In the recently unveiled trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, one striking scene features a robust Hutt reveling in triumph within a gladiatorial arena. This character, though perhaps overlooked by casual viewers, draws from deep within Star Wars lore: Rotta the Hutt, the offspring of the infamous Jabba the Hutt. Rotta made his initial appearance as an infant in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where Jedi knights Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano undertook a daring rescue operation to retrieve him from kidnappers. Now, nearly two decades later in the timeline, Rotta emerges as a mature adult on the silver screen, marking a significant return for this legacy figure.
Reports from late last year indicated that Jeremy Allen White, known for his acclaimed performance in The Bear, would lend his voice to Rotta. The actor has now opened up about his involvement in the project. Speaking with Good Morning America, White recounted the serendipitous path that led to his casting. “You know, it’s funny, I met Jon Favreau, who directed the film and the series prior, and I’ve been such a huge fan of Jon’s for a very long time, and so we talked about movies and I asked about Swingers. And he said, ‘Would you like to come in and maybe talk to me about doing a voiceover for Star Wars?’” White said. “[I said] ‘I love Star Wars, I’d be so happy to,’ and then, in the moment, almost, I discovered the weight of the character I was voicing.”
White's revelation highlights the casual yet pivotal conversation with director Jon Favreau, who helms The Mandalorian & Grogu after overseeing the preceding Disney+ series. Favreau's extensive history in filmmaking, including classics like Swingers, clearly resonated with White, turning a fan discussion into a major opportunity within the Star Wars universe.
Details surrounding Rotta's exact role in The Mandalorian and Grogu remain shrouded in secrecy, aligning with the film's overall narrative discretion. The official plot synopsis offers only broad strokes, emphasizing the journey of Din Djarin and his young companion Grogu as they navigate the galaxy's perils. The trailer prioritizes atmospheric elements over explicit story beats, showcasing intense action sequences and familiar Star Wars vibes. However, speculation points to Rotta's potential captivity, possibly under the control of the bounty hunter Embo—another holdover from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. In this scenario, Din Djarin and Grogu might be tasked with liberating the Hutt, a mission that could intertwine with broader galactic politics.
The involvement of New Republic officer Colonel Ward, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, suggests official stakes. Ward appears to assign the rescue operation, hinting at the New Republic's strategic interest in allying with Hutt influences. Visual cues from the film's poster include Hutts akin to The Twins—Jabba's cousins introduced in The Book of Boba Fett—further implying familial or criminal syndicate dynamics. Whether Rotta's predicament stems from Imperial remnants forcing him into brutal gladiatorial contests or other adversarial forces, his rescue could serve as a bridge between the New Republic's emerging authority and the underworld's power structures.
White's emphasis on the "weight" of Rotta underscores the character's importance beyond mere cameo status. As Jabba's son, Rotta carries inherent prominence in Star Wars canon, but White's comments suggest a more central narrative role. The actor noted participating in several recording sessions, including one prior to principal photography, with additional work anticipated before the film's completion. This extensive process implies substantial dialogue and character development, far exceeding a brief appearance. It positions Rotta as potentially pivotal to the plot's unfolding, elevating what might have been a nostalgic nod into a cornerstone of the story.
As anticipation builds, Lucasfilm is poised to ramp up promotion in early 2026. With Star Wars absent from cinemas for an extended period, the studio faces the challenge of rekindling theatrical excitement. Future trailers and materials may delve deeper into Rotta's integration, illuminating his arc without spoiling key twists. This approach could effectively draw audiences back to the big screen, blending beloved elements from the Disney+ era with cinematic spectacle.
The cast of The Mandalorian & Grogu features Pedro Pascal reprising his role as the stoic bounty hunter Din Djarin, alongside the endearing Grogu. Sigourney Weaver joins as New Republic Colonel Ward, while Jeremy Allen White provides the voice for Rotta the Hutt. Additional characters, including potential antagonists like Embo, round out the ensemble under Jon Favreau's direction.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is slated for theatrical release on May 22, 2026, promising a return to the epic scope of Star Wars films. You can watch the trailer for the film below:
