D23, top 4 Star Wars takeaways
This past weekend saw D23, ‘the ultimate Disney fan event’, held in Anaheim California. Star Wars was treated to fresh news, teasers and fan experiences, along with other Disney properties including Marvel, Pixar and the parks. I wasn’t at the event, but I paid close attention to all the Star Wars news across my social media feeds and StarWars.com. Here are the top 4 things that caught my attention.
The Mandalorian and Grogu back on the ice…but where
Courtesy of Mr’s Favreau and Filoni, fans at D23 got a glimpse new footage of the upcoming ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ movie, reconfirmed to be releasing on 22nd May 2026. The sizzle reel featured scene-setting clips from across seasons 1-3 of the Mandalorian, along with some stunning new visuals including Mando and Grogu sprinting across the ice on what looked like an AT-RT to face down some terrifyingly huge looking classic AT-AT’s.
We’ve seen Mando and Grogu on ice worlds during The Mandalorian series, and there must be plenty in the galaxy far far away, but the inclusion of AT-ATs, shots of what look like an abandoned base, and a healthy smattering of snowtroopers does clearly invoke Hoth. Favreau and Filoni, who introduced the footage, surely know this, which leaves me wondering…was this actually Hoth…and what business would the remnant empire have there during this time?
Fans were also delighted to see Zeb Orrelios during the new footage in a Razorcrest…or ‘THE’ Razocrest? As well as a delightful shot of some Anzellans travelling in a cramped compartment with Grogu. This movie already feels on an epic scale, with action through the roof. I can’t wait for a midnight showing.
Skeleton Crew, what’s up with Jod?
With the recent discourse around the Acolyte taking up much of the airwaves, Skeleton Crew has been flying under the radar. However, D23 gave us our first look at a trailer. With strong ‘Stranger Things’ vibes centred around its young cast, it does enough to feel like Star Wars while teasing a fresh fantasy adventure style, complete with pirates, fairytales, ancient secrets to be uncovered, and unexpected voyages.
We’re also given a closer look at Jude Laws character, Jod Na Nawood, whose force sensitivity attracts the question “are you a Jedi” from one of the kids. I am left wondering the answer to this question. Much of the press around Skeleton Crew has seemingly referred to Jod as a Jedi, but I’m not sure sure. Something about the way he presents, and maybe the fact he’s locked up in a jail cell, makes me think all is not as it seems with Jod…
I am really hopeful Skeleton Crew will appeal to a whole new demographic of fans, it really looks like something we’ve never had in Star Wars before. Yes, ok, including suburbs in space. I dont mind that too much, its a big galaxy after all. There also looks to be plenty to get excited about for hardcore fans, with talk of the Jedi, some classic Original Trilogy alien species, and a great shot of two X-wings flying overhead. Cue Carson Teva?
The power of Manny
The big thing I was hoping for from D23 was an Acolyte season 2 announcement. Sadly this didnt come. Maybe Disney had it in mind, and maybe they’ve decided to wait a little longer before the go/no go a second season, who knows. However, it was brilliant to see an Acolyte presence at the event, headed up by The Stranger himself Manny Jacinto.
It looked like Manny got a fantastic reception, which can only do good things for a season 2 prognosis. Between signing autographs and taking questions, Manny was quoted saying “fingers crossed we get to do it again”. I love to hear this. It probably isn’t too unusual that an actor in a show is hoping it will be renewed. But given that The Stranger is probably the most universally loved part of Season 1, and that Disney seems aware of the positive fan reaction to Manny (he’s also announced as a Celebration 2025 guest), I’m taking him voicing his support for a Season 2 as a big positive. #RenewTheAcolyte!
Two rogues return
I was lucky enough to catch the sizzle reel for Andor season 2 released at Celebration 2023, and I have to say it looked brilliant. I got the sense it will be faster and more action packed than the first season, with high stakes and a greater sense of galactic consequences. I think many fans had hoped for this, finding Andor’s style and tone a bit more of an aquired taste compared to the shotgun pumping and popcorn chomping action of The Mandalorian.
We know that every three episodes will take a one year time jumps until we bump into Rogue One, and so the pace probably does need to pick up. Fans have been hoping that the this will lead to the inevitable reintroduction of some favourite characters from Rogue One. Well, a sizzle reel shown in-room only at D23 revealed this will absolutely be the case with Ben Mendelsohn and Alan Tudyk reprising their roles as Orson Krennic and K-2SO. These two characters were definitely high points for me from Rogue One, and I can’t wait to see what they were getting up to in the run up to the movie.
There is loads to look forward to in Star Wars at the minute. Let me know what you are most looking forward to on Threads, Twitter or Instagram, and sign up for updates and more blogs!
MTFBWY
