Pedro Pascal Gets Emotional at Mexico City Event as 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' Film Prepares for May Release

Actor Fights Back Tears While Discussing Journey from Streaming Series to Big Screen

The Chilean-American star became visibly moved during the Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu panel at CCXP Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday, pausing to wipe away tears as he reflected on bringing his character to the theatrical stage.

Pascal made an unexpected appearance alongside director Jon Favreau at the event, which served as a promotional stop before Disney's theatrical release scheduled for May 22. The film will mark the first major theatrical Star Wars production since 2019, featuring Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White alongside Pascal in the lead role.

From Streaming to Silver Screen

Wearing a Mexico men's World Cup 2026 soccer jersey, Pascal explained the personal significance of transitioning the character he originated on the Disney+ streaming series The Mandalorian—which premiered in 2019—to a film format. The television show concluded with its third season in 2023.

"As soon as I saw this, I knew that it would be a new authorship of a streaming experience. But I always had a dream in my heart that it would be on a big screen because that's how I was developed as a child. I went to the movie theater so much with my family, and I saw the Star Wars movies on the big screen."

After expressing these sentiments in both English and Spanish, Pascal became overcome with emotion, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the audience who called out his name. He responded by blowing a kiss to the assembled crowd.

Expanding the Universe

Director Jon Favreau emphasized the film's dual purpose of welcoming newcomers while rewarding longtime fans. The narrative follows bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pascal) and his young companion Grogu—colloquially known as Baby Yoda—as they take on new challenges defending the New Republic.

"We wanted to introduce these characters to a new audience. But for the fans who have been there forever, like [this crowd], we wanted to evolve the relationship. It's no longer about the Mandalorian rescuing Grogu. Now Grogu has leveled up. He's a Mandalorian apprentice. He's studying under Luke Skywalker. He's coming into his own, and now he's discovering and unleashing his abilities."

The feature brings together producers Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Ian Bryce, and Dave Filoni, with screenplay contributions from Favreau, Filoni, and Noah Kloor.

The Mexico City panel concluded with a special appearance by Grogu himself and a screening of the film's opening sequence.