What early The Mandalorian and Grogu reviews could mean for LEGO Star Wars

The first Star Wars movie in seven years may shape the future of LEGO Star Wars, influencing everything from set selection to which eras the theme focuses on next. 

With early The Mandalorian and Grogu reviews proving divisive, this could affect LEGO Star Wars both positively and negatively, particularly if box office performance follows suit.

The Mandalorian has been one of the biggest drivers of modern LEGO Star Wars. In 2026, output has leaned heavily into the franchise, with 18 of 37 sets already released or revealed being Mandalorian-themed. 

This includes sets such as 75447 The Razor Crest and 75451 Hutt Palace Sentry Droid Showdown, and even extends to the the 2026 Advent Calendar – 75456 Advent Calendar. It highlights how central the era has become within the wider portfolio.

This influence also extends beyond set selection. Character updates like a redesigned Grogu and a first dual-molded arm minifigure in Zeb reflect how the franchise has shaped recent LEGO Star Wars design decisions.

However, this level of focus raises questions about balance. LEGO Star Wars has at times appeared closely tied to current marketing cycles, creating a sense of saturation compared to other eras. 

While Mandalorian content remains popular, fans continue to call for long-missing or never-before-seen locations such as Palpatine’s Arrest (which we have not seen since 9526 Palpatine’s Arrest in 2014), or a UCS Jedi Temple, which could offer stronger long-term appeal.

A weaker reception for The Mandalorian and Grogu could therefore encourage a rebalancing of the theme, opening space for more prequel and Original Trilogy content. 

At the same time, it could reduce momentum for ongoing storytelling, limiting opportunities for large crossover projects such as the delayed Mandoverse film featuring Thrawn battling against Ahsoka, Boba Fett, Din Djarin, and the wider Rebels-era cast. 

A project of that scale would not only bring together multiple fan-favourite characters, but also unify several interconnected storylines that have been building across Disney+ series. 

Without it, LEGO Star Wars could miss out on some of its most ambitious set opportunities in years, particularly large multi-character battle sets tied to a climactic crossover event. 

Ultimately, LEGO Star Wars has historically thrived by balancing nostalgia with new content. The Mandalorian helped revitalise the theme, but its current dominance raises questions over whether that balance has shifted too far toward a single era.

However, we are currently only seeing critical reactions, with the film opening tomorrow, May 22. Strong box office performance could still follow, and if audience uptake is high, the LEGO Group would likely continue to support the era in future sets.

That said, box office success alone does not tell the full story. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker grossed over $1 billion worldwide, yet its presence in LEGO Star Wars has been comparatively limited since. This highlights how commercial performance does not always translate directly into long-term product support.

Overall, critics and box office figures only tell part of the picture. Fan sentiment within the wider community often plays a more decisive role in shaping demand, influencing which eras and characters remain relevant long after release. As a result, the true impact on LEGO Star Wars will only become clear over time.

LEGO The Mandalorian and Grogu sets

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