The internet practically imploded when blurry, vertical phone footage of The Mandalorian and Grogu started circulating on social media. Honestly, it was inevitable. When you have thousands of fans in a dark room at D23 or Star Wars Celebration, someone is going to hit record. But here is the thing: what most people are calling a "leak" is actually a confusing mix of three different teasers shown over the last year.
You’ve probably seen the grainy clips of an AT-AT stomping through snow. People are screaming "Hoth!" in the comments, but it's not that simple.
What the Mandalorian and Grogu trailer leak actually shows
If you’ve spent any time on Reddit or X lately, you’ve seen the breakdown. The footage starts with a nostalgic sizzle reel—mostly shots we’ve seen of Din Djarin and Grogu from the first three seasons. Then, it gets real. We see the duo on a snowy planet (likely not Hoth, but a new frozen world) where they are literally riding an AT-RT walker.
It’s chaotic. It’s fast.
We see Grogu's ears flapping in the wind, which is basically the cutest thing Lucasfilm has ever put on a big screen. But the big "holy crap" moment for most fans was the return of the Razor Crest. Wait, didn't that ship get turned into space dust by an Imperial light cruiser in Season 2? Yes, it did. Yet, there it is in the trailer, shiny and intact.
👉 See also: The Horrid Henry Film Cast: Why That 2011 Movie Still Feels Like a Fever Dream
The Zeb and Babu Frik factor
The leak also confirmed that Jon Favreau is pulling deep from the Star Wars Rebels and sequel trilogy toy box. We see Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios—the hulking purple Lasat—wishing the duo good luck. He looks way more polished than his brief cameo in Season 3.
Then there’s Babu Frik. Or, more accurately, Anzellans. We see Grogu sitting in a tiny cockpit with two of them, and because Grogu is a toddler-sized alien, he actually looks giant compared to them. It’s a fun, lighthearted beat that balances out the shots of Din Djarin blasting his way through corridors full of Snowtroopers.
Is this just Season 4 condensed into a movie?
There is a massive misconception that Disney just took the scripts for Season 4 and mashed them into a two-hour film. That’s not entirely true. While production on the fourth season was delayed by the 2023 strikes, Lucasfilm CCO Dave Filoni and director Jon Favreau have been adamant that this is a cinematic event.
The scale looks massive.
Unlike the TV show, which sometimes felt "contained" due to the Volume (the giant LED screen tech they use), the leaked footage shows sprawling landscapes and much more practical-looking action. They aren't just doing "mission of the week" stuff anymore. The stakes involve the New Republic enlisting Din to hunt down Imperial warlords who refuse to give up the ghost.
Real cast details you might have missed
We know Pedro Pascal is back, but the leak and subsequent official news confirmed some wild additions:
- Sigourney Weaver: She's playing Colonel Ward, a high-ranking New Republic officer.
- Jeremy Allen White: This was the curveball. The Bear star is reportedly voicing Rotta the Hutt. Yes, Jabba’s son from the Clone Wars movie.
- Jonny Coyne: Reprising his role as a sinister Imperial Warlord.
The plot basically boils down to a rescue mission. Mando and Grogu are tasked with saving Rotta, which naturally puts them in the crosshairs of the remaining Imperial remnant.
The "Hoth" controversy and the Super Bowl
The most recent "leak" isn't even a leak—it’s a slight variation of the teaser that Disney started playing in front of Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash in late 2025. It added about six seconds of new footage, including a better look at Sigourney Weaver’s character.
Fans are currently losing their minds because an official, high-definition trailer hasn't hit YouTube yet. The word on the street (and by "street," I mean credible industry insiders) is that Disney is holding the "real" first trailer for the 2026 Super Bowl.
🔗 Read more: Chadwick Boseman: Why Black Panther Still Matters in 2026
Why this matters for Star Wars
Look, the franchise has had a rough go lately. The Acolyte was divisive, and we haven't had a Star Wars movie in theaters since The Rise of Skywalker back in 2019. This movie is a gamble. Disney is betting that the "Casual Fan" who loves Baby Yoda but doesn't watch the animated shows will show up to a theater on May 22, 2026.
Based on the leaked footage, the vibe is very "Original Trilogy." It feels gritty but fun. It doesn't look like a "TV movie." It looks like a Star Wars movie.
If you’re trying to keep up with the constant flow of "leaked" clips, here is your checklist for what to actually look for:
- Check the ship: If you see a N-1 Starfighter, it’s old footage. If you see the Razor Crest, it’s the movie.
- Look for the Snowtroopers: The movie features a specific raid on an Imperial base that hasn't appeared in any of the three seasons.
- The Anzellan scene: If Grogu is hanging out with the "Hey Hey!" guys in a ship, you’re looking at the real deal.
The wait is almost over. We’re only a few months away from the official May release. Until then, keep an eye on the official Star Wars social channels around mid-February. That’s when the blurry leaks will finally be replaced by 4K glory.
Set your calendars for May 22, 2026. This isn't just another chapter; it's the start of a whole new theatrical era for the galaxy far, far away. Prepare for a lot more Grogu merchandise, because if that AT-RT scene is any indication, he’s about to become the biggest action star in the franchise.