If The Mandalorian was beloved for any reason, it might have been the vibes. The live-action Star Wars series was always, admittedly, light on substance, leaning on the inherent coolness of its titular bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal) and the irresistible cuteness of his adopted son, Grogu, to guide the way. But the atmosphere that made the show so compelling was also delivered in part by Ludwig Göransson, the Oscar-winning composer behind films like Oppenheimer and Sinners.
Göransson’s soundscape for The Mandalorian went a long way in setting the tone, even keeping stakes high when the standards otherwise slipped. Though he took a step back for Season 3, he’s back for Mando and Grogu’s foray onto the big screen. And it’s a good thing, too: Göransson was already one of the most inventive composers of his generation, but he finds a way to bring his sonic game to new heights with The Mandalorian and Grogu. While his work was once the secret weapon of The Mandalorian, it absolutely carries its big-screen follow-up — it’s without a doubt the best part of the film altogether.
