The Mandalorian and Grogu gets divisive first reactions as Star Wars movie called both a "ton of fun" and "totally inessential"

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Star Wars is making its triumphant return to the big screen as The Mandalorian and Grogu marks the first theatrical release in the franchise in seven years. However, it seems that the jury is still out on whether or not director Jon Favreau pulls it off as the movie has landed some very mixed first reactions.

The film follows Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu as they trek across the galaxy on a new adventure. In the wake of the fall of the Galactic Empire, they're brought in by the New Republic to find Rotta the Hutt in order to gain the trust of the Hutt clan and secure information on a key target.

First reactions on social media have described the movie as a "ton of fun" with plenty of critics comparing it to the TV show. Our own Senior Entertainment Writer Molly Edwards called it "SO much fun" and "a big, exciting summer blockbuster in the best way" She added: "It's a standalone adventure that gives both halves of the duo a chance to shine. Rotta the Hutt is my MVP. I can't wait to watch again!"

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Meanwhile, The Mary Sue's Rachel Leishman called it "a perfect expansion of what the show set up." Posting on X, she wrote that it was, "Truly the best outing yet for Baby Yoda and his dad. And also the best 20 minutes of a side quest to ever exist. God, I love Star Wars on the big screen!"

Variety writer Courtney Howard agreed, writing that it's a "perfect Summer movie". She added that it's "action-packed with a lot of humor & heart. Not episodic. A fully cinematic journey. Grogu steals the show. See it on the biggest screen possible."

Others have been less won over by the latest outing from the galaxy far, far away. Entertainment Reporter Jonathan Sim said it "is one of the weakest Star Wars movies." He wrote: "An emotionless, predictable experience that doesn't push Din Djarin anywhere interesting. Dull, unexciting fight scenes; just CGI monsters. Action figures mashed together. A long, colorless made-for-TV movie."

Similarly, Gizmodo writer Germain Lussier wasn't sold on the promise of the film. "#TheMandalorianandGrogu is as expected," he tweeted. "A longer, bigger episode of the show. It has one or two standout scenes, but it feels much more interested in developing the story to new locations with new creatures than the characters. Enjoyed some of it, left frustrated [by] the rest."

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Check out some more reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu below.

MANDALORIAN & GROGU: finally, they made a Star War for me to despise! Some cute moments can’t save it from feeling terminally dull & offensively inoffensive. Feels like marathoning the blandest episodes of the show that are also totally inessential. A waste of time & potential. pic.twitter.com/rKAp3M9eAUMay 15, 2026

#TheMandalorianAndGrogu: I am just defenseless against Grogu. (And the Anzellan droidsmiths.) Irresistibly cute and also a filmmaking feat I cannot get enough of.Rotta the Hutt? Not as much. Live action Hutts are a challenge to pull off, a gladiator Hutt even more so, and it… pic.twitter.com/QLHcyRvK2uMay 15, 2026

If you think Grogu is the cutest thing ever then you will like The Mandalorian and Grogu. It relies heavily on adorable, comedic moments and big action sequences, but not so much on dialogue and story. It's ok overall but far too long. Love seeing Zeb in live action. pic.twitter.com/OD1BzGDQjlMay 15, 2026

STAR WARS is back on the big screen and #TheMandalorianAndGrogu is a thrilling adventure full of big fights, gnarly creatures and plenty of adorable Grogu moments. It’s less about the lore and more a fun, freaky romp across the galaxy. I really dug that about it.Also really dug… pic.twitter.com/XoQwKbRG9NMay 15, 2026

#TheMandalorianAndGrogu is a grin-inducing crowd-pleaser that puts Star Wars back on theatrical track. Director Jon Favreau is (again) a safe pair of hands that deliver a solid, thrilling and engaging romp. A solid popcorn movie that is the summer blockbuster you’re looking for. pic.twitter.com/ox2cVXexoJMay 15, 2026

The Mandalorian and Grogu is released in theaters on May 22. For more check out our guides to the Star Wars timeline and all the upcoming Star Wars movies and shows confirmed over the next few years.

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Fay WatsonDeputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.

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