When it comes to the STAR WARS universe, there are distinct timelines that have been explored in previous films. They tend to break down as follows: the Prequel Trilogy, the Original Trilogy and the New Trilogy that will conclude in December with J.J. Abrams’ STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.
In between these periods, certain storytellers have found new ways to build out the STAR WARS canon. The most successful big-screen version of this has been ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, which told events that led right up to the start of STAR WARS: EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE. The message from Lucasfilm is that movies like ROGUE ONE or SOLO can build on the existing timeline, finding new characters to celebrate as we enhance all that we know about STAR WARS.
Which leads us to “The Mandalorian,” yet another new chapter in the growing STAR WARS saga, only one that will play out on the new Disney+ streaming service, which launches on November 12. During the recent Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, AMC attended a panel about “The Mandalorian” and gathered a lot of interesting details that connect the program to the movie side of this galaxy.
For starters, we learned that the events of “The Mandalorian” take place following the conclusion of STAR WARS: EPISODE VI – RETURN OF THE JEDI. This means that Luke Skywalker and the Rebellion have succeeded, and the Empire is in disarray. The bad guys are wounded, and bounty hunters are struggling to find work.
This is where we meet our lead character, a bounty hunter not unlike Jango and Boba Fett who scours the galaxies hunting down targets for pay. The Mandalorian (played by Pedro Pascal) is the best in the business, and he begins a mission that will take him to new parts of the Star Wars galaxy previously unseen on screen before.
The shepherd of the new Star Wars series has roots in big-screen storytelling. “The Mandalorian” was created by Jon Favreau, whose previous credits with Marvel and Disney include IRON MAN and IRON MAN 2, THE JUNGLE BOOK, and the upcoming THE LION KING. Favreau told fans from the stage at Star Wars Celebration that he’s been a life-long STAR WARS fan, and getting the opportunity to play in the sandbox has been a dream come true.
The footage that we saw of “The Mandalorian” was extremely cinematic, matching ROGUE ONE in its gritty tone and presentation, while also maintaining the awe that comes with stories told in this galaxy. It’s suggested that there will be connections between “The Mandalorian” and the existing STAR WARS movies, though what they are remains a mystery at the moment.
The next STAR WARS movie will be THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, which will conclude the Skywalker Saga while also giving more screen time to modern heroes like Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega). It reaches theatres on December 20. As for “The Mandalorian,” look for it on Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, when it launches in November.
