‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Brings Star Wars Back to Theaters, But It Still Has Something to Prove

Star Wars Comes Back to the Big Screen in ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ – Will It Finally Appeal to Younger Generations?

It goes without saying that Star Wars coming back to the big screen in the form of The Mandalorian and Grogu is indeed a return. At first glance, the decision looks absolutely natural, as Disney is trying to combine two most successful aspects of the Star Wars universe of the streaming era. However, on another, much deeper level, it raises the question that needs to be answered by the company right now: Does Star Wars still have enough relevance in the theater, or has it become streaming already?

After all, while nostalgia will definitely make it through opening weekend, it will not be able to provide anything else in the long run.

A Safe Return… Or Is It Too Safe?

Disney isn’t just trying to get their feet wet; they are playing it as safe as can be.

For one thing, “The Mandalorian” is currently considered one of the best Star Wars projects in the past ten years. Grogu, or “Baby Yoda,” as fans have taken to calling him, is arguably the most merchandisable character of the recent years. So why make anything else? Why not just play safe?

Nothing wrong with that in itself, of course, but there are consequences.

From the information available at the moment, it appears that the upcoming movie will be much more of the same – episodic storytelling with an emotional core based around the relationship between Din Djarin and his son, as well as bounty hunting adventures and relatable stakes.

In other words, another “Mandalorian”… albeit a wider one.

The problem, however, is whether “wider Mandalorian” is enough to return Star Wars to theaters after so long.

The Theatrical Problem Star Wars Still Can’t Figure Out

It’s the challenge that Disney is struggling to face: the youth does not consider Star Wars as a must-see movie anymore.

Going to the movies had a whole new meaning with Star Wars. It was not just another movie. It was the movie. For Generation Z and even younger millennials, Star Wars is now a streamable franchise and more suited to be shown on Disney+ rather than on a movie theater screen.

It is more significant than what marketing thinks it is.

The Mandalorian was a hit on streaming because it capitalizes on the way people consume entertainment today, with stories that have episodes, character development, memes, and narrative that doesn’t require it to be done in a theatrical environment. It could be done in a movie environment, but something has got to give.

Movies have to become necessities, not options.

Grogu Is the Secret Weapon

It would seem that the strongest element of the movie is Grogu himself.

The character turned out to be a powerful means of emotional connection with the audience, regardless of age. Children love him. Adults see themselves in him. The internet went crazy about him.

Maybe, Grogu will turn out to be one of the last universal idols of popular culture to come from the big screen.

And Disney knows it.

But, of course, the danger of it is that using his powers too much may result in turning the movie into an episode of The Mandalorian.

If done right, however, Grogu might turn out to be the secret ingredient to make young people want to go and see Star Wars again after all these unsuccessful attempts to lure them in with other characters from the franchise.

The True Challenge: Is It Cinematic?

This is where things get really interesting.

Star Wars has not had many victories when it comes to achieving the sense of epicness in the movies despite the quality of production being very high. To make your movie cinematic, however, it takes more than that. You have to create a fast-paced plot with a lot of arcs that would make people feel like they need to watch the movie in the cinema.

One of the strongest points about The Mandalorian was its intimacy. This is what made it so beloved. However, an intimate story does not necessarily imply an urgent one.

The important part is that the movie needs to feel epic. Otherwise, people will consider it as just “Disney+ content shown in cinemas,” and that would be terrible for the franchise’s future.

A Franchise Attempting to Reclaim Its Right to Theaters

This film is important not only for what it portrays.

The Star Wars franchise did not just leave the theaters; it abandoned them. Given the less-than-positive feedback regarding its sequel and innovative films, Disney decided to go back to the streaming success.

But now, releasing The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters seems like Disney’s way of seeing if the franchise deserves to stay there or if the viewers have already outgrown it.

It is unlikely that the success of this endeavor will depend on the knowledge of the lore and Jedi myths, but rather on something much simpler:

Is it fun to watch it in theaters?

Concluding Thoughts: A Safe Bet Which Must Prove Its Worth

On paper, The Mandalorian and Grogu seem like a surefire hit. After all, they are comprised of a combination of tried-and-true ingredients, beloved characters, and a formula which has proven its effectiveness on the streaming platform.

The problem with trying to transfer the formula to the theater stage is something else entirely.

A focus on safety may lead to a comfortable meal in an environment where spectacle is king. At the same time, going overboard may lead to losing what made it such a success in the first place.

Now, it is at a fascinating intersection – a movie that seems like a guaranteed hit, yet an intriguing experiment proving whether Star Wars can make it on the big screen.

Perhaps, the very question will prove to be the most fascinating aspect of the film.