Ethan Carter
You’ll be excited to learn that a significant portion of the footage featured in trailers for The Mandalorian and Grogu is revealed in the film’s thrilling opening 18 minutes. This captivating segment encompasses an exhilarating large-scale action scene, the compelling opening credits, and initial plot developments, all showcased during Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week. Fortunately, io9 had the privilege of experiencing this footage last week in IMAX in Los Angeles, where we also had an insightful conversation with director Jon Favreau about the film on its set.
Stay tuned for more details on that soon. For now, let’s explore the captivating events unfolding in the film’s opening, much of which you might recognize if you’ve seen the trailers.
The Mandalorian and Grogu commences with two informative paragraphs of text that clarify the timeline and introduce the principal characters. This exposition primarily caters to those who may not have followed the three seasons of the TV series and might be wondering how this film connects to the broader Star Wars saga. As many fans are aware, the story is set after the fall of the Empire, as depicted in Return of the Jedi, but before the rise of the First Order showcased in The Force Awakens.
The narrative kicks off at a clandestine meeting revealed in the trailers. An Imperial officer, frequently proclaiming “Long live the Empire,” informs a group of local leaders about increasing the costs of his protection services. One leader, who bears the marks of past violence, protests that he cannot afford more because the trade routes are currently overwhelmed by pirates. In a shocking display of power, the officer executes this man for his dissent. A wave of fear washes over the remaining leaders, which escalates when alarms begin blaring throughout the base.
As chaos unfolds, we witness Snowtroopers being eliminated in the shadows. A mysterious silhouette belonging to the Mandalorian stealthily navigates the area, taking them out one by one. The Imperial officer, sensing danger, dispatches a polar mouse droid to investigate the commotion, and the base enters a state of Code Red. He arms his subordinates with weapons, demanding their loyalty to defend him. This moment leads to the iconic shot from the trailer, where Mando unleashes a barrage of fire on the troopers. Meanwhile, the officer manages to escape in an elevator as the rest of his troops surrender. Mando, however, is relentless and peeks into the elevator shaft, throwing several charges down, resulting in a spectacular explosion.
In another corridor, the mouse droid scurries around when Grogu appears from behind some crates. Using the Force, he lifts the droid and destroys it, a scene highlighted in the trailers. As the action intensifies, the footage expands to full 1:4:3 IMAX format when a Snowtrooper arrives piloting one of the AT-RT walkers featured in the trailer. He searches for Grogu, who cleverly hides, before Mando intervenes, knocking out the trooper and commandeering the walker. He tells Grogu to hop on, leading to a thrilling moment depicted in the article’s header image.
As they navigate towards a massive, snow-covered cliff, Mando instructs Grogu, “Hold on,” and descends the steep hill at full speed on the walker. At the base, they encounter three imposing AT-ATs, with the Imperial officer positioned on the bridge of the foremost one. The AT-ATs open fire, but Mando and Grogu skillfully maneuver past them. Mando then launches himself onto one of the AT-AT’s legs, detonating it, and watching as it collapses to the ground. One down, two to go.
In a thrilling reveal, we finally glimpse the main cargo area of an AT-AT, where approximately 20 or 30 troopers are arming themselves. Just as the door swings open, the Mandalorian charges in. The ensuing action unfolds in a long take, reminiscent of Darth Vader’s iconic scene in Rogue One, as he methodically dispatches the troopers. The captain of this walker watches in horror on a monitor as he hears a noise from above. The Imperial officer in the first AT-AT instructs his pilots to go onto the roof to engage, just as Mando eliminates the second walker. Two down, one to go.
Mando approaches the first AT-AT, but the Imperial officer has escaped in a pod that resembles a mini AT-AT head. However, the officer has left behind numerous thermal detonators that are ominously counting down. Mando takes to the bridge, attempting to use the AT-AT’s front guns to shoot down the fleeing Imperial. The process takes time, and the charges are beeping increasingly quickly. Grogu persistently nudges Mando on the helmet, urging him to flee, but Mando is determined to make the shot. Finally, he fires, and the charges detonate, propelling Mando and Grogu into the sky.
They are rescued by Zeb in a U-wing, who expresses disappointment that Mando was supposed to bring the Imperial back alive for intel. Mando explains the situation was untenable. As they soar into space, the iconic Mandalorian theme music plays, culminating in the title card.
As the screen fills with the names of the cast and crew (a first for a Star Wars film), we are treated to stunning visuals of X-Wings soaring through colorful sunsets and bustling activity at a New Republic base. This particular base has also appeared in The Mandalorian season three, confirming its identity as Adelphi. The sequence showcases various ships and droids, culminating in a scene where Mandalorian, Zeb, and Grogu enter a bar.
“Messy,” remarks Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver, who oversees this base. Mando responds, stating he did the best he could under the circumstances. Ward clarifies that their actions are not driven by revenge against the locals but rather aimed at preventing another war and safeguarding the values for which the Rebellion fought. They require crucial information. While Mando understands, he still wants assurance he will be compensated, to which Ward assures him he will be.
Stepping outside, they reveal a brand-new Razor Crest. Ward explains that she acquired it from a vintage vehicle collector and had it meticulously restored. Mando acknowledges that this is significantly more payment than he’s owed for the previous assignment, but Ward informs him that it serves as an advance for his next task. She hands him a bounty with an unidentified target, noting that they need to locate a key figure involved in the recent Imperial activities, someone whose name sounds similar to “Coyne.” The challenge lies in the fact that they lack any further information about him. However, the Hutts possess the knowledge Mando needs, and he is tasked with approaching them directly to obtain it.
Mando expresses his reluctance to work for or alongside gangsters any longer, questioning the Hutts’ motivations for assisting. What do they stand to gain from this arrangement? Ward reveals that the Hutts expect Mando to aid in rescuing the last remaining heir of Jabba the Hutt, Rotta, who has been captured. Mando hesitates, hoping for honest work with the New Republic, but Ward insists that this is a necessity.
Zeb, Grogu, and Mando board the newly restored Razor Crest, which Mando finds appealing. Grogu, ever the curious one, presses various buttons, getting into trouble, as the trio finally embarks on their journey. The footage concluded at this moment.
Favreau shared with the press last week that the film runs just over two hours, including credits, indicating there’s much more to anticipate. Additionally, an intriguing detail emerges from the credits: while Pedro Pascal is prominently listed first, Jeremy Allen White, the voice behind Rotta, is second. Could this indicate a more significant role for Rotta in the unfolding narrative? Only time will tell.
Expect to see much more information about The Mandalorian and Grogu soon.
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Brandon Fletcher
