Lucasfilm brings new merchandise into the spotlight in New York
Lucasfilm hosted an intimate preview event in New York, inviting press to get an early look at the merchandise tied to the upcoming film The Mandalorian and Grogu. Collider attended the gathering and sat in on a fireside conversation that highlighted how toys and Star Wars storytelling continue to feed one another as the franchise expands.
A conversation about toys, fandom and secrecy
The centerpiece of the event was a chat between Bobby Kim, the new Creative Director for Merchandise at Lucasfilm, and creator-director Jon Favreau. They discussed the long-standing relationship between Star Wars and consumer products — a partnership that has shaped how generations first encounter many characters.
Favreau reflected on his own childhood memories of the films and action figures, and how that cultural loop still matters. “For Star Wars, there’s always been that conversation between the two,” he said. “So it feels very organic. One leads into the other.” He also called out the unexpected scale of the Grogu phenomenon, noting that initial secrecy around the character meant toys could not be rushed to market during the show’s debut, which made early Grogu plush items especially anticipated by fans.
What the new line includes
Lucasfilm showed a wide-ranging slate of items designed to appeal to collectors and casual fans alike. Highlights revealed at the event include:
- Grogu-focused toys and plushes in multiple styles and scales, plus Din Djarin–and–Grogu playsets and ship toys.
- Costumes and role-play items tied to The Mandalorian.
- Specialty apparel, such as spirit jerseys inspired by Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
- Role-play lightsabers and accessory lines, plus a series of themed sunglasses.
- Supporting-character merchandise, including items featuring Babu Frik.
Attendees were shown a cross-section of products meant to span price points and ages — from display-quality collectibles to family-friendly playthings — underscoring Lucasfilm’s intent to give fans many ways to engage with the film beyond the theater experience.
Why the timing matters
Favreau’s comments emphasized that merchandise is not merely ancillary but part of the Star Wars ecosystem: toys help maintain fan interest between releases and can amplify a character’s cultural impact. The Grogu reveal on streaming created one of those moments — a wave of affection and demand that the company is now positioned to meet more fully with this new launch.
Film details and select cast
The Mandalorian and Grogu is scheduled to open in theaters on May 22, 2026. Jon Favreau directs from a script he co-wrote with Dave Filoni. The production sits within the broader Star Wars franchise and will be followed by related projects from the creative team.
Selected cast members announced or attached to the project include:
- Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian
- Steve Blum as Zeb
- Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt
- Jonny Coyne as Warlord
What fans can expect next
The New York preview makes clear that Lucasfilm plans to support the theatrical release with a broad merchandising program aimed at both collectors and casual fans. More product details and release specifics will likely be revealed as the May release approaches. For now, fans can look forward to a wide assortment of Mandalorian- and Grogu-themed items arriving alongside the film.