The Mandalorian and Grogu Lands Weakest Star Wars Opening Since Disney's 2012 Acquisition

The long-awaited big-screen adventure for Din Djarin and his young companion has arrived in theaters, and the numbers tell a notable story. The Mandalorian and Grogu pulled in $82 million domestically during its opening weekend, with an estimated $102 million accumulated through Monday, May 25. On a global scale, the film has generated approximately $165 million.

Though respectable by 2026 standards, the haul represents a significant milestone—and not in the way franchises typically hope for. It's the weakest opening weekend for any Star Wars theatrical release since Disney's acquisition of the property in 2012.

For perspective, 2018's Solo: A Star Wars Story opened to $84 million over the weekend and $103 million through the Memorial Day period, unadjusted for inflation. The 2019 installment The Rise of Skywalker went on to earn $1 billion globally.

The production carried an estimated budget of $165 million. On the critical front, the film holds a 62% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences have been more generous with an 89% score.

Director Jon Favreau helmed the film, which reunites Pedro Pascal in his role as the legendary bounty hunter Din Djarin—a character he made famous through the beloved Disney+ series. Grogu, the pint-sized Force-sensitive character accompanying him, has become one of contemporary pop culture's most recognizable figures, despite the widespread "Baby Yoda" nickname that doesn't reflect the character's actual identity.

The film's premise follows the fall of the Empire and the subsequent chaos it created. "The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy," the synopsis notes. "As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu."

With the film leading the box office this weekend, viewers have been curious about its place within the broader Star Wars narrative and when they might stream it at home on Disney+.