Projected $80M+ Opening for 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' Signals a New Era for Star Wars
Lucasfilm/Disney's first Star Wars film in seven years, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' has entered tracking with a projected four-day opening of $80 million or more over the US Memorial Day weekend. While lower than typical Star Wars openings, early tracking may improve. The film currently skews toward men over 25, but Disney plans to attract more families before its May 22 release.
On May 4, IMAX auditoriums will screen the first 19 minutes of the film directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote and produced with Dave Filoni.
From Streaming to the Big Screen
Disney has previously adapted popular TV properties to film, such as 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' which opened to $42 million domestically in 2008 and grossed $90.6 million. This is the first Disney+ property to receive a full theatrical release.
- 'The Mandalorian' has exceeded 1 billion hours streamed.
- Comparables include 2009's 'Star Trek' ($75.2 million) and 'Fast & Furious' spinoff 'Hobbs & Shaw' ($60 million).
First choice for all audiences on 'Mandalorian and Grogu' is similar to 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' which opened to $79 million over the 2024 Memorial Day weekend.
Context: The Lowest Star Wars Opening
The lowest opening for a Star Wars live-action film was 2018's 'Solo: A Star Wars Story,' which debuted to $103 million over four days and finished at $213.7 million domestic and $392.9 million worldwide. 'Solo' faced negative press due to production issues.
In 2024, Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' opened to $182 million over Memorial Day weekend, setting a record. Combined with 'Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning,' the weekend totaled over $330 million.
No Major Competition
No major tentpole is counterprogramming against 'Mandalorian and Grogu.' Opening against it are Paramount's 'Passenger' directed by Andre Ovredal and Neon's 'I Love Boosters' directed by Boots Riley.
The Cast and Ticket Sales
The film stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, and Martin Scorsese. Tickets went on sale April 17.