The first Mandalorian and Grogu reviews are in, and they are very mid
Early Rotten Tomatoes scores have the new Star Wars film landing in the low-to-mid 60s, well below the franchise’s best.
Early reviews for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu have begun appearing, and as of right now, the film is sitting in solidly average territory.
As of this writing, The Mandalorian and Grogu has a Tomatometer score in the low-to-mid 60s on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews. While it is too early for a final score, the current trajectory suggests the film is landing in “perfectly fine” territory rather than generating the kind of critical excitement usually associated with a major Star Wars theatrical release.
Early reviews praise Grogu but call it an extended TV episode
The early reactions have been mixed, with praise for action set pieces and Grogu‘s enduring charm, but consistent criticism that the film feels like an extended episode (or season) of the Disney+ series rather than a true big-screen event.
Some of the more positive early takes have called it a “grin-inducing crowd-pleaser” and a “fun, freaky romp.” However, other reviewers have described it as predictable, emotionally flat, and lacking real stakes.
Common criticisms so far include feeling like “a supersized TV episode,” lack of narrative ambition, over-reliance on Grogu cuteness, and not advancing the characters or story in meaningful ways.
How Mandalorian and Grogu compares to other Star Wars films on Rotten Tomatoes
To put the current early score in context, here is how The Mandalorian and Grogu stacks up against other films in the franchise, using final or most recent Tomatometer scores.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) remains the highest-rated Star Wars film at 94%. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) are tied at 93%, with the original earning its score as the franchise foundation and The Force Awakens drawing strong critical reception as the modern revival.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) sits at 91%, with a high critics score despite being very divisive with audiences. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) earned 84% and is generally well-liked. Return of the Jedi (1983) holds at 82%, solid but below the first two original trilogy films.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) leads the prequels at 79%. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) earned 70% with modest reviews. Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002) sits at 65% as the weakest reviewed of the prequels.
At the bottom of the modern rankings are Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999) at 52%, poorly received at release, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) at 51%, one of the lowest-rated films in the franchise.
As it stands, The Mandalorian and Grogu is currently tracking to land somewhere in the middle of the pack, better than the worst entries in the franchise, but well below the heights of the original trilogy and The Force Awakens.
What this means going forward
A “mid” critical reception is not necessarily a death sentence for a Star Wars movie, especially one aimed at families and existing fans of the Disney+ series. However, in an environment where the film is already tracking for a relatively modest opening, stronger reviews would have helped build momentum.
Right now, The Mandalorian and Grogu appears to be delivering exactly what many expected: a bigger, shinier version of the show. Whether that is enough to satisfy audiences and drive strong word-of-mouth when it hits theaters on May 22 remains to be seen.
Article compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs (entertainment editor) and the Pirates and Princesses newsroom.
For more Disney, theme parks, geek lifestyle, and family entertainment coverage, visit piratesandprincesses.net. Watch the show on YouTube at @Disney-podcast. Subscribe to the Pirates and Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Hat Tips:
Rotten Tomatoes, early reviews for The Mandalorian and Grogu
Historical Tomatometer scores for previous Star Wars films
Early social media reactions from critics and screening attendees