LISTEN: ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and a Magnificent ‘Obsession’ Drive the Box Office

May 26, 2026 3:32pm PT LISTEN: ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and a Magnificent ‘Obsession’ Drive the Box Office

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By Cynthia Littleton

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Cynthia Littleton

Business Editor

@Variety_Cynthia

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On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our box office segment, Variety‘s Rebecca Rubin carefully measures the turnout over the Memorial Day weekend holiday for Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It was a big test for Disney and Lucasfilm and the strength of the Star Wars franchise at the turnstiles. Meanwhile, Focus Features’ horror pic “Obsession” had a strong sophomore weekend outing.

Rubin, who is Variety‘s box office expert and senior writer for film and media, explains that “Mandalorian and Grogu,” which came in at $100 million worldwide in its opening frame, faces a bar that is high even by the standards of blockbusters, but not quite as lofty as “Star Wars” a decade ago.

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