Disney’s newest Star Wars entry, starring Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian and featuring Grogu, hit theaters on May 22 and was swiftly met with harsh criticism.. Major UK papers such as The Times and The Telegraph gave it one and two stars respectively,arguing it falls far short of the original trilogy’s legacy. the film, directed by Jon Favreau, was intended to build on the popularity of the TV series but instead has been described as a “skippable new episode” by reviewers.

The Times' one‑star verdict on May 22 release

The Times opened its review with a bleak one‑star rating, declaring the movie “the final nail in the Star Wars coffin.” The newspaper warned that the franchise “has become a dying dog,” suggesting that ending it would be a mercy. This stark language underscores how seriously some critics view the perceived decline of the saga.

The Telegraph's two‑star criticism of franchise fatigue

In a two‑star assessment, The Telegraph argued that Disney is trying to turn Star Wars into “another Marvel‑like franchise.” The review claimed the film feels like “a skippable new episode in a soap opera you lost interest in years ago,” highlighting concerns that the brand is being over‑extended and losing its narrative spark.

The Independent flags CGI overuse on Grogu scenes

The Independent focused on the technical side, giving the film two stars and criticizing Favreau’s reliance on CGI. While praising Grogu’s “fuzzy, twitchy ears” as a cuteness factor, the critic noted that the character is reduced to “strategy rather than character,” especially when interacting with fully CGI creatures. This points to a tension between practical effects and digital overload.

Disney's post‑2012 Star Wars expansion faces backlash

Since acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney has rapidly expanded the Star Wars universe with multiple films and series. The latest criticism reflects a broader pattern where each new addition is measured against the high bar set by George Lucas’s original trilogy. As the report says, “expectations were high after both characters were warmly received by fans in previous spin‑off shows.”

Will audience scores differ from critics?

One unanswered question is whether general audiences will echo the critics’ low scores or rally behind the beloved characters. The source does not provide fan reaction data, leaving it unclear if the negative press will affect box‑office performance or if a fan‑driven backlash could soften the blow.