After a seven-year absence from theaters, the Star Wars franchise returned with The Mandalorian and Grogu, earning $82 million over the weekend and approximately $102 million through the Memorial Day holiday. While this represents a significant post-pandemic success, it is the lowest theatrical debut for a Star Wars film since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. The film, directed by Jon Favreau with a leaner $165 million budget, received an A- CinemaScore from audiences, outperforming the 2019 entry The Rise of Skywalker. However, initial ticket buyers were predominantly male and over the age of 25, raising questions about its ability to attract a broader family audience. Internationally, the film earned $64 million, bringing its four-day global total to $165 million, though Star Wars has historically faced softer reception overseas. Analysts note that the studio’s shift to streaming content like Ahsoka and Andor did not harm its theatrical appeal, and a new film starring Ryan Gosling is planned for 2027.
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Star Wars Returns to Theaters with Mandalorian and Grogu
