Disney is hoping for a major win with its latest theatrical release in the Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu.
The movie is playing across 4,300 theaters and brought in $34 million on Friday.
It is projected to gross $80 million to $100 million in domestic sales this weekend, while globally, Disney is targeting a $160 million debut, leaning heavily on merchandise and international sales.
Why the release now?
Disney is banking on a big Memorial Day weekend opening, which is when casual theater traffic is usually at its highest.
The film builds on the Disney+ series that first captured viewers’ attention in 2019. However, some may have lost interest after the series ended in 2023, while newer audiences may feel they need to catch up on the show before watching the movie.
Critics also note that Disney’s 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm, creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, initially yielded success but now struggles to balance fan expectations. Some note that the new movie feels like Disney+ episodes rather than a grand cinematic event.
Nevertheless, fans seem to like it as it has 89% Rotten Tomatoes audience score.