A baby Rodian. Embo the Bounty Hunter threatening Din Djarin in the mysterious rain. A New Republic Deck of Cards reminiscent of the Bush Era’s War on Terror. Remnants of both the Imperials and the Separatists. The Hutt Twins. A massive white serpent (as seen on the movie poster) in a one-on-one showdown with the Mandalorian himself.
This Is certainly The Way to excite Star Wars fans with a long-awaited official trailer. The teaser trailer announced the movie’s existence but never really felt like it was promising more than a continuation of The Mandalorian. Here, we finally see visuals that feel scaled up to the big screen, with effects and scope worthy of a Star Wars film.
I just rewatched Andor with my wife, who hadn’t seen it. As much as she enjoyed aspects of it (she’s all Kleya, all the time), I hope she won’t mind me saying that she wasn’t super engaged by it all the way through. The reason? To her, it didn’t feel particularly exciting. It is, in fact, a rather dour watch, for all it’s intensity. There’s a sense that creating a Rebellion is a miserable, soul crushing, compromising labor, and that those who gave their lives to fight oppression have made their lives a sunless place.
The Mandalorian is that other thing: it’s just a blast. It’s heartfelt. It’s written in prose that’s meant to invite, not impress. There’s a lack of anxiety around it. It’s never been made to reject or reshape our understanding of Star Wars, it’s a project designed to make you smile quite a lot about Star Wars. It’s popular because it’s made for everyone, from the biggest geek to the person who just wants something to watch on a Sunday afternoon. It’s old-fashioned that way. It’s sweet and funny. The trailer really captures that feeling.
The Mandalorian is also about being a parent and that’s where this trailer really sings. “The kid will live centuries beyond me. I won’t always be around to protect him.” Every parent I know talks about feeling especially mortal in the presence of their children. Children outlives their parents, if the world is working as it should. Maybe not by centuries, but once you leave them, it could be ten years or centuries, it’s all the same. You think about who they will be without you, and if you have equipped them for the world beyond.
This is Star Wars, in some ways, at its most healthy. It’s not about healing generational trauma, it’s about coming together. It’s making sure he puts on his armor before he goes out. It’s about making sure he doesn’t have too many snacks before dinner. It’s about making sure he buckles his seat belt. The Mandalorian & Grogu trailer nods heavily that it’s not discarding the emotional core of the story.
From a storytelling perspective, this is our last look at what to expect before the movie. The main plot is still mysterious to me. I am seeing more of the given circumstances, where we are in the world, than what the movie’s central journey may be. I understand that The Mandalorian and his ward will be assisting the New Republic in Galactic Clean Up, and that this will lead them into a conflict with the Hutts. But what is the MacGuffin here, what is high-stakes must-accomplish task? What are they chasing beyond someone listed on the deck of cards?
I’m wondering if one of our main characters will be the thing being saved. We see Grogu on his own a fair amount here. Is Din captured? Has his past as a bounty hunter caught up with him? Will Grogu emerge as the film’s true hero? We shall see.
But there’s one especially smart play here: The Mandalorian is unmasked. His lost helmet represents him being in considerable jeopardy, of course, but it also means we get the benefit of Pedro Pascal owning the big screen in his most sympathetic role. I’m glad we’ll see them take advantage of the actor that has often been as much a voice as the body of this character. It can only make the film stronger.
I could not be more excited! Hype comes to Frogtown! What did you notice that especially gets you hyped for May?
I think you hit the nail on the head here. Andor, for as great as it was and we'll likely never see another Star Wars show like it, is not fun. It has some moments of humor but it's not intended to be fun. M&G looks like it's bring back all the fun parts of Star Wars. Cannot wait!
Baby Greedo!