Key Facts
- ✓ The Mandalorian and Grogu releases in theaters on May 26.
- ✓ Sigourney Weaver joins the cast as New Republic operative Col. Ward.
- ✓ Rory McCann replaces Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 2.
- ✓ Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a spiritual successor to Episode I: Racer.
- ✓ The original trilogy restorations are planned for 2027.
Quick Summary
The Star Wars franchise is poised for a major resurgence in 2026, marking a significant increase in activity following a quieter year in 2025. The centerpiece of this return is a new theatrical film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, which bridges the gap between television seasons and brings the popular characters back to the big screen.
Alongside the movie, Lucasfilm is expanding its streaming offerings with the return of Ahsoka and a new animated series centered on Maul. The year will also see the release of a new video game and the promise of restored classic films arriving in 2027.
The Mandalorian Returns to Theaters 🎬
Seven years after the release of The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars is returning to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Scheduled for release on May 26, the film is directed by Jon Favreau and serves as a continuation of the Disney+ series. Reports indicate the movie will function effectively as a condensed version of a fourth season of the show.
The narrative follows Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian and Grogu as they accept a mission for the New Republic. They will face off against remnants of the Empire and various criminal elements. The film introduces several new actors to the franchise, including:
- Sigourney Weaver as New Republic operative Col. Ward
- Jonny Coyne as an Imperial warlord
- Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt
While the film features new characters, it also includes returning favorites such as Dave Filoni as Trapper Wolf and Steve Blum as Zeb Orelios.
Upcoming Streaming Series 📺
While Lucasfilm is pulling back slightly on streaming volume compared to previous years, 2026 will still feature key projects. Star Wars: Ahsoka Season 2 is anticipated for a release in the latter half of the year. Filming wrapped in September 2025, and the season will pick up immediately after the events of the first season, featuring Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo stranded in another galaxy.
The cast for Season 2 includes most of the original lineup, with Rory McCann replacing the late Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll. Additionally, the animated series Maul: Shadow Lord is confirmed for 2026. This Clone Wars spinoff explores Maul’s efforts to rebuild his criminal empire after escaping Republic custody. Sam Witwer will reprise his voice role for the series.
Finally, the animated anthology Star Wars: Visions is receiving a miniseries spinoff titled Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi, which continues the story from the original shorts.
Gaming and Future Releases 🎮
After a quiet year for gaming in 2025, 2026 brings a major new release for fans of high-speed action. Star Wars: Galactic Racer is the spiritual successor to Star Wars Episode I: Racer and Star Wars Racer Revenge. The title is an arcade racer that places players in control of podracers for high-stakes galactic contests. The game features the return of the character Sebulba, who attempts to reclaim his crown.
Looking further ahead, Lucasfilm has confirmed the restoration of the classic, non-Special Edition versions of the Original Trilogy. These films are scheduled to hit theaters in 2027. Additionally, production has wrapped on Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, with a trailer expected in 2026.
