The Mandalorian and Grogu movie will premiere in theaters first, then move to Disney Plus after roughly 45 days

Lucasfilm announced in January 2024 that the next Mandalorian story will be a theatrical film called The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Dave Filoni. The film will play in movie theaters before arriving on Disney Plus—this is the standard release pattern for Star Wars theatrical films. However, no official release date has been announced yet, so the film is not coming to Disney Plus in the when ready future.

The movie is currently in production. Lucasfilm typically announces theatrical release dates 6 to 12 months before a film opens in theaters, so an official date could come at any time. Once a theatrical date is public, you can estimate the Disney Plus arrival by adding roughly 45 days to that date. Until then, there is no confirmed timeline for when you will be able to watch it on the streaming service.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mandalorian & Grogu will play in movie theaters first, then move to Disney Plus after roughly 45 days.
  • No official release date has been announced yet, so the film is not coming to Disney Plus in the when ready future.
  • You will need a Disney Plus subscription to watch it once it arrives on the service, but no additional payment is required beyond your regular subscription.
  • Following official Star Wars social media accounts and Disney's announcements is the most reliable way to learn when the theatrical release date is set.
  • The exact timing between theatrical release and Disney Plus arrival can shift based on box office performance and Disney's release schedule.

How the theatrical-to-streaming timeline works for Star Wars films

Disney and Lucasfilm follow a consistent pattern with Star Wars theatrical releases. A film opens in theaters, plays for roughly 45 days, then moves to Disney Plus at no additional cost to subscribers. This is the same window used for recent Star Wars films like The Rise of Skywalker and Rogue One after their theatrical runs ended.

The exact timing can shift based on box office performance and other releases on Disney's schedule, so the 45-day window is typical but not may provide. A film that performs exceptionally well in theaters might stay longer before moving to streaming. Once the film gets an official theatrical release date, you will be able to estimate when it should arrive on Disney Plus by adding roughly six weeks to that date.

This theatrical-first approach is different from some Star Wars content released during the pandemic, which went directly to Disney Plus without a theater run. The decision to make The Mandalorian & Grogu a theatrical film signals that Lucasfilm views it as a major event release rather than a streaming exclusive.

What you need to watch on Disney Plus

To watch The Mandalorian & Grogu on Disney Plus, you will need an active subscription. Disney Plus offers several subscription tiers: the standard plan with ads, the standard plan without ads, and the premium plan. All tiers include access to theatrical films once they arrive on the service.

If you already subscribe to Disney Plus for other Star Wars content or general entertainment, no additional payment is required when the film becomes available. The movie will appear in your library alongside other Star Wars series and films once it moves from theaters to streaming. You can watch it as many times as you want with your subscription, just like any other content on the platform.

When to expect the theatrical release announcement

Lucasfilm typically announces theatrical release dates 6 to 12 months before a film opens in theaters. Since The Mandalorian & Grogu is still in production, an official date could come at any time, but it is unlikely to arrive before late 2025 at the earliest based on typical production timelines. Once a theatrical date is announced, you can mark your calendar for the Disney Plus arrival roughly 45 days later.

Following Lucasfilm's announcements through official Star Wars social media accounts or Disney's investor relations updates is the most reliable way to learn the release date. Entertainment news outlets will also report the announcement widely once it is made public. Setting up notifications from these sources ensures you will not miss the date when it is finally confirmed.

Other Mandalorian content available on Disney Plus now

While you wait for the film, Disney Plus has the complete The Mandalorian series, which includes three seasons of Din Djarin and Grogu's story. The platform also offers The Book of Boba Fett, which features both characters, and Ahsoka, which connects to the larger Star Wars timeline that the Mandalorian film will be part of.

These shows provide context for the film's story and are included with any Disney Plus subscription. Watching them beforehand is not required to understand the movie, but they expand the world and characters you will see on screen. If you are new to the Mandalorian universe, starting with season one of The Mandalorian will give you the full background before the theatrical film arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Mandalorian and Grogu movie be exclusive to Disney Plus?

No. The film will have a theatrical release first, meaning it will play in movie theaters before coming to Disney Plus. This is different from some other Star Wars content that went directly to streaming during the pandemic.

Can I watch it on Disney Plus the same day it comes out in theaters?

No. There will be a roughly 45-day gap between the theatrical release and the Disney Plus premiere. The exact timing depends on the box office performance and Disney's release schedule.

Do I need to pay extra to watch it on Disney Plus?

No. Once the film arrives on Disney Plus, it is included with any active subscription tier. You do not pay per movie or for premium access to new releases.

Has a release date been announced yet?

No official date has been set as of now. The film is still in production. Lucasfilm typically announces theatrical dates several months before release, so check official Star Wars channels for updates.

What if I want to see it in theaters instead of waiting for Disney Plus?

You can see it in movie theaters during its theatrical run. Ticket prices and showtimes will vary by location and theater, just like any other film release.