The Mandalorian and Grogu Opens With $12M in Thursday Previews — Star Wars Is Back in Theaters After 7 Years

Star Wars Returns: The Mandalorian and Grogu Debuts With $12M in Previews

If you felt a sudden wave of nostalgia hit the multiplex tonight, that's because Star Wars is officially back in theaters — and it's bringing the Force with it. The Mandalorian and Grogu pulled in an impressive $12 million in Thursday night previews across North America, according to early reports from Variety and Deadline. This marks the first time a Star Wars film has hit cinemas since Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker opened back in December 2019, ending a seven-year drought for theatrical Star Wars releases.

Why This Opening Number Matters

Let's put that $12M preview number into context. The film — directed by Jon Favreau and produced by Lucasfilm under Disney — is tracking for a massive $100 million Memorial Day weekend debut. That projection could climb even higher with the extended holiday giving audiences a four-day window to catch it on the big screen.

What makes this opening especially interesting is the critical split. The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with many pointing to familiar Star Wars beats and a somewhat predictable plot. But audiences are having a completely different story — early audience scores are running high, with fans praising the emotional connection between Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin and the ever-popular Grogu (yes, Baby Yoda), along with live-action performances that elevate the Disney+ series format to the big screen.

The last Star Wars theatrical release, The Rise of Skywalker, opened to $177 million domestically and went on to gross over $1 billion worldwide. While Mandalorian and Grogu won't likely match those Day One numbers, the projections suggest a solid opening that proves the franchise still has real box office juice — even after years of streaming-first storytelling.

The Memorial Day Weekend Box Office Battle

The Mandalorian and Grogu isn't entering an empty arena. This Memorial Day weekend is packed with competition. Michael, the Lionsgate biopic about Michael Jackson, continues its impressive fourth-week run with an expected $27 million, bringing its total past the $300 million mark globally. Meanwhile, the thriller Obsession is pulling in around $14 million with a respectable A- CinemaScore, and newcomers like Passenger and I Love Boosters are also vying for screen time.

But let's be honest — when Baby Yoda shows up on the IMAX screen, people notice. The combination of Jon Favreau's direction, the beloved characters from the Disney+ series, and the sheer novelty of a Star Wars theatrical event is giving this film a clear edge for the weekend's top spot.

Is It Worth Seeing in Theaters?

If you've been following the Disney+ series since 2019, this film serves as both a continuation and a cinematic event. The bigger screen amplifies the practical effects, alien landscapes, and Grogu's undeniable cuteness in ways that streaming simply can't match. Even the skeptical critics admit the film delivers crowd-pleasing moments — the kind of moments that make a packed theater cheer out loud.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is now playing nationwide. If you grew up watching the original trilogy or binge-watched the Disney+ series, this is the kind of movie that reminds you why Star Wars still matters. Whether it hits that $100M projection or not, one thing's clear: the Force is still strong at the box office.