Disney’s “The Mandalorian” Returns After More Than Two Years

For some Disney fans, March 1 means everything, as it marks the long-awaited, highly-anticipated return of what some have deemed a “global phenomenon” after a more than two-year absence.

Every Disney fan has his or her favorite Disney “thing”: a favorite classic film, a favorite live-action movie, a favorite Disney Park, a favorite ride at a favorite Disney Park . . . the list goes on. And when that favorite something disappears, is unavailable, or simply cannot be found, it can turn a fan’s world upside-down. We’re all used to the occasional ride refurbishments and reimagining of attractions, but the coronavirus pandemic propelled us–Disney fans included–into a whirlwind of unprecedented times and unprecedented scenarios–, and at one point, there were very few things the pandemic didn’t affect.

Such is the case with a fan-favorite experience that you can’t find in the parks or amongst the volumes of Disney classic films. That’s because this experience is one that just became available in 2019 and only to a select number of Disney fans–namely, those with a subscription to Disney’s first-ever premier streaming service, Disney+.

When The Walt Disney Company first announced its plans to roll out a streaming platform, fans were excited–no, elated. Finally! There would be one place where Disney fans of all ages could find and watch their favorite films, whether Walt-era classics or PIXAR favorites or . . . but as streaming was in its infancy, it didn’t occur to most that Disney would be in the business of creating series and films solely for the platform on a continual basis.

(Look, I’m just thrilled that I can watch Sleeping Beauty anytime of the day or night–and as many times as I want!)

Disney: What Is Sleeping Beauty's Actual Name?

But when November of 2019 rolled around, it was evident that fans were in for so much more. Disney’s live-action Lady and the Tramp stole hearts from day one, but nothing could have prepared fans for the platform’s most-streamed offering: The Mandalorian.

From the mind of Jon Favreau and showcasing the work of directors like Bryce Dallas Howard, Taika Waititi, Deborah Chow, and Dave Filoni, the series follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter from Mandalore.

The Mandalorian | StarWars.com

The series begins five years after the storyline in Return of the Jedi (1983) and the fall of the Galactic Empire. The Mandalorian follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter from Mandalore, who is hired what’s left of the Imperial forces to retrieve “the child” named Grogu, who resembles a youthful Master Yoda. Instead, however, “Mando” finds himself on the run in an effort to protect Grogu. During their journey, they are constantly being pursued by Moff Gideon, a villain who needs Grogu because of the child’s connection to the Jedi Force. Mandalorians are never to remove their helmets, but Din Djarin ends up doing just that and must travel to redeem himself after doing so.

Season 1 of The Mandalorian drew millions of viewers across an audience comprised of lifelong diehard Star Wars fans–as well as those who loved them. And the series had the power to make fans out of those who previously had no interest in the galaxy far, far away. Season 2 had the same effect, but since the end of the second season in December 18, 2020, there’s been no new content. Though fans were told a third season would be released, the coronavirus pandemic rendered filming nearly non-existent. When production resumed, it was evident that Season 3 would be a long time coming.

The wait is over, though, as of March 1, as Epidode One of Season 3 of The Mandalorian is available for streaming. If you’ve never watched it, give it a try! The series, referred to by critics as a “global phenomenon” might just make a Mando fan out of you. (And by the way, you can be a Mandalorian fan and still not be down with the rest of the Star Wars galaxy.)

Disney Announces Special ‘Mandalorian’ Debut

Jon Favreau‘s The Mandalorian is getting a special debut that Lucasfilm has never done before.

Fans know that March 1st is when Season 3 of The Mandalorian is set to debut and bring fans to Mandalore, Coruscant, and other planets in the new brand story with everyone’s favorite duo. Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin will try to redeem himself by going to Mandalore, while some stories will focus on Coruscant due to the Empire’s secret dealings being exposed.

It’s still unclear how Giancarlo Esposito’s Moff Gideon will fit into the story, as there are plenty of rumors that the cloning story seen in the Sequel Trilogy might continue to play a role in the series. For some reason, Gideon wants Grogu’s blood, and Season 3 might finally give some answers.

Disney, on the other hand, is making room for all fans whether or not they have Disney+ and have announced that part of  The Mandalorian Season 1 will be debuting on television. According to Gizmodo, fans can watch the first episode on Freeform, ABC, and FX on February 28 at 8 pm EST.

This nostalgic revisit of the first episode will be a great way to relive that special moment when Mando found Baby Yoda, and the internet was forever changed. Surprisingly, Disney is planning to show one episode, but this is now the second time they have done something like this.

Grogu in 'The Mandalorian' Season Three

First, it was with Diego Luna’s Andor due to the series not having a lot of viewership right off the bat, but The Mandalorian has been Disney+’s flagship for views ever since the streaming platform debuted back in 2019. For Star Wars to give the first episode away to be broadcasted is not normal for the company and makes fans wonder if Disney is getting desperate for more subscribers.

Due to their recent financial issues causing Bob Chapek to be swapped with Bob Iger, it would make sense that Disney might be relying on The Mandalorian to provide more fans joining the platform. The series constantly breaks records, and it won’t be surprising if Season 3 follows suit and shatters more.

Release Date for Mandalorian Season 3 Announced!

It’s hard to believe just how long it has been since we last saw Mando and Grogu. Season 2 was released in 2020 and left viewers on the edge of their seats. We couldn’t wait to find out what happened next for the bounty hunter and his pint-sized companion. Sadly, with the onslaught of COVID-19, we had to wait much longer than expected due to filming delays.

When last we saw Grogu and his faithful guardian, they were (as usual) in a bit of a tight spot, but fans cheered at the arrival of a beloved character who would swoop in to save the day…we hope…it all ended with a major cliffhanger. The duo has been making their way across the galaxy to save the tiny “baby Yoda” from the clutches of the evil Empire who want to exploit the child for his force-sensitive talents. Mando has sworn that will never happen and continuously gets the pair in and out of hot water in his attempts to evade the galactic overlords.

The Mandalorian

Each episode provides enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat and enough cute baby Yoda goodness to fill up your “awww” meter. With excellent storytelling and the incredible special effects we’ve come to expect from Star Wars, it is easy to see why The Mandalorian has such a loyal fan base.

The show, which has been billed as a “space western,” has become a fan favorite since its release in 2019. We are so excited that the next installment is coming soon! Many reliable sources have confirmed that the show will return for its third installment of the hit show will return on February 22, 2023! That is almost a 3-year hiatus since the season 2 conclusion.

If you can’t get enough of Mando and Grogu (which who could blame you?), you don’t have to wait til the show premiers to get your fix. Over at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, you can meet the pair in person at the all new meet and greet coming this month!

‘Star Wars’ Confirms When ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3 Debuts

Ever since The Mandalorian Season 2 (“Chapter 16: The Rescue”) ended with the epic return of Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, Star Wars fans have been clamoring for details about Season 3 of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s hit series.

In the Season 2 finale, Skywalker swooped in with his X-wing to rescue bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu, Cara Dune (Gina Carano), Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), Koska Reeves (Sasha Banks), and Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) from certain doom onboard Moff Gideon’s (Giancarlo Esposito) Imperial starship.

Then, many Mandalorian stars returned in The Book of Boba Fett, setting up the basis for the third season of the popular Disney+ Original show.

Filoni’s episode, “Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger,” in particular, orchestrated the returns of Skywalker (CGI Mark Hamill/Graham Hamilton) — who officially interacted with his father’s Padawan, Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), for the first time — Grogu himself, and Marshal Cobb Vanth (Timothy Olyphant).

Most Star Wars fans online were thrilled, calling the installment a “fever dream.”

ahsoka tano in the book of boba fett episode 6

Djarin had previously made his return in Bryce Dallas Howard’s aptly titled, “Chapter 5: The Return of the Mandalorian.”

Speculation about when the third season of the series will debut has run rampant, with initial reports indicating a December 2022 or early 2023 release date. Then, however, actor Giancarlo Esposito (Moff Gideon) indicated that Star Wars fans could expect the show as early as this summer.

moff gideon giancarlo esposito

Now, Star Wars has confirmed to Vanity Fair when exactly The Mandalorian Season 3 will debut — and it appears the the original speculation was correct. Per the magazine’s online article, “Season three of The Mandalorian returns in late 2022 or early 2023.”

Although Favreau and Filoni have remained characteristically tight-lipped about the third season of The Mandalorian overall, we do know that Pascal, Esposito, Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan Kryze), and Carl Weathers (Greef Karga) will all return, and that filming has reportedly wrapped.

Furthermore, it is expected that the ongoing Darksaber storyline will play a key role in the show.

Djarin currently wields the black-bladed weapon after winning a battle against Paz Vizsla (voiced by Jon Favreau) in The Book of Boba Fett. Both Kryze and Gideon, however, also have their sights set on the ancient Mandalorian blade.

Djarin and Grogu will likely stage their return to the former’s home world, Mandalore, so the beskar-clad bounty hunter can attempt to atone for breaking “the Way” and removing his helmet by visiting the “living waters” under the planet’s destroyed mines.