Jon Favreau, the creator and director of the hit Star Wars series The Mandalorian, recently took the stage at a special Star Wars toy event to share insights into the upcoming film The Mandalorian and Grogu. The event, part of the Star Wars: Most Wanted preview at New York Toy Fair, unveiled a new spring line of merchandise inspired by the movie, including plushies, remote-control toys, streetwear, and Lego sets. Favreau discussed how Star Wars toys have long been intertwined with the franchise's storytelling, drawing from his own childhood experiences and influencing the design choices in both the series and the forthcoming theatrical release.
As reported by Mashable, which attended the preview, Favreau emphasized the deep cultural connection between Star Wars films and their accompanying toys. He explained that seeing the original trilogy in theaters as a child led directly to acquiring toys, which extended the adventures through play. "Star Wars is linked to the toys, because you'd see [the movie] in the theater, and then you and your friends would get the toys, and you'd play, like that was how the story would continue, to act it out again and again, and even the first promotional toys," Favreau said. This interplay between screen and toy box has been a foundational element of the franchise since its early days, with promotional items and playsets expanding the galaxy far, far away beyond what appeared on film.
Favreau highlighted specific examples of how this toy heritage has shaped his work on The Mandalorian. He pointed to vintage Kenner products that sometimes diverged from on-screen canon, yet became beloved parts of fan culture. "That's why, in the show, The Mandalorian, we try to reference the toys. So, Kenner would make this [Imperial] troop transport — and sometimes [the toys] weren't from the movies. There was just this silly-looking thing where a bunch of Stormtroopers standing up. And we're like, 'We got to figure out how to put this in the show and make it look cool,'" he recalled. This approach continues into the film, where the art department, led by Lucasfilm designer Doug Chiang, has incorporated nods to old-school toys through detailed renderings that are then realized in CGI or practical builds. These "deep cuts" serve as tributes to longtime fans who grew up with the original merchandise, blending cinematic storytelling with the broader Star Wars ecosystem.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Favreau connected his early play experiences directly to his career as a storyteller. "That's how I learned how to tell stories. You take these characters. You're talking with your friends, and you're acting things out [with the toys]. My job is not that different from that," he shared. This philosophy underscores the organic relationship between the films and their merchandise, where one inspires the other in a continuous loop. Favreau noted that working on The Mandalorian allowed him to witness phenomena like the global enthusiasm for Grogu (initially known as Baby Yoda), further reinforcing the timeless appeal of these characters when brought to life through both narrative and tangible playthings.
The event also spotlighted the broader "Most Wanted" campaign, a year-long initiative featuring collectibles, apparel, and accessories tied to the film. Items from partners like Hasbro, Funko, and Lego preview the wave of products set to arrive ahead of the movie's debut, building excitement among collectors and fans alike. Favreau's appearance at the event served as a reminder of how Star Wars continues to evolve while honoring its roots in toy-driven imagination.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is scheduled to open in theaters on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, the film continues the adventures of the bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young companion Grogu in a new big-screen chapter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected to premiere soon, offering fans a fresh glimpse into the high-stakes galactic journey ahead.
