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‘The Mandalorian And Grogu’ First Critic Takes Are In Ahead Of Its Release Date

Critics called the franchise’s theatrical return a thrilling adventure and a summer crowd-pleaser, while others said it feels like a longer TV episode.

  • On Thursday, May 14, 2026, The Mandalorian and Grogu held its world premiere in Los Angeles, drawing cheering fans ahead of the film's May 22 release. Early press reactions are divided.
  • Directed by Jon Favreau, the film marks the first Star Wars theatrical outing since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. It expands the Disney+ series, following Din and Grogu on a dangerous mission.
  • Critics offered mixed assessments: USA TODAY's Brian Truitt called the movie "definitely fun," while Gizmondo's Germain Lussier felt it prioritized new locations over character development. Reporter Jonathan Sim criticized it as "emotionless" and "predictable."
  • Collider's Peri Nemiroff expressed mixed feelings about Rotta the Hutt, voiced by The Bear Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White. Critics found the live-action Hutt's dialogue "too on the nose."
  • Official critics' full reviews will be released on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, preceding the film's wide theatrical debut on May 22. These comprehensive assessments will clarify the film's critical standing.
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World of Reel broke the news on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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