For many, the Star Wars franchise can be a daunting space to step into. Passionate fans who can give details of each planet, how each character is connected, and even spout the latest theories are both impressive and intimidating. As passionate as the fans may be, the galaxy far, far away is heavily protected with lots of gatekeeping as to what a real fan looks like. Some fans wear a badge of honor when recalling their first time seeing A New Hope, whether it was the original theater release or years later with their parents who saw the original screening. On the other hand, others’ badge of honor is having never watched or wanted to watch the films.

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Even with the beloved series entering its third season in 2023, The Mandalorian is a great introduction to the Star Wars franchise. With its premiere back in 2019, it is the first Star Wars series on Disney+ as well as one of the best Star Wars series to date. Created and directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian is perfect for a new generation of fans due to its compelling storyline and the star-studded cast. Between Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones) in the lead and Giancarlo Esposito (Once Upon A Time) as the scariest villain since Darth Vader, the show is action-packed and heartfelt. The bounty hunter aspect is the most compelling part of the show as very little is known about them and their background, even with a focus on one in Attack of the Clones. As we await season 3, here’s a look at why The Mandalorian is the perfect introduction to Star Wars for a new generation of fans.

This is the Way

     Disney Platform Distribution

The Mandalorians were scattered across the galaxy after Darth Maul purged their home planet, as Star Wars’ website explains. Due to their disbursement across the galaxy, they remained in hiding underground. Eventually Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian, or “Mando,” must face this clan that adopted him as an orphaned child. This moment comes in a big way when he removes his helmet. Some Mandalorians do not remove their helmets for any reason, and if they do, they are disowned by their clan. Once Din removes his helmet, he begins to protect the galaxy directly instead of protecting his identity and his clan. This tension of ideals and customs, particularly among the many Mandalorian characters in the show, has allowed for complex storytelling.

Minimal Connection to Skywalker Saga

The Mandalorian’s most fascinating element is its plot not centering on the Skywalkers or Jedi. For a galaxy far, far away to center on one family and all their lore can be overwhelming for new fans. With Star Wars being one of the biggest sci-fi / fantasy franchises, it has fallen short on diversifying the story for decades with each film, thus far centering on Anakin Skywalker and his family in some fashion. As The Mandalorian focuses on bounty hunters, the Star Wars labyrinth is whittled down to a cheese maze. The storyline focusing on the average citizen in a galaxy far, far away is rather refreshing. Mando’s fight sequences don’t have lightsabers nor is anyone doing Jedi mind tricks. What’s more, his fights aren’t to avenge his long-lost family. Mando is fighting for the average person against the bullies of the world. His battles are small scales compared to others in the galaxy, but they are no less significant than the large battles.

Independent Storyline

Favreau has made plenty of noteworthy films in addition to his Marvel films, like Chef and The Jungle Book (2016). In an interview with Writers Guild of America, Favreau revealed a few elements about the creation of The Mandalorian. Two of these elements were that he collaborated with Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and that his initial pitch was simple. Yet, the biggest element of the show is this: “The story unfolded as I wrote it. The Mandalorian inherits a great deal from existing Star Wars stories, and when I write, that context is always a consideration. It became clear that, within the established continuity, certain things were likely to transpire.” Favreau took a gamble and let the creativity flow to make a masterpiece for current and new fans alike.

A Creative Team of Star Wars Fans

     Via Disney

With Favreau living his Star Wars dream, other directors of The Mandalorian were also fans of the galactic epic. Director Rick Famuyiwa told Star Wars that Favreau, Filoni, and Kathleen Kennedy brought a variety of filmmakers together with different perspectives to bring the new tale to life. In addition to Famuyiwa, Taika Waititi and Deborah Chow were among this group of filmmakers. According to Gizmodo, Waititi’s work on The Mandalorian was the highlight of his career and his life. The first ever woman director in the Star Wars epic, Deborah Chow, revealed to Rolling Stone, “I was definitely a fan, and I’m a huge fan of genre… Getting to do the big Mandalorian reveal of them all coming down [from the sky] felt like a big moment in life as a director, for sure.” With fans behind the camera and in the writers room, the show’s new direction becomes more authentic.

Grogu’s Potential

     Disney

For many new fans, their love for The Mandalorian was particularly aimed towards one of the cutest creatures since the Ewok. Baby Yoda, or more formally Grogu, stole the show immediately. Whether he is making baby-like noises, hiding from droids, or taking a nap after using his powers, it’s easy to see why Grogu is a fan favorite. His use of the Force, however, is rather uncommon for a child, as The Direct describes. With his connection to the Force, it’s even possible Grogu may have the same potential as Anakin Skywalker. At one point, Anakin was fated to be the Chosen One. Having a youngling for new Star Wars fans to attach to is the perfect entry-point for discovery, especially as Disney breathes new life to the franchise.