Movies & TV / Columns

Has The Mandalorian Saved Star Wars?

November 25, 2019 | Posted by Steve Gustafson
The Mandalorian

It’s that time of the year where we are at peak Star Wars news. Much of the positive buzz can be traced back to Disney+’s hit, The Mandalorian.

Much is being made abut the shows tone, which feels more like Star Wars than the prequels and sequels to the original. In fact, rumors have popped up that series creator Jon Favreau is in talks to guide and/or direct a future film.

That Favreau is in talks isn’t surprising but the fact that he has so much support for fans is. Over the years Star Wars fandom has come under fire for being toxic, attacking the very franchise they profess to love. The prequels and sequels have drawn so much backlash that fans are splintered in their devotion to the saga.

Add in the sad performance of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the surprise gem of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you have a lot to pick through and decipher. At times it has gotten downright ugly, with some fans attacking the actors on social media and each other with arguments of why one movie is superior to another. We’ve even seen petitions started to remake movies in the series. It’s been a dark time for the franchise.

Then came along The Mandalorian and peace has settled across the land.

Positive reviews from fans and critics, along with an adorable baby character that looks to be the hit of the holidays, have installed something in the franchise that’s been long forgotten. 

Hope.

Sure, we have Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker coming up soon and that’s sure to divide the masses but it’s been nice to have a respite from all that. Even if for a short period.

I’m sure you’ve seen that as well on your social media timelines and while you’re chatting it up with friends. The Mandalorian came at the perfect time to give the fanbase something to be thankful for.

Even better, there’s more to come in the series. “There are lots of surprises in the show. Part of what is fun about doing eight episodes is that each one could have a surprise and twist,” Favreau said in an interview at the show’s premiere in Hollywood. Favreau has built up enough good faith in just 3 episodes so we can take heart in his words.

So let’s take a few moments and thank The Mandalorian for reminded us why we love Star Wars. And that damn cute baby Yoda.