The Mandalorian & Grogu has officially marked the return of Star Wars to the big screen, and early numbers suggest a solid start. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film pulled in $12 million in Thursday preview screenings across the United States, setting the stage for what could be one of the biggest openings of 2026.
The preview earnings align closely with other major releases this year. While not record-breaking for the franchise, the figure signals strong interest, particularly given the long gap since the last theatrical Star Wars installment.
A Measured but Promising Box Office Start
The $12 million preview total is slightly lower than some previous Star Wars entries under Lucasfilm, but industry analysts are not viewing it as a concern. Instead, projections suggest the film could reach between $82 million and $100 million over the extended four-day opening weekend.
This range puts it in a competitive position compared to recent blockbusters. For context, Solo: A Star Wars Story earned $14.1 million in previews before opening to over $100 million during its debut weekend. However, that film ultimately struggled with long-term performance, making early comparisons less definitive.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is also tracking alongside other 2026 releases that opened with similar preview numbers, reinforcing expectations of a stable and potentially strong run.
Audience Scores Signal Strong Fan Support
One of the biggest takeaways from the film’s launch is the audience reaction. Despite mixed critical reviews, early viewer scores have been notably positive, with the film achieving an 88 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes shortly after release.
This contrast between critics and general audiences suggests that the movie is resonating strongly with fans, particularly those who followed the original Disney+ series. The emotional connection to characters like Grogu, often referred to as “Baby Yoda,” appears to be playing a significant role in driving engagement.
The film continues the story introduced in The Mandalorian, which was instrumental in launching Disney+ and maintaining interest in the Star Wars universe during the streaming era. That built-in fanbase is now translating into theatrical demand.
First Star Wars Film in Seven Years
The release carries added significance as the first Star Wars movie to hit theaters since 2019. Over the past several years, Lucasfilm has focused heavily on streaming content, making this return to cinemas a major test for the franchise’s theatrical future.
Industry insiders expect the film to generate at least $160 million globally during its opening window, a figure that would reaffirm the brand’s box office strength. However, expectations are also tempered by the evolving terrain of moviegoing, where streaming competition and shifting audience habits have impacted traditional box office performance.
The film’s appeal appears to be strongest among families and older audiences, a demographic shift that may influence its trajectory compared to previous Star Wars entries.
The movie sees Pedro Pascal reprise his role as Din Djarin, alongside the fan-favorite Grogu. The story follows the Mandalorian as he takes on a new mission involving the rescue of Rotta the Hutt, under orders from a New Republic officer played by Sigourney Weaver.
The film also features unexpected elements, including a voice role from Martin Scorsese, adding a layer of curiosity for audiences. These additions, combined with the established popularity of the main characters, have contributed to the film’s early momentum.