The Mandalorian Isn't Going To Save Star Wars

Overview

This episode critiques the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, highlighting its lack of creativity, the declining cultural relevance of Star Wars, and Disney's struggles to revive the franchise. The host dissects the trailer, the franchise's current state, and the broader implications for Star Wars moving forward.

Notable Quotes

- Star Wars isn't just on life support at this point. It's already been declared legally dead. – On the franchise's current state.

- Keeping Grogu as a wordless baby forever would nuke any possibility of progress or development... but the moment he starts talking, he stops being the cute little baby Yoda that sold more merch than every other Disney Star Wars character combined. – On the creative dilemma surrounding Grogu.

- It feels more like a movie made through a process of elimination instead of any kind of artistic drive. – On Disney's decision-making process for the new film.

🎥 The Mandalorian and Grogu: A Lackluster Comeback

- The first trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu was met with widespread indifference, signaling a weak start for Disney's attempt to revive Star Wars theatrically.

- The trailer showcases uninspired visuals, generic action scenes, and no compelling story hooks, resembling a high-budget TV episode rather than a cinematic event.

- The host criticizes the lack of creativity in the title and concept, calling it a predictable big-screen adaptation of an overused character.

🛑 The Decline of Star Wars

- The franchise is described as culturally irrelevant, with its last theatrical release (The Rise of Skywalker) leaving a sour taste.

- Disney is accused of burning fan goodwill over the past decade, with The Mandalorian being one of the few bright spots—though even its appeal has waned.

- Season 3 of The Mandalorian is labeled a tedious, laughable disaster, with poor writing, sidelined main characters, and divisive new additions like Bo-Katan.

🧸 The Grogu Problem

- Grogu (Baby Yoda) is seen as both a blessing and a curse for the franchise. While he drove merchandise sales, his lack of development limits storytelling possibilities.

- The host highlights the creative stagnation caused by keeping Grogu as a perpetual baby, contrasting it with the risk of losing his marketable cute factor if he grows up.

💰 Disney’s Business-Driven Approach

- The decision to make a Mandalorian movie is framed as a calculated business move rather than an artistic one, based on merchandise sales and streaming metrics.

- The host criticizes Disney for prioritizing profit over creativity, describing the film as a dry, clinical business decision.

🎭 Casting and Star Power

- Pedro Pascal's involvement is downplayed, with speculation that his role may be minimal due to his disinterest in the franchise post-Season 2.

- Sigourney Weaver’s casting is dismissed as unremarkable, with the host lamenting her recent career choices and comparing her to Samuel L. Jackson’s overexposure.