The Return of “Star Wars” on the Big Screen
After a long hiatus, the iconic “Star Wars” franchise is making a triumphant return to movie theaters on May 22 with the release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” This marks the first new “Star Wars” film since 2019 and is a continuation of the popular TV series “The Mandalorian,” which has already spanned three seasons. For those who haven’t kept up with the show or are unfamiliar with its storylines, catching up might be necessary to fully appreciate the latest installment.
Understanding the Story So Far
To help you prepare for the new movie, here’s a detailed recap of the events that have led up to this moment in the “Star Wars” universe.
“The Mandalorian,” Season 1
Set five years after “Return of the Jedi,” the story follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a Mandalorian bounty hunter. He is hired by the Client (Werner Herzog) to retrieve an asset, only to discover it is a baby named Grogu. The child possesses strong Force abilities, and Din becomes emotionally attached to him.
Din initially hands Grogu over to the Client but later changes his mind, rescuing the child and fleeing. This act makes him a traitor to his guild, led by Greef Karga (Carl Weathers). Throughout the season, Din and Grogu form bonds with other characters, including Cara Dune (Gina Carano), while evading the forces of Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito).
“The Mandalorian,” Season 2
In Season 2, Din embarks on a quest to reunite Grogu with his kind by finding a Jedi. Along the way, he encounters other Mandalorians, such as Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), who challenges his beliefs about their traditions. Din eventually finds Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), a former Jedi who helps guide Grogu toward his destiny.
However, Grogu is kidnapped by Gideon’s forces, leading to a dramatic rescue mission. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) arrives to save the day, and Din finally removes his helmet to say goodbye to Grogu before the child goes off to train as a Jedi.
“The Book of Boba Fett”
This spin-off serves as a bridge between Season 2 and Season 3 of “The Mandalorian.” It follows Din as he returns to bounty hunting and reconnects with old allies. Meanwhile, Grogu continues his training with Luke but ultimately chooses to return to Din.
“The Mandalorian,” Season 3
Season 3 sees the Mandalorian covert grow in strength, but Din remains an outsider. After bathing in the Living Waters on Mandalore, he is welcomed back into the community. Bo-Katan also gains acceptance after saving Din during a dangerous encounter.
The season culminates in a battle against Gideon, who has created clones of himself. The Darksaber is destroyed, and the Mandalorians settle back on Mandalore. However, a lingering threat from a shadow council of Imperial warlords remains.
Din adopts Grogu, who is renamed Din Grogu and becomes a Mandalorian apprentice. He also agrees to work for the New Republic, setting the stage for the new movie.
How to Watch “The Mandalorian” and Previous “Star Wars” Movies
“The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett” are available to stream on Disney+. “The Book of Boba Fett” should be watched after Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” but before Season 3. If you’re short on time, you can skip the first four episodes of “Fett” and start with Chapter 5, where Din reappears.
All 11 live-action “Star Wars” films are also available on Disney+. While Din Djarin’s story is largely self-contained, some knowledge of previous films may be helpful. The animated adventure “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” introduced Jabba the Hutt’s son Rotta, who appears in “Grogu.”
