Disney just dropped its Super Bowl ad for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, and instead of cramming in surprise cameos or nostalgia overload, the studio went for something far more emotional—and cinematic. The 30-second spot shows the Mandalorian and his pint-sized companion Grogu trekking across a snow-covered landscape, pulled by a pack of Tauntauns in a visually striking scene that feels both epic and intimate.
Adding to the drama is the unmistakable voice of Sam Elliott. With his signature gravelly delivery, he narrates a message about destiny and perseverance. Sometimes we choose our path, he says, and sometimes the path chooses us. The tone is reflective and powerful, leaning into the mythic side of Star Wars while spotlighting the deep bond between the armored bounty hunter and the galaxy’s most adorable Force-user.
As Elliott’s voice swells, he speaks of pushing forward through hardship, guided by a deeper purpose and an unseen force. The journey may not get easier, but the bond grows stronger. The ad closes with the franchise’s iconic line—This is the way—sending longtime fans straight into their feelings while reminding audiences that this duo’s story is far from over.
The Mandalorian & Grogu, inspired by the Emmy-winning Disney+ series, is shaping up to be one of the biggest Memorial Day releases of the year. Disney is betting big on the transition from streaming sensation to big-screen spectacle. The studio dominated the holiday frame last year with Lilo & Stitch pulling in $182.6 million, and now hopes this Star Wars installment can claim similar box office glory. While Solo: A Star Wars Story still holds the franchise’s Memorial Day opening record at $103 million, its overall run underperformed—something Disney is clearly determined to avoid this time around.
Disney has proven before that it knows how to successfully turn TV hits into theatrical events. High School Musical 3 made the leap in 2008 with a $42 million domestic opening and ultimately grossed more than $250 million worldwide. Now, with Jon Favreau at the helm once again, the studio is banking on Grogu’s massive pop culture appeal to drive audiences into theaters. According to Disney’s creative marketing chief Jackson George, Grogu isn’t just a character—he’s a phenomenon. Paired with the stoic Mandalorian, the duo brings heart, humor, and spectacle, setting the stage for what Disney hopes will be the next must-see chapter in the galaxy far, far away.
The Super Bowl spot also marks only the second time a Star Wars film has aired an ad during the Big Game, underscoring just how high the stakes are. For Disney, this isn’t just another release—it’s a statement that the Force is ready to take over theaters again.
