For most of Star Wars’ history, there was a firewall between movies and television. On one side, there are nine flagship movies, plus supplementary adventures like Rogue One and Solo. On television, there are the old Ewok adventures, the animated shows, and the new Disney+ series. It’s very rare for the two forms to meet, although it does happen; in 2008, the movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars launched the series of the same name, and introduced the world to Ahsoka Tano, who now has a live-action series of her own.
Now, another such crossover is unfolding. The Mandalorian and Grogu, currently scheduled for a May 2026 release, will move Mando and Baby Yoda from Disney+ to the silver screen. A recent casting announcement has revealed a surprising connection to that old Clone Wars flick, and one that could redefine a maligned character.
