How The Mandalorian and Grogu Sets Up the Sequel Trilogy

The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars film to bridge the gap between Return of the Jedi and the sequels, filling an interesting role within the film canon. The period between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens covers 32 years, and spin-offs like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and Skeleton Crew are mostly set five to eight years after Return of the Jedi, leaving roughly 25 years unexplored.

Din Djarin works for the New Republic and is assigned by Colonel Ward to hunt former Imperial officers turned warlords. In the film he kills Empire Commander Barro and brings in Janu Coin, eliminating two members of the Imperial Shadow Council along with Moff Gideon, who died in The Mandalorian Season 3.

Two notable figures remain: Grand Admiral Thrawn and Brendol Hux. Thrawn, first introduced in the Expanded Universe and in Rebels Season 3, made his live-action debut in Ahsoka Season 1 with Lars Mikkelsen reprising the role; his story continues in Ahsoka Season 2, set for release in early 2027.

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