Cutest 'Star Wars' film yet hits Chinese screens

"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu," the newest entry in the iconic franchise, returns to China on May 22 after a seven-year absence, bringing nostalgia, new adventures and the beloved character Grogu to Chinese audiences.

Members of the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion, global Star Wars costuming groups, pose for a photo at the "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" China premiere at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum in Shanghai, May 15, 2026. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Directed by Jon Favreau and filmed for IMAX, the film brings bounty hunter Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen for the first time following the acclaimed "The Mandalorian" series on Disney+.

Starring Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, the film follows the duo on their most thrilling mission yet. With the Empire fallen but Imperial warlords still scattered across the galaxy, the New Republic enlists Din Djarin and Grogu to help protect what the Rebellion won.

Favreau described the film as a standalone adventure designed to welcome new audiences while rewarding longtime fans. "'The Mandalorian and Grogu' is set in the era between 'Return of the Jedi' and before the sequels," he said. "It follows the Mandalorian and his adopted son and apprentice, Grogu, as they venture off into the galaxy seeking out bounties on behalf of the New Republic."

"The Mandalorian finds himself more of a good guy in this world," Favreau explained. "He's being a lot more selective about the types of jobs he takes and the situations that he puts his young ward into."

"Their story started with Mando as a very reluctant protector for this mysterious child named Grogu," Pascal said. "Through their incredible adventures, they have become deeply bonded to one another. Mando has now placed his focus on protecting his son and preparing him for the future, and in the film, that dynamic has a lot of surprising and emotional shifts."

The film expands Grogu's development and pushes the pair into new worlds, new characters and new challenges. "It's time for Grogu to go out in the field and for Dad to show him the ropes," Favreau said.

Grogu has become a viral sensation online, and his role in the film only amplifies that appeal, making it the cutest adventure in the "Star Wars" franchise.

Behind the scenes, Grogu is brought to life through a collaboration of puppet builders, animatronics specialists and visual effects teams. Veteran puppeteer Dawn Dininger said the illusion becomes instinctive on set. "He's in front of you, and you forget that it's a puppet," she said.

The film's footage was first screened on May 4 at Star Wars Day events in China, with the full film premiering on May 15 at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Audiences were thrilled by the film's epic visuals — from battle scenes and hyperspace travel to alien creatures — which delivered nostalgia and top-tier effects. Beyond the spectacle, the father-son bond at the story's heart landed as genuinely warm and moving.

Alongside the film, a series of themed events has rolled out across China, including multi-city viewing parties, themed exhibitions and pop-up experiences.

A fan in costume poses with a giant Grogu installation at the 37th FFACG Expo in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, May 1, 2026. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

A "Star Wars" themed exhibition running through May 31 at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is showcasing the franchise's universe through props, vehicles and set designs, drawing local residents, tourists and families.

Separately, from April 29 to May 17, a "Star Wars" pop-up experience at Dolby House in Zhangyuan, Shanghai, featured themed audio-visual displays using Dolby Vision and Atmos technology. A film-themed installation at the 37th FFACG Expo in Guangzhou, held May 1-4, featuring the helmeted bounty hunter and adorable Grogu, attracted enthusiasts and young fans, with cosplay interactions and on-site giveaways.

As one of the world's most recognizable franchises, "Star Wars" spans films, series, animation, games, books and comics. Disney China said it will continue launching themed events and licensed products to extend the film's release beyond the screen.