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Highlights

• First reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu range from praise to sharp criticism
• Some viewers called it a fun return to big-screen Star Wars storytelling
• Others described the film as underwhelming and too close in feel to the Disney+ series
• The release marks Star Wars’ first cinema outing since 2019

A return years in the making has produced very different reactions

After years away from cinemas, Star Wars has finally returned to the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Early reactions from members of the film press suggest audiences could be heading into one of the franchise’s more divisive entries.

Some critics praised the film’s lighter tone and adventure-driven approach, arguing it captures a side of Star Wars that can often get buried beneath continuity and franchise mythology. Others felt the transition from television to cinema was less successful, describing the film as visually familiar and lacking narrative ambition.