The nextStar Warsmovie,The Mandalorian and Grogu, increasingly looks like the perfect homage toThe Empire Strikes Back. Nostalgia has always been a massive part ofStar Wars, and Disney played heavily into that when the House of Mouse launched the sequel trilogy.Star Wars: The Force Awakensriffed heavily onA New Hope, and it was a hit.
Disney’sStar Warsmovies stumbled, of course.Solo: A Star Wars Story’s box office failure basically killed the anthology projects, while the sequels ended with more of a whimper than a bang. We haven’t actually had aStar Warsfilm since 2019’sRise of Skywalker, with Lucasfilm instead pivoting to a successful range ofStar WarsTV shows.
All that is set to change next year, with the release ofThe Mandalorian and Grogu. Starring Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and the delightful Grogy, this looks set to breathe new life into the troubled franchise. Even better, though,I’m convinced Lucasfilm is playing the nostalgia card a little differently- with a homage toThe Empire Strikes Back.
The Mandalorian And Grogu Features The Return Of The AT-AT
The Empire Is Back
Let’s start with the most obvious - and most exciting - parallel.The Empire Strikes Backfamously opens with Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance based on the icy planet Hoth, a supposed sanctuary that is discovered by the Empire. Imperial forces press in using terrifying AT-ATs, lumbering vehicles designed for snowy environments.
Footage fromThe Mandalorian and Grogureleased at D23 last year - and more shown at this year’s Star Wars Celebration - teased the return of the AT-AT. Din Djarin has returned to his career as a bounty hunter, but now he’s only working for the New Republic, targeting the Imperial Remnant.In one scene, he’s shown attacking AT-ATs on a snowy planet.
It seems Din will find new ways to take down AT-ATs, though.The Mandalorian and Grogufootage from Star Wars Celebrationshowed Din demonstrating his smarts by sneaking aboard one of the Imperial walkers to bring it down. One is subsequently shown blowing up, presumably from charges he’s planted inside it.
Other Empire Strikes Back Connections Are Becoming Clear
We May Be Returning To Bespin Too
Meanwhile, aMandalorian and Grogutie-in at Smuggler’s Run, one of theStar Warsrides at Galaxy’s Edge, also appears to be setting up anEmpire Strikes Backreferences. These new Smuggler’s Run rides will allow people to team up with Din himself, on a series of missions across the galaxy -including one to Bespin.
We’ve seen AT-ATs sinceThe Empire Strikes Back, but this is the first timeStar Warshas brought back Bespin in any real capacity. It’s unclear whether the Bespin mission will appear in the movie at all, but anyone on the ride is supposed to be flying alongside Din’s new Razor Crest, so the idea can’t be ruled out. Whatever the case may be, though, we’re back inEmpire Strikes Backterritory.
Is Star Wars Setting Up A Major Twist?
Are These Just Surface Homages?
All this does raise one intriguing question, though; do the homages go further than this?The Empire Strikes Backis best remembered for its phenomenal “I am your father” twist, which turned the entire franchise on its head. Any newStar Warsfilm invoking memories of Lucas' classic blockbuster has to go beyond the surface.
I can only hope that this meansThe Mandalorian and Groguis likeThe Empire Strikes Backin another way - with a twist that leaves viewers absolutely stunned. If so, we’ll find out next year.
