The Mandalorian & Grogu has a surprisingly small budget

The upcoming Star Wars film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, appears to have a smaller budget than expected. Recent reports reveal that the film has around $166.4 million in eligible production costs. This means it is the least expensive Star Wars film in the Disney era, generating concerns among some fans. The California Film Commission listed the film as one of the projects eligible for tax breaks. Lucasfilm received a credit of approximately $21.7 million for filming in California. Production lasted for 92 days and involved 54 cast members and 500 crew members. In comparison, other Star Wars films have had significantly larger budgets. The Force Awakens cost $245 million, while The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker cost $317 million and $275 million, respectively. The anthology films Rogue One and Solo also had budgets of $200 million and $275 million. Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian & Grogu will be in theaters in May 2026. It is the first new Star Wars film since 2019, and filming reportedly wrapped in October 2024. Information about the plot remains secret, but the cast includes actors like Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. The smaller budget might help Lucasfilm recoup costs more easily. However, it raises questions about the film's visual scope and quality. It is believed that a significant portion of the film was shot using The Volume, a technology used in previous Disney+ shows. While this technique is impressive, it may limit the film's overall cinematic experience. Fans hope that The Mandalorian & Grogu will feel like a major Star Wars event, rather than just an extended television episode. The film will be highlighted at the upcoming Star Wars Celebration Japan, where directors Favreau and Dave Filoni are expected to share more details.