer a helpless larva.
Voiced by The Bear star Jeremy Allen White, this version of Rotta is reportedly a gladiator and a crime lord in his own right. The trailer shows a “buff” Hutt—a concept that sounds ridiculous until you see him flexing massive biceps in a fighting pit. It’s a brilliant way to subvert expectations. While Jabba was a symbol of sloth and greed, Rotta represents a more physically imposing era of the Hutt Cartel. White’s voice work brings a rough, “Street King” energy to the role that suggests he won’t be easily intimidated by a lone Mandalorian.
The Face of the Franchise: Pedro Pascal Unmasked
Perhaps the most culturally significant part of the trailer is the abundance of Pedro Pascal’s face. For three seasons of the show, fans joked that Pascal was merely a “glorified voice actor” while doubles Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder did the heavy lifting in the suit.
However, the The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer features multiple scenes of an unmasked Din Djarin. In one scene, he is being threatened by a Hutt; in another, he shares a vulnerable moment with a New Republic colonel played by Sigourney Weaver.
This is a victory for the idea that the “world should see themselves in film.” Star Wars has historically struggled with allowing its diverse leads to be seen—think of Oscar Isaac behind a cockpit or John Boyega’s character arc being minimized. By letting a Latino superstar like Pascal lead the franchise with his actual face, Disney is finally allowing the “human” to overshadow the “brand.” It humanizes the Mandalorian creed, showing that being “The Mandalorian” isn’t about the Beskar you wear, but the father you’ve become.
Sigourney Weaver: The New Face of the New Republic
Speaking of the New Republic, Sigourney Weaver’s entrance as “Colonel Ward” adds a weight of authority the franchise has lacked since the passing of Carrie Fisher. Ward appears to be the one enlisting Din and Grogu for their mission: stopping the Imperial Remnant from sparking a galactic civil war.
“This isn’t about revenge,” she tells Din in a voice that echoes her Alien days, “it’s about preventing another war.” Her role seems to be a “mission-giver” in the vein of the late Carl Weathers’ Greef Karga, but with much higher political stakes. Along for the ride is a live-action Zeb Orrelios (voiced by Steve Blum), the Rebels favorite who is now a full-fledged New Republic pilot.
The Road to May 22, 2026
The trailer doesn’t just sell a movie; it sells a lifestyle. We see “Baby Greedo” (a juvenile Rodian), an infant Anzellan (think Babu Frik), and even a surprise cameo from Martin Scorsese as a four-armed shopkeeper. Yes, you read that right—Scorsese in Star Wars!
As the screen fades to black with the iconic “Long live the Empire!” chant, the stakes are clear. This is the first chapter in a new era of theatrical Star Wars. Whether you’re here for the LEGO Razor Crest pre-orders or the deep-cut lore of the Kyuzo, there’s no denying that the galaxy feels bigger, more inclusive, and more exciting than it has in years.
The New Gold Standard?
The The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer successfully pivots the franchise away from the “content mill” feel of streaming and back into the realm of the cinematic event. By blending Clone Wars history with a star-studded cast and a more “unmasked” approach to its lead, Lucasfilm is trying to satisfy both the lore-obsessed fan and the general audience looking for a human story.
What was your favorite reveal in the trailer? Are you team “Buff Rotta,” or were you more hyped to see Embo back in action? And most importantly—do you think Din Djarin should keep the helmet off for good? Let us know in the comments below!
