The recent release of The Mandalorian and Grogu had a rocky start, recording the lowest opening weekend for any Star Wars film since Disney took over the franchise. It earned $102 million in North America over the Memorial Day weekend, bringing its total global box office to $165 million.
Even though it’s linked to the popular Disney+ series, this film did not match the opening of Solo: A Star Wars Story, which opened at $103 million in 2018. Adjusted for inflation, that figure would be around $136 million today, making Solo a more solid performer initially than The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Despite this, there’s some optimism. Industry analyst David Gross remarked that while the numbers aren’t on par with major Star Wars releases, they reflect what spin-offs typically earn. Gross stated, “These are big numbers and this is how spin-offs perform.”
The lukewarm response could indicate Star Wars fatigue among audiences. This film marks the first Star Wars cinematic release since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Disney had decided to pause new movie releases, recognizing they had overwhelmed fans with too much too soon.
Surveys show mixed feelings about Star Wars lately. A recent poll revealed that only 38% of fans were excited about upcoming projects, indicating a growing weariness. Yet, Hollywood reports suggest that The Mandalorian and Grogu may do well in the coming weeks due to positive word-of-mouth, despite mixed critical reviews.
Disney hopes the film will encourage viewers to explore other Star Wars merchandise and theme park experiences. The Mandalorian remains Disney+’s most-watched original series, and since its debut, over 13 million Grogu toys have been sold.
Star Wars started back in 1977 and has become one of the world’s highest-grossing franchises, amassing over $10 billion in total ticket sales. After acquiring the franchise in 2012, Disney shifted focus to streaming content. While shows like The Mandalorian and Andor received acclaim, others like The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi didn’t resonate as well.
Looking ahead, fans can expect Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, set to be released in May 2027. Time will tell if the franchise can rekindle its magic on the big screen.
