Jon Favreau to Direct ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ for LucasFilm

As reported by Jeff Sneider in December, today we got confirmation from LucasFilm that the next Star Wars movie will be “The Mandalorian & Grogu.”

And if that wasn’t enough, the studio said the film will begin production “later this year.” Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey movie is not next on the slate. Rather, we’re getting a ‘Mandalorian’ movie directed by Jon Favreau (a positive sign).

Favreau is a good filmmaker, with a keen eye for escapism. His credits include writing “Swingers” and directing such hits as “Iron Man,” “Elf,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Chef.”

“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,” said Favreau. “The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”

Not much else is known about the film at this time. “The Mandalorian” aired its first three seasons on Disney Plus, and it is a very popular show, starring Pedro Pascal. Will that same streaming audience want to actually buy a movie ticket for its theatrical continuation?

Also, when is “The Mandalorian & Grogu” arriving in theaters? There is an already-announced May 22, 2026 slot on the LucasFilm calendar — it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that it now belongs to Favreau’s project.

And what about Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey sequel? Will it take the vacant December 18, 2026 slot or is something brewing with that one? Dave Filoni is also said to be cooking up a Star Wars film and maybe his project will be released before Obaid-Chinoy’s, which, based on my recent intel, might have its production delayed this year.