Fans gathered in their thousands at Cineworld Leicester Square on May 7, 2026, for the highly anticipated UK fan event of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.
The event marked the return of Star Wars to cinemas for the first time in over six years, with a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Jon Favreau. However, it was Grogu, the iconic Mandalorian character, who stole the limelight, confirming his status as the true star of the new film.
Directed by Jon Favreau, the film continues the beloved Star Wars saga, following bounty hunter Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal) and his apprentice Grogu as they embark on a mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta the Hutt.
The storyline picks up from where the Disney+ series The Mandalorian left off, and promises to thrill audiences with its action-packed sequences and heartwarming moments.
Pedro Pascal, who reprises his role as the skilled bounty hunter, revealed that the relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu is a core element of the film.
Speaking to the BBC, Pascal said, “The connection between Din and Grogu is so powerful, and I think people are going to treasure the moments we’ve captured on screen.” He also hinted at a particularly emotional sequence in the film, calling it “very moving and very special,” although he was tight-lipped on the specifics.
For director Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu represents a bold leap from the small screen to the big screen, and he is excited about the new possibilities. “Moving to cinemas has allowed us to expand the story in ways we couldn’t before,” Favreau explained. “We’re able to introduce new fans to the Star Wars universe while still rewarding those who have been with us for years.” Favreau, who has been involved in Star Wars for nearly a decade, added that the film showcases the creativity and scale that only a cinematic release can bring.
The director also shared how Star Wars has influenced his life, saying, “Discovering Star Wars when I was 10 changed my life. It not only opened my eyes to the world of film, but to the power of storytelling itself.”
Joining the Star Wars family is none other than Sigourney Weaver, who takes on the role of Colonel Ward. Known for her iconic roles in Alien and Avatar, Weaver expressed her excitement about joining the Star Wars universe. “I love my character, and I really enjoy playing someone with so much trust in Mando and Grogu,” she said. Weaver also joked about how Disney had sent her lightsabers for her nieces and nephews, turning her into their new favourite aunt.
