First Footage of New Star Wars Film Unveiled
The first glimpse of the upcoming Star Wars film, the first in seven years, has been revealed to fans.
Details from Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo
Lucasfilm and Disney presented the first look at The Mandalorian & Grogu, a film derived from Disney+’s The Mandalorian series, during the Star Wars Celebration held in Tokyo, Japan. Jon Favreau, who directed and co-wrote the film alongside Star Wars expert Dave Filoni, was present to introduce the footage.
Action-Packed Sequences Featured
The footage showcased thrilling action, highlighting snowtroopers inside an AT-AT preparing for battle. It pays homage to the iconic opening scene from the 1977 original film, where Rebels were ambushed by stormtroopers. The Mandalorian breaks into the AT-AT, seamlessly progressing through a series of explosive confrontations with snowtroopers, culminating at the cockpit door just as it closes.
Star-Studded Introductions and Insights
The highlight reel included a mysterious character portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, who interacted with Mando and Grogu, emphasizing Mando’s allegiance to her. Spectacular battle scenes followed, featuring dramatic moments such as an AT-TE tumbling down a snowy cliff and Grogu demonstrating his powers. The reel concluded with a glimpse of Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, celebrating in a fighting arena, while Grogu enjoyed a unique snack from the stands.
Cast and Creative Team Appear on Stage
Stars Pedro Pascal and Weaver received rapturous approvals from the audience, with Pascal’s arrival met with enthusiastic cheers. Favreau also brought some impressively lifelike animatronic BDX Droids on stage, highlighting the event’s excitement.
Reflections on Star Wars’ Japanese Influence
Favreau shared the importance of the event’s location in Japan, expressing how Japanese cinema and culture inspired Star Wars. He noted, “George Lucas drew a lot from Japanese filmmakers, making this return feel like a homecoming.” Pascal reminisced about his initial brainstorming sessions about the franchise, recalling being struck by the storyboards for The Mandalorian.
Future of the Star Wars Franchise
The Mandalorian & Grogu, the franchise’s first film since 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is set to premiere on May 22, 2026, and is anticipated to incorporate characters from other Disney+ Star Wars series, such as Ahsoka and Star Wars: Rebels. Disney aims to explore the potential of transferring TV narratives to the big screen effectively, showcasing Grogu to attract a broader audience. Meanwhile, Disney+ will soon launch the highly awaited second season of Andor on April 22, with additional films in development.
