Hideo Kojima has given The Mandalorian and Grogu a rave review.

The video game designer and writer has declared the new Star Wars movie an “entertaining spectacle,” explaining everything he likes about the new movie. The Mandalorian and Grogu reviews have been somewhat mixed following its theatrical release on May 22, 2026. While some critics found the movie to be a fun adventure within the Star Wars universe, others were disappointed by a presentation that felt like it was made more for Disney+ than the big screen. As of writing, the movie holds a 62% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 247 reviews.

Now, Kojima has released his review of The Mandalorian and Grogu, praising the latest adventure in the Star Wars franchise as a fun, action-packed production. Having seen the movie on an IMAX screen, the video game producer revealed he enjoyed the movie despite having minimal background knowledge of The Mandalorian TV show. He called the movie “A complete “everything versus everything” showcase” due to its level of action and versatile sets. He praised director and co-writer Jon Favreau for bringing so many different elements from the franchise together in one, singular theatrical experience.

Check out what Kojima had to say below:

I watched “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu”in IMAX. Back in 2019, I had only seen the opening of The “Mandalorian” while examining the LED-shot “virtual production” technology, but this time I had no problem diving in. Action, car chases, close-quarters combat, sword fights, gun battles, death matches, aerial combat, giant monsters, giant mechs. A complete “everything versus everything” showcase. CGI, puppets, special makeup, animatronics, stop motion. Even the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship feels like it has everything packed in. X-Wings, AT-ATs, AT-RTs, speeders, stormtroopers, droids. Nearly every element from across the entire history of the Star Wars saga is in as well. An entertainment spectacle made with craftsmanlike skill by Jon Favreau.

Kojima’s positive review isn’t the only one for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Despite earning some mixed reception overall, the film has been praised by many for its action-packed approach to the franchise, alongside the varied use of CGI and practical effects across its story. This includes praise for focusing centrally on Din Djarin and Grogu as the core protagonists, with their story about fighting the remnants of the Empire being the most important part of the plot.

Although there have been some critiques that the presentation of the movie makes it feel like a mash-up of episodes for what could have been The Mandalorian season 4, Kojima focuses on the positive attributes of the film and what it got right. In that regard, the movie provided an exciting return for Star Wars on the big screen, the first time a movie in the franchise has been produced since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Even if it has ties to a TV show, it’s still enjoyable as its own installment in the larger sci-fi series.

It’s also the beginning of what could be a steady return for the franchise’s theatrical debuts, with a multitude of other movies currently in production. This includes Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling in the lead, scheduled for release on May 28, 2027. Given the prioritization of a fun Star Wars movie with The Mandalorian and Grogu, it seems like the franchise is keen on building out the Star Wars timeline with a plethora of exciting adventures at the forefront.

For Kojima, The Mandalorian and Grogu hit all the right beats for the first Star Wars theatrical release in a long time. Even if the film has earned imperfect reception from critics, the movie has still managed to make an important enough impact for the video game developer. As its time in theaters continues, though, it remains to be seen how many audience members it can impress going forward, and how its final box office will look in the long run.

Release Date

May 22, 2026

Runtime

132 Minutes