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The end of May heat wave gives clear indication that summer time 2026 is about to hit the UK, and this summer marks nearly 7 years since a new Star Wars movie was on the big screen and I enjoy Star Wars in the full cinema experience. I’ve been a Star Wars fan since seeing the re-releases around 1997, with a preference for the prequels and the expanded universe (both pre and post Disney). Andor, Rebels, Clone Wars, Bad Batch, Maul: Shadow Lord, and The Mandalorian all get thumbs up from me.

With that in mind I headed to the cinema today (22nd May 2026) to enjoy The Mandalorian and Grogu in full cinematic experience (3D IMAX at that).

The Mandalorian began back in 2019 on Disney Plus and ran for three seasons. The series is set a few years after Return Of The Jedi, following the adventures of bounty hunter Din Djarin (The Mandalorian), the force sensitive Grogu (commonly nick named “Baby Yoda” outside of the lore), and their dealings with the remnants of the Empire.

The Mandalorian and Grogu picks up after season three with Din training Grogu in how to collect bounties, whilst working for the New Republic. The background is not needed to enjoy the movie, and the movie does a good job of keeping both its own and the wider Star Wars history light.

Off the bat, the opening looks and sounds spectacular in IMAX. The Mandalorian’s bounty work may get “messy” but it shows off his impressive skills. Although it is convenient having Star Wars on streaming via Disney Plus I personally feel that sometimes the shows have missed having the big screen opportunities to give them that cinematic moment.

The bond between Din and Grogu is evident throughout, and both get screen time to show off their talents. Grogu at times is used for comic relief, but not in a way that hinders his characters emotional growth.

If you are entering this movie looking for Jedi versus Sith, a big Star Wars reveal, or another chapter of the Skywalker Saga then you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a light hearted not overly complicated summer film of cowboy bounty hunter with buddy in the wider Star Wars universe, with explosions and laughs then you’ll enjoy it.

The movie at times does have a lull or two, where its pacing comes across like 2 or 3 episodes of the streaming show have been stitched together. This lull is still entertaining though and although the film shares a similar plot point to 2008’s Star Wars: Clone Wars (another kidnapped Hutt!) it makes the transition from streaming / TV to the big screen a lot better than Clone Wars did.

Star Wars fans may also enjoy the the nods and call backs to various bits of previous movies and TV shows, and they don’t come at the price of blocking the entertainment of new fans or being critical for the plot.

Hoping Disney / Star Wars does some more “non-Skywalker” content in this “New Republic” era.