The first day of Star Wars Celebration Japan (SWCJ) has kicked off. The first panel on the schedule is an update on the upcoming movie “The Mandalorian & Grogu.” Jon Favreau will direct the feature film all about Din Djarin and Grogu, which will be the next “Star Wars” live action film to release.
The first big panel started with C3PO and R2D2 welcoming the crowd.
Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni are on stage now. They confirm films from James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Taika Waititi are still in ongoing development, as well as a new trilogy by Simon Kinberg.
Shawn Levy (“Deadpool & Wolverine“) is also on hand.
“This is no longer a Star Wars movie in development,” says Levy. “This is a Star Wars movie we are making this fall!” “This is a standalone adventure that takes place a few years after Episode IX,” he adds. “That could mean many things!” “But we won’t say what just yet,” chips in Filoni.
Yes, Levy’s film will star Ryan Gosling. It is described as a standalone adventure that takes place a few years after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Apparently cameras start rolling this fall. “There’s been a lot of rumors about my movie,” says Levy. “And one of them is 100% true!”
It will be called “Star Wars: Starfighter,” and will release May 28th, 2027.
“The Mandalorian & Grogu”
“The relationship with Mando and Grogu is one we really understand. That parent child dynamic. And that really resonates with fans,” Kennedy says. Its very likely whatever footage gets shown today will be released in the morning as Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver will be on “Good Morning America.” They’re also currently on stage in Japan!
“I’ll never forget the first day I sat down with Jon and Dave to see illustrations from The Mandalorian,” Pascal said. “I knew people were gonna lose their minds!”
A first-look image of Weaver in costume on set surrounded by duck droids was shown! “When I watched Mando I fell in love with all the characters, and especially this man,” Weaver says, looking at Pedro Pascal.
Jabba the Hutt’s son Rotta will be a gladiator with massive biceps, and will be played by Jeremy Allen White.
Over on the LIVE stage that you can watch on the official live stream, the audience just sang happy birthday to The Chosen One- Hayden Christianson. They presented him with a Darth Vader cake!!
We will be updating live, so keep checking back!
“The Mandalorian & Grogu” will release May 22nd, 2026.
