I’ve been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember, so when I heard Pedro Pascal’s latest comments about his upcoming movie The Mandalorian & Grogu, I couldn’t help but get excited. On April 18, 2025, at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Japan, Pascal made some jaw-dropping statements that have been lighting up the internet. He didn’t hold back, calling the film “one of the greatest adventure movies in the canon of all cinema” while speaking to Extra TV, and later telling IMDb it’s “one of the best adventures ever made.” But that’s not all—he also gushed about the production, the sets, and director Jon Favreau, giving fans a lot to chew on. As a fan of both Pascal and the Star Wars universe, I’m dying to see if it lives up to the hype, but I’ve been burned by big promises before, so let’s break this down and see what’s really going on.
Pascal’s Bold Words: A Deep Dive
Pascal was in full hype mode at Star Wars Celebration, and his comments were nothing short of electrifying. Speaking to Extra TV on the convention floor, he didn’t just call The Mandalorian & Grogu a great Star Wars movie—he went bigger, saying, “It’s one of the greatest adventure movies in the canon of all cinema.” That’s a massive claim, putting it up against legends like Raiders of the Lost Ark or even Star Wars: A New Hope itself. He doubled down in an interview with IMDb, repeating that it’s “one of the best adventures ever made” and adding, “I think it’s going to be something that people are going to love, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
But Pascal didn’t stop there. He went on to praise the film’s production in a way that makes me think they’ve really pushed the boundaries. He told IMDb,
“The sets that they’ve created for this movie are just mind-blowing. They’re so much bigger and more detailed than anything we had on the show, and that’s saying something because the show already looked incredible.”
He also shared a personal moment of awe, saying, “There have been so many instances where I’ve just looked back at Jon and said directly to him, ‘How the hell did you do this?’ I think he’s a genius.” That kind of admiration for Favreau’s work has me imagining sprawling new planets, epic battles, and maybe even some jaw-dropping practical effects—something Star Wars has always excelled at.
Pascal also got emotional when talking about his journey with the character. At a Star Wars Celebration panel, he reflected on playing Din Djarin since 2019, saying,
“This character has changed my life in so many ways. To bring him to the big screen, to share this adventure with Grogu in a way that feels so cinematic—it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve been working on.” He even teased the audience with a playful hint, adding, “I think you’re going to see Din and Grogu go places you never expected, both literally and emotionally.”
That last bit has me wondering if we might see Din confront his past as a Mandalorian or if Grogu will take a bigger role in the story—maybe even showing more of his Force abilities.
Pascal’s Star Wars Journey Comes to the Big Screen
For those who might not know, Pedro Pascal plays Din Djarin, aka the Mandalorian, in the Disney+ series that kicked off in 2019. The show was a massive hit, giving us three seasons of thrilling adventures with Din and his adorable sidekick, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). It became a cultural phenomenon, blending the gritty bounty hunter vibe with heartfelt moments of Din becoming a reluctant dad to Grogu. Now, The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, directed by Jon Favreau, is set to bring their story to theaters on May 22, 2026. It’s the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, and the stakes are high for the franchise to deliver something big.
Pascal’s enthusiasm isn’t just actor hype—he’s been deeply involved in the project. The film wrapped filming in December 2024, and Pascal was confirmed to be on set by his stuntman Lateef Crowder, which squashed rumors that he’d only be doing voice work due to his busy schedule. At Star Wars Celebration, he shared how much it meant to be there physically, saying, “Being on those sets, wearing the armor again, holding Grogu—it brought me right back to the first day we shot the series. But this time, it felt even bigger, like we were making something truly special for the fans.” That personal connection makes his bold claims feel more genuine, but I’m still keeping my expectations grounded.
What We Know About the Movie So Far
The movie picks up after the events of The Mandalorian Season 3, following Din and Grogu on a new adventure set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. At Star Wars Celebration, Pascal was joined by Favreau and Sigourney Weaver, who’s playing a veteran Rebel Alliance pilot—a casting choice that’s got me intrigued. A teaser clip shown at the event featured Din and Grogu touching fingers (so cute!) and even had Babu Frik, the tiny droidsmith from The Rise of Skywalker, flying a ship with Grogu. That mix of familiar faces and new characters has me curious about where this story is headed.
Fans on X have been buzzing about Pascal’s comments, with many echoing his excitement and calling the movie a “must-see.” But plot details are still scarce, and that’s where my skepticism kicks in. Pascal’s claim that it’s one of the greatest adventure movies ever is a tall order—Star Wars has a legacy of iconic adventures, and the bar is sky-high. The original 1977 film redefined cinema, and even the best of the recent Star Wars movies, like The Force Awakens, have struggled to match that magic for some fans. I’m wondering if Pascal’s enthusiasm is more about his love for the project than an objective measure of its quality, especially since he’s so emotionally tied to the character.
Why I’m Excited—And Why I’m Cautious
Let’s talk about why I’m excited first. Pascal has been a phenomenal part of Star Wars. His portrayal of Din Djarin brought a fresh energy to the franchise, balancing stoic toughness with quiet vulnerability. The fact that he was on set for the movie, as confirmed by Crowder’s Instagram story in December 2024, makes me hopeful we’ll see more of his physical performance—maybe even a helmet-off moment, which hasn’t happened since Season 2’s finale. At the panel, he teased the possibility, saying with a smirk, “I can’t say much, but let’s just say Din might show a bit more of himself this time—fans deserve it after all these years.” That’s got me pumped—seeing Pascal’s expressive face on the big screen could add so much emotional depth to Din’s story.
The addition of Sigourney Weaver is another reason I’m pumped. She’s a legend, and her role as a Rebel pilot could tie Din and Grogu’s journey to the larger Star Wars universe in a cool way. Favreau, who created the series, has a deep understanding of what makes Star Wars tick, and Pascal’s comments about his genius make me think they’ve gone all out for the movie. Pascal even shared a specific moment that stuck with him, telling Extra TV, “There’s one scene where we’re on this new planet, and the set was so real I forgot we were filming. I turned to Jon and said, ‘This feels like I’m actually in Star Wars—like I’m living it.’ That’s the magic of what he’s created.”
But here’s why I’m cautious. Big claims like Pascal’s often come with big expectations, and Star Wars has a history of overpromising. Remember the hype around The Rise of Skywalker? It was supposed to tie up the sequel trilogy perfectly, but it left a lot of fans disappointed with its rushed plot and fan-service moments. Pascal’s comments sound amazing, but actors are often in promo mode, hyping up their projects to get fans excited. He even admitted as much at the panel, laughing and saying, “I might be getting carried away, but I really believe in this movie. I hope I don’t jinx it!” I’m worried that calling it one of the greatest adventure movies ever might set the bar too high, especially since the Mandalorian series thrived on smaller, character-driven stories rather than galaxy-spanning epics.
I’m also a bit concerned about the direction of the story. The series ended Season 3 with Din and Grogu settling down on Nevarro, which felt like a natural conclusion. The movie needs to justify its existence with a fresh conflict that feels organic, not forced. Pascal hinted at this in his IMDb interview, saying, “Din and Grogu have found a kind of peace, but peace never lasts long in this galaxy. What they face next—it’s going to test them in ways they’ve never been tested before.” That sounds promising, but I hope they don’t cram in too many cameos or references just to make it feel “cinematic.” Star Wars works best when it’s focused on its characters, not when it’s trying to be a spectacle for the sake of spectacle.
The Bigger Picture for Star Wars
This movie isn’t just about Din and Grogu—it’s a big moment for Star Wars as a whole. The franchise hasn’t had a theatrical release in seven years by the time this hits theaters, and there’s a lot riding on its success. Star Wars has been thriving on Disney+ with shows like Ahsoka and The Book of Boba Fett, but the movies have struggled to recapture the magic of the original trilogy. The Mandalorian & Grogu could be a turning point, proving that the franchise can still deliver on the big screen. If it’s as good as Pascal claims, it might pave the way for more theatrical releases, like the recently announced Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling, set for 2027.
But there’s pressure on Pascal, too. He’s everywhere right now—starring in The Last of Us Season 2, which just premiered on April 12, 2025, and gearing up for The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. He’s also got Eddington and Materialists coming out this summer, plus Avengers: Doomsday in 2026. The guy’s on a roll, but with so many high-profile projects, there’s a risk of overexposure or spreading himself too thin. At the panel, he acknowledged the packed schedule, saying, “I’m busier than ever, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Din Djarin is so close to my heart—I’ll always make time for him and Grogu.” I hope he’s got the energy to bring his A-game to The Mandalorian & Grogu, because Din Djarin deserves it.
Will It Live Up to the Hype?
Pascal’s bold claim has me dreaming of a Star Wars movie that captures the wonder and adventure of the 1977 original—a tall order, but not impossible. The pieces are there: a beloved character, a talented director, and a franchise that’s desperate for a win. His passion for the project is infectious—he even got a bit teary-eyed at the panel, saying, “I just want to make the fans proud. This movie means everything to me.” But I’ve learned to temper my expectations with Star Wars. I’ll be in the theater on May 22, 2026, ready to see Din and Grogu’s next chapter, but I’m not expecting the greatest adventure movie of all time just yet. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised than let down by hype.
What do you think—can The Mandalorian & Grogu live up to Pascal’s big claim? I’d love to hear your thoughts while we wait for more details! In the meantime, I might rewatch the series on Disney+ to get ready for what’s next. This is the way.
Source: IMDb, Extratv.com
