‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Cast Revealed: Key New and Returning Roles Explained

Star Wars is making its return to theaters with a new chapter that directly connects to the Disney+ era. According to Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu will bring Din Djarin and Grogu from streaming to a full cinematic release. Directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the script with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor, this film continues the story initiated in the hit series The Mandalorian.

This movie marks a significant moment for the franchise, being the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019. It indicates a clear return to big-screen storytelling for the galaxy far, far away. Lucasfilm is also planning additional films in the coming years, including Star Wars: Starfighter, featuring Ryan Gosling. However, this new Mandalorian film is leading the charge.

At the heart of the story is Din Djarin, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. He reprises his role as the armored bounty hunter who has evolved into a father figure for Grogu. In this film, he is no longer just a lone mercenary; he collaborates with the New Republic to track down Imperial warlords still causing chaos after the Empire’s fall. Pascal’s performance remains primarily vocal, as the character seldom removes his helmet, maintaining the style from the Disney+ series.

Two stunt actors, Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder, contribute to bringing Din Djarin to life. Wayne shapes the character’s Western-style posture and presence, while Crowder performs many of the fight scenes. This collaborative performance approach has been integral to the character since the series began and continues in the film.

Grogu also returns as a pivotal character in the story. The small, Force-sensitive figure, affectionately known as Baby Yoda by fans, is still primarily created using practical effects. Lucasfilm employs animatronics and puppetry to bring him to life on set, enabling real interaction with the actors. In the new film, Grogu continues his journey of learning about the Force while remaining close to Din Djarin. His behavior reflects a mix of curiosity, mischief, and emotional innocence, which has endeared him to fans of modern Star Wars.

The cast extends beyond the main duo, with Jeremy Allen White joining the film as Rotta the Hutt, Jabba the Hutt’s grown-up son. Rotta first appeared as a baby in The Clone Wars animated series and is now depicted as a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. White lends his voice to the character, bringing an intense and physical presence to the Hutt legacy.

Sigourney Weaver also takes on a significant new role as Colonel Ward, a high-ranking officer in the New Republic who assigns missions and helps maintain peace after the Empire’s fall. Weaver, known for her work in major sci-fi franchises like Alien and Avatar, adds a grounded military perspective to the film’s narrative.

Another returning character is Zeb Orrelios, voiced by Steve Blum. Zeb originally appeared in the animated series Star Wars Rebels and made a brief live-action appearance in The Mandalorian. In this film, he has a more substantial role working alongside the New Republic. Blum, known for his extensive voice acting career, reprises the strong and direct personality that fans remember.

Dave Filoni returns in a unique double role, co-writing and producing the film while also voicing the bounty hunter Embo. Embo, a fan-favorite from The Clone Wars, is recognized for his wide-brimmed hat that serves as a weapon. In this new story, he returns as a hired hunter collaborating with criminal forces. Filoni’s involvement continues his long-standing contribution to Star Wars both behind and in front of the camera.

One of the most surprising additions to the cast is Martin Scorsese, who voices a character named Hugo. Hugo is an Ardennian fry cook, a four-armed alien species previously seen in Solo: A Star Wars Story. This unexpected casting introduces a well-known filmmaker into the Star Wars universe in a small yet unusual role. Scorsese is celebrated for directing films like Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, making his appearance as a sci-fi alien chef a surprising creative choice.

The film also features several supporting characters that help expand the universe. New Republic pilots, crime bosses, bounty hunters, and droidsmiths all play roles throughout the story. These characters connect various corners of the Star Wars universe, from animated series to live-action films, enhancing a broader sense of continuity.

The narrative follows Din Djarin and Grogu as they strive to stop remaining Imperial warlords and safeguard the fragile peace of the New Republic. The tone blends adventure, emotional storytelling, and action across multiple worlds. According to Lucasfilm, the film is crafted as both a continuation of the series and a standalone theatrical experience for audiences returning to Star Wars in cinemas.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to hit theaters on May 22.

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