After the Disney+ series The Mandalorian became one of the biggest modern Star Wars successes, Lucasfilm pivoted to cinema for the continuation. But, instead of going for another season of the series, they made The Mandalorian and Grogu, the first Star Wars film in theatres since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, set to release on May 22, 2026. Although the plotline revolves around Mandalorian Din Djarin and Grogu’s new adventures with the New Republic, it is worth revisiting the father-son moments and battles that brought them here, and the war they may be heading toward next.

And with cinema having done its homework, there is a neat collection of flicks and shows one ought to watch before The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives.

These two seasons of The Mandalorian are essential for understanding both the legacy of Mandalore and the heart of Din Djarin and Grogu’s story. Djarin, a lone bounty hunter bound by the Mandalorian creed, is hired to retrieve a mysterious child known only as “The Child,” but instead of handing him over to the remnants of the Empire, he chooses to protect him. That child is later revealed to be Grogu, a 50-year-old infant of the same species as Yoda.

From that moment, the two are forced into life on the run, traveling across the galaxy while Djarin breaks every rule of his profession to keep Grogu safe. Together, they battle bounty hunters, Stormtroopers, and Imperial enemies, building an unlikely father-son bond along the way. Their journey eventually turns into a search for Grogu’s own kind, while Djarin unexpectedly becomes the rightful owner of the legendary Darksaber.

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The seasons also deliver some of the most unforgettable fan-favorite moments, from Ahsoka Tano’s live-action debut to Luke Skywalker’s surprise arrival after Grogu’s Force call.

The Book of Boba Fett centers on Boba Fett, another legendary bounty hunter, as he returns to Tatooine and takes over Jabba the Hutt’s former criminal empire. While fans hoped for a larger reunion between him and Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Grogu, Lucasfilm chose not to include Boba Fett in the upcoming film.

Still, the series becomes essential for Djarin and Grogu’s story, especially in Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian, Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger, and Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor. These episodes focus on Djarin after parting ways with Grogu and show how their separation only strengthens their bond. As Grogu trains with Luke Skywalker and Djarin struggles without him, their connection becomes even more profound. Those emotions become the bridge to The Mandalorian Season 3 and the next chapter of their father-son journey.

The Mandalorian Season 3 continues Din Djarin and Grogu’s father-son journey after Grogu chooses to return to him instead of continuing his Jedi training with Luke Skywalker. Together, they travel to the ruined world of Mandalore, where Djarin seeks redemption for breaking the Mandalorian creed by removing his helmet and works to reclaim his place among his people. Along the way, Grogu stands beside him not just as someone to protect, but as a true companion in both battle and family.

As Mandalore begins to rise again, Bo-Katan Kryze steps forward to unite the Mandalorians and lead their people into a new era. Djarin formally adopts Grogu, giving him the name Din Grogu, and the two settle into a quieter life, taking on missions as independent contractors for the New Republic. This ending directly sets up The Mandalorian and Grogu, making Season 3 the final and most essential chapter before the film.

While The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett cover the major history of Din Djarin and Grogu, one important character in The Mandalorian and Grogu comes from the four-season animated series Star Wars Rebels. Garazeb Orrelios, better known as Zeb, was first introduced in Rebels before briefly appearing in live action during The Mandalorian Season 3 as a New Republic pilot stationed on Adelphi. He is now set to return in the upcoming film.

Zeb’s story is one of loss, forgiveness, and hope. As one of the last surviving Lasat after the Empire destroyed his homeworld, his journey explores survivor’s guilt, healing, and his evolving relationship with Agent Kallus, the man once tied to his people’s destruction. Beneath his sarcasm and tough exterior, Zeb became a fan favorite for his surprisingly emotional heart.

Rotta the Hutt first appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the animated film that launched The Clone Wars series. Introduced as Jabba the Hutt’s infant son, Rotta the Hutt is often nicknamed “Stinky” by Ahsoka Tano, but he is far more than a background character. His kidnapping becomes the entire reason the plot moves, giving real context to why he is now set to play a major role in The Mandalorian and Grogu.

The film also helps build the larger Mandalorian storyline through Bo-Katan Kryze, whose long fight to reclaim Mandalore begins during the Clone Wars era. While her appearance in the film has not been officially confirmed, many fans expect at least a cameo or supporting role, considering how important she has been to Din Djarin’s journey. Still, Rotta’s return is expected to be one of the film’s central plot points, making his original story worth revisiting.

In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Episodes 12 to 14 of Season 2 dive deep into Mandalore’s political history and the roots of the conflicts that later shape The Mandalorian. This arc is especially important before The Mandalorian and Grogu because it explains why Mandalore becomes so divided, while also building the emotional and political foundation for Din Djarin’s story.

Season 2 also introduces Embo, another confirmed character in the upcoming film. He debuts as a highly skilled Kyuzo bounty hunter known for his calm presence and his iconic wide-brimmed hat that doubles as a weapon. The larger Clone Wars storyline also reveals the deeper history of the Darksaber through Darth Maul and Death Watch, showing why it is an important part of Din Djarin’s future. 

To better understand the New Republic, the same government Din Djarin and Grogu work for as independent contractors in The Mandalorian and Grogu, watching Ahsoka Season 1 is essential. Set during the New Republic era after the fall of the Empire and around the same timeline as The Mandalorian, the series shows how fragile peace in the galaxy really is.

The 2023 live-action series follows the fledgling New Republic as it struggles to govern while facing the growing threat of Imperial remnants. At the center is Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s former Padawan, who works to stop Grand Admiral Thrawn from returning and rebuilding the Empire. Many fans are hoping for Ahsoka to make a cameo in the upcoming film, but so far, no official confirmation has been announced.

Even though Return of the Jedi does not connect directly to The Mandalorian and Grogu, the events of the film create the foundation for everything that follows. In the final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy, Luke Skywalker helps bring his father, Anakin Skywalker, back from the dark side, who ultimately destroys Emperor Palpatine, ending the Sith’s rule and leading to the fall of the Empire and the rise of the New Republic.

The film also introduces Jabba the Hutt’s palace and the criminal underworld of Tatooine, which later connects to The Book of Boba Fett and the larger Hutt storyline surrounding characters like Boba Fett and Rotta the Hutt. In many ways, Return of the Jedi is the turning point that makes Din Djarin and Grogu’s post-Empire galaxy possible, hence laying the foundations for The Mandalorian and Grogu coming on May 22, 2026. 

These movies would make watching The Mandalorian and Grogu in the theatres worthwhile.

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Which one of these Star Wars shows and movies is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.