The first live-action TV series set in the Star Wars Universe, The Mandalorian has thus far followed the adventures of Din Djarin and The Child/Grogu, a young Force-sensitive alien of the same species as Jedi Master Yoda. However, thanks to a number of big status quo shifts in The Mandalorian Season 2's finale, the show is likely to change in some big ways when it returns for Season 3.
What Is The Mandalorian's Story So Far?
After the Armorer tasked him with finding The Child's people at the end of Season 1, Din Djarin spent The Mandalorian Season 2 seeking out the Jedi. His journey quickly led him to Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson. During their short time together, Ahsoka revealed that The Child's real name as Grogu and that he'd previously been raised at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. However, Ahsoka refused to train Grogu in the ways of the Jedi, citing his attachment to Din as a path to the Dark Side.
Instead, Ahsoka directed the pair to Tython, where Grogu could reach out to another Jedi in the galaxy far, far away for training. On Tython, Grogu indeed used the Force to reach out, but the pair were soon assailed by Moff Gideon and his Dark Troopers. While Din teamed up with Boba Fett and Fennec Shand to take down the attackers, Gideon captured Grogu and brought him aboard his ship for further experimentation.
In The Mandalorian Season 2's final episodes, Din recruited Cara Dune, Fennec Shand, Bo-Katan Kryze, Boba Fett and Koska Reeves to his side and the group launches an assault against Gideon's cruiser. The endeavor proved quite successful, with Din prevailing in close-quarters combat against Moff Gideon and rescuing Grogu. However, tensions began to arise when Bo-Katan refused to accept the Darksaber from Din -- who had become now the Mandalorian artifact's rightful owner. Before things could come to a head, they were interrupted by an attack from Gideon's Dark Troopers.
Just when things seem most dire, Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 appeared, having heard Grogu's call on Tython. Luke made short work of the Dark Troopers and offered to train Grogu, taking the young Force-sensitive being away. As they part, Din removes his mask -- something that's forbidden by his particular belief system -- and wishes Grogu a tearful goodbye.
What Is the Story Going into The Mandalorian Season 3?
Little is known about The Mandalorian Season 3's plot at this time. Based on the events of the Season 2 finale, though, it's likely Din will have to navigate having the Darksaber, which makes him the rightful ruler of Mandalore, and how that puts him at odds with Bo-Katan. Ownership of the blade can only be transferred through combat, which could majorly jeopardize their relationship. As for Grogu, there's no indication at this time he'll return in The Mandalorian Season 3. There are also rumors that a Wookiees will play some role in the show's next outing.
While there's little available information about the actual plot, actor Giancarlo Esposito -- who plays Moff Gideon -- said in September that fans can expect answers to some major series' questions in The Mandalorian's third and fourth seasons. Additionally, in July, an officially licensed poster of Grogu and Luke, which was illustrated by Russell Walks and entitled "Size Matters Not," showed the little alien assembling a yellow lightsaber with his new master. It's not clear at this time if the poster is reflective of a plot point from The Mandalorian Season 3.
There is no trailer for The Mandalorian Season 3 at this time. This article will be updated when one is released. At the time of this article's most recent update, no new cast members have been announced for The Mandalorian Season 3. However, Pedro Pascal and Giancarlo Esposito will reprise their roles as Din Djarin and Moff Gideon, respectively. Series creator Jon Favreau will write and executive produce.
The Mandalorian Season 3 doesn't have an official release date at this time. Although the series was slated to start filming in April, Pascal revealed in June that stage of production had not yet started. Still, there are reports that production began after Pascal made those comments.
Following the show's Season 2 finale, Favreau explained The Mandalorian Season 3 will air after The Book of Boba Fett, which is slated for December. However, while many expected that The Mandalorian Season 3 would debut in early 2022, reports now claim Season 3 will not premiere until late 2022.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.