“If it does better than expected, we might see more of the Mandalorian and Grogu,” says Harrison. “If not, it’s not going to be franchise-ending for them. My feeling is that they’re throwing stuff out and seeing what sticks. They have such enormous economic resources to draw from that they can afford some losses.”
Both Harrison and Loughrey agree that Lucasfilm might benefit from reducing speed and giving filmmakers more freedom to be “artistically daring” on a smaller budget. “There’s been a lack of a distinct point of view, so let a Tony Gilroy type do what they want and have a strong artistic vision,” Loughrey says. “Maybe it won’t make a ton of money at the box office, but Star Wars would be cool again.”
Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu is released in US and UK cinemas on 22 May.
