The Mandalorian – History, Film, Grogu & Collectibles
Disney+'s most-watched series, and a film that brought Star Wars back to cinemas after seven years. Here is what happened, and why Grogu is the real star.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The film: The Mandalorian and Grogu
On 22 May 2026 Star Wars returned to cinemas – for the first time since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Seven years away.
It was directed by Jon Favreau, the series' creator, with a score by Ludwig Göransson. Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin, alongside Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White.
The story sits after season three: Mando and Grogu take on a mission for the New Republic, to rescue Rotta the Hutt.
Honestly: the film performed moderately at the box office and drew mixed reviews – the score and Pascal were praised, the plot less so. It passed $250 million, a respectable figure but a low one for Star Wars.
Why Grogu outsells everyone
And here is the interesting part: the film's performance does not matter for the merchandise.
Grogu – "Baby Yoda" – is one of very few designs in popular culture that works entirely on its own. He is recognised by people who have never watched Star Wars.
You do not need to know who he is, where he is from or what he does. He is small, green, with large eyes – and that is enough. Which is why his products sell to an audience far wider than the series' own fans.
In practical terms: if a Grogu plush and a Din Djarin figure sit on the same shelf, the plush leaves first – by a wide margin.
What order to watch it in
The Mandalorian began in 2019 and became Disney+'s most-watched original series. The viewing order is simple:
- The Mandalorian, seasons 1 to 3 – the core story.
- The film – set after season three.
Do you need to have seen the Star Wars films? No. The series is one of the best entry points into the universe – it is set after the original trilogy, but tells its own self-contained story.
The helmet rule
The protagonist never removes his helmet in front of others. It is a religious rule of his sect, not a writing device.
And it produces one of the most demanding performances on television: the actor must convey emotion through voice and posture alone.
Commercially: the helmet became one of the most recognisable shapes in modern Star Wars – and its replicas are among the most requested pieces in the category.
What is worth collecting
- Grogu plush: in many sizes – the single most commercial product in the whole category.
- Figures: Din Djarin, Grogu, Bo-Katan and the rest of the cast.
- Helmet replicas: from display pieces to wearable versions.
- Funko POP: the whole cast, with many Grogu variants.
- Apparel & accessories: t-shirts, mugs, keyrings.
Gift guide
A Grogu plush – it works even for someone who has never seen the series.
A plush or a play figure.
A helmet replica or a premium figure.
Grogu keyrings, mugs, small figures.
Frequently asked questions
- When did The Mandalorian and Grogu come out?
- On 22 May 2026 – the first Star Wars film in cinemas for seven years. Directed by Jon Favreau, with Pedro Pascal in the lead.
- Who is Grogu?
- The small green character widely known as "Baby Yoda". He is not Yoda – he is a different being of the same species. His real name was revealed in season two.
- Do I need to have seen the Star Wars films?
- No. The series is one of the best entry points into the Star Wars universe – set after the original trilogy, but telling its own story.
- Why does he never remove the helmet?
- It is a religious rule of the Mandalorian sect he belongs to: he may not show his face to another person. The actor conveys emotion through voice and posture alone.
- Where can I find Mandalorian collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
