The first critical reactions to forthcoming Star Wars series The Mandalorian are in, with audiences teasing a “truly incredible” and “completely amazing” TV show.
Selected members of the press were invited yesterday (19 October) to a special Disney event that saw 27 minutes of footage from the new series screened for the first time.
The footage shown was reportedly taken from the show’s first three episodes and shown out of order to prevent spoilers. Taking to social media, members of the press were incredibly positive about what they had seen.
“Old studio westerns of the 40’s and 50’s with a dash of samurai movie vibes mixed in a Star Wars-y blender,” tweetedStar Wars social media strategist Michelle Buchman. “I think Star Wars fans will be very pleased.”
“Wow. The Mandalorian is completely amazing,” podcast host Drew Taylor tweeted. “Also it looks as expensive as it is — they didn’t skimp with this one. Spaceships, creatures, etc all in full effect.”
“I just got out of the Mandalorian press screening and gotta say, really surpassed expectations,” wroteIndiewire critic Tyler Hersko. “This seems like a truly high-budget, movie-like project. If other flagship Disney+ series have a similar production quality, the streaming service will definitely have a strong run.”
“It’s very cool and atmospheric,” tweetedGet Fandom critic Eric Goldman, “sometimes evoking the vibe of Rogue One (which I adore). The title character is instantly fascinating and there are great action and suspense moments, including some Predator vibes.”
Screen Rant features editor Mansoor Mithaiwala tweeted: “Saw almost 30 minutes of The Mandalorian footage this morning. It’s truly incredible. It looks like the films, feels innately Star Wars, introduces new concepts, and adds layers that people have been waiting to see for a long time.”
Produced by filmmaker Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian takes place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and stars Pedro Pascal as the bounty hunter of the title.
Werner Herzog, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Nick Nolte are among the show’s supporting cast, while Taika Waititi, Rick Famuyiwa and Bryce Dallas Howard have directed individual episodes.
The Mandalorian will be released weekly on Disney+ from 12 November. A UK launch for the new streaming service remains unannounced.
