Disney is facing a daunting task in creating a fresh Star Wars film. Following the mixed receptions of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, the studio has been hesitant to take risks. Instead of empowering talented filmmakers to craft unique projects within reasonable budgets, Disney has relied on their sole popular recent character, The Mandalorian & Grogu. While this may seem like a safe choice, it still holds the potential for an engaging narrative.
The Mandalorian represented a significant leap forward for the Star Wars franchise. Its debut season offered a refreshing and captivating experience, earning acclaim from fans yearning for a blend of novelty and familiarity. The decision to prioritize a new character akin to Boba Fett appeared to signal the dawn of a new era. However, the fact that Din Djarin is now viewed as a safe and marketable name is somewhat disheartening.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Should Stand On Its Own
The Mandalorian & Grogu would mark the first Star Wars film adapted from a streaming series. This significant distinction calls for a different approach. The wisest strategy for this leap would be to treat it as an anime movie. When Naruto or Dragon Ball Z transitions to the big screen, it typically revolves around the heroes venturing to a new realm, confronting a fresh antagonist, forming new alliances, and usually returning to the initial state by the end. This approach serves multiple purposes. Disney has faced criticism for interlinking its projects. The second season of The Mandalorian concluded with a dramatic narrative twist. Viewers were taken aback when that pivotal decision was reversed in the season three premiere. The Book of Boba Fett, a less popular series that featured Din Djarin in a few episodes, contained crucial developments that many missed. This decision irked a large portion of the audience. For those who followed both shows, it was not merely an enjoyable Easter egg; it represented a significant character-defining moment that went unnoticed by many. The movie cannot employ the same overt ploy. It should unfold as a standalone adventure, centering solely on the characters in the title and a select few allies. Additionally, it should refrain from spoiling any elements from the series, although this should go without saying.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Should Be A Personal Story
At its core, The Mandalorian was a Space Western chronicling the journey of a reserved bounty hunter as he learns to nurture and safeguard his adopted Jedi son. Jailbreaks, shootouts, hunting expeditions, and various other quests intertwined with the ongoing odyssey of the solitary warrior and his ward through the galaxy. Most episodes depicted Din and Grogu arriving at a planet to repair their ship, gather information, or pursue a target, only to find the place in disarray. They would then immerse themselves in the predicament, either resolving it through dialogue or combat. Many likened the structure to that of a video game. While the overarching narrative was captivating, the series' finest episodes were often tangential to the main plot. The movie should emulate this approach, allowing Mando and Grogu to traverse the galaxy, tackling challenges, and strengthening their bond. The most compelling stakes for this narrative would be personal, with their relationship and development taking center stage.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Shouldn't End Their Story
The fourth season of The Mandalorian was already in progress before the announcement of The Mandalorian & Grogu. It remains unclear whether the show will continue alongside the film. While unconfirmed at present, there have been suggestions that the movie might serve as the two-part finale to an abbreviated fourth season. In the press release announcing the film, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy stated:
While seemingly generic, this statement could imply that the film may replace the fourth season. Regardless, this transition could be viewed as a significant moment suitable for a series finale. Whether it's a grand spectacle or, as described by Werner Herzog, a tribute to commemorate the conclusion of our shared narrative, the inclination is understandable but conflicts with the essence of the series. Fans have been following Din Djarin's escapades at home on Disney+ for years, perceiving it as a cost-free experience. Concealing the conclusion in movie theaters appears less celebratory and more of a tactic to boost ticket sales. Let the series conclude as it commenced.
The adaptation of The Mandalorian into a movie presents several potential risks. The show evolved from being the most lauded venture in the Star Wars franchise to a middling series grappling with customary continuity issues. Despite Disney's struggles with their most popular IPs, The Mandalorian & Grogu still holds promise. Allow Din and his young charge to embark on one more remarkable quest before venturing into the cosmos together.