Summary
- Grogu’s new independence in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie shows he’s more active and capable of helping Din Djarin on his own.
- The bond between Din Djarin and Grogu has evolved, with Grogu proving himself as a Mandalorian apprentice.
- Grogu’s growth in The Mandalorian movie marks a major change as he transitions from “Baby Yoda” to a capable warrior.
New footage shown at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Convention from Star Wars’ next movie, The Mandalorian & Grogu, teases one massive change for Grogu in The Mandalorian‘s next chapter on the big screen. Known mostly to the world as “Baby Yoda,” Grogu has always been viewed as the adorable young sidekick to the titular hero Din Djarin, though he’s certainly started growing into his own as one of Star Wars’ best characters. Though he’s still a young child in need of care, he’s also proven that he can hold his own – and even protect others.
When audiences first met Grogu in The Mandalorian season 1, he was very powerful in the Force, but wasn’t able to control it. After suppressing his Force powers for the sake of staying safe in a post-Order 66 galaxy, Grogu had a hard time controlling his resistance to dark side abilities whenever he or his guardian were in danger. After training with Luke Skywalker on Ossus for a time, however, Grogu regained control over his powers and learned how to use them properly in combat, which was seen in The Mandalorian season 3. Now, the movie is advancing Grogu again.
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Grogu Is More Independent In The Mandalorian Movie
He’s More Active in Helping Din Djarin on his Own
The new footage from The Mandalorian & Grogu depicts what looks to be a single mission on a snow planet, and it’s during this mission that Grogu’s new role is revealed. While in the past, Grogu was always directly by Din’s side – with Mando even coining the now-iconic phrase “Wherever I go, he goes” – Grogu is seen on his own in this footage. Din’s actively fighting snow troopers and other guards on his own, and Grogu is completing his own job within the mission to actively help his father and Mandalorian mentor.
It’s not clear exactly what Grogu’s doing in the future, but this independence is a significant change for him. He crawls through what looks to be a ventilation shaft of some sort, with something strapped to his chest that he’s carrying along with him. It can be assumed that whatever Grogu’s doing will help the mission both he and Din are on, perhaps with him carrying important cargo that Din will need whenever Grogu arrives at his destination. Either way, Grogu willingly being alone is a huge change from previous seasons of The Mandalorian.
Din Djarin & Grogu Have A New Kind Of Bond
They’re Both Father-Son and Mentor-Apprentice
Grogu’s new independence is proof of how Din Djarin and Grogu’s bond has changed for the better. Allowing Grogu to independently take on his own task in this mission proves how much trust Din has in Grogu, and that he truly views his son as a Mandalorian apprentice rather than just a young child who needs to be cared for. This shift isn’t surprising, considering the strong faith Din’s always had in Grogu – especially when he advocated for Grogu to spar with Ragnar Vizsla in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4 “Chaper 20: The Foundling.”
This shift isn’t surprising, considering the strong faith Din’s always had in Grogu.
Still, this is clearly a step up from that, no doubt a result of Grogu proving himself to Din in The Mandalorian season 3 finale. Their fight against Moff Gideon’s Praetorian Guard found the two of them striking a natural balance with one another, as Din took care of the offensive attack while Grogu defended them with the Force. Grogu was also responsible for keeping himself, Din, and Bo-Katan Kryze alive as he protected them from an explosion, all of which led to Din’s decision to take Grogu on as an apprentice. That newfound trust has transformed their bond.
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Grogu Has Really Grown Up
He’s No Longer Just “Baby Yoda”
The biggest significance of this change for Grogu is the fact that it proves he’s really grown up since his debut in The Mandalorian. Though he was, and always will be, known as “Baby Yoda,” Grogu really isn’t a baby anymore. He has the capacity to protect both himself and others, and as a Mandalorian apprentice, Grogu is eagerly learning to become the same selfless warrior that his father is. This means that Grogu is walking away from his more childish attributes, and The Mandalorian & Grogu is kicking off this new chapter of Grogu’s life with a massive change.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
hits theaters May 22, 2026.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Mandalorian & Grogu is a Star Wars movie directed by Jon Favreau that continues Disney+’s immensely popular TV Show, The Mandalorian. The film will replace The Mandalorian season 4 to bring the franchise back to the big screen and follow Din Djarin and his adventures with Grogu. The Mandalorian & Grogu is the first Star Wars film to be released since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
- Release Date
- May 22, 2026
- Writers
- Dave Filoni