The Mandalorian and Grogu, the next Star Wars movie, is finally remembering what the story was meant to be about. Modern viewers often forget that Star Wars‘ original trilogy didn’t really start out centered on the Force. Yes, Luke Skywalker was destined to be a Jedi like his father before him – but there was so much more to A New Hope than that.

George Lucas was inspired by the Vietnam War, telling a tale in which a ragtag group of insurgents took on a mighty, technologically-advanced force (yes, that means he envisioned the US as the Empire). The spirit of rebellion ran through these movies, of resisting oppression simply because it was the right thing to do.

Oddly enough, that message has faded with time (and sequels). Lucas himself became preoccupied with the Skywalker dynasty, and this original theme became muted through an increasing focus on Jedi and the Force. But now, at last, Star Wars is returning to that central theme.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Is Getting This Right

Starring Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and his delightful ward Grogu, The Mandalorian premiered in 2019 alongside the launch of Disney+. It essentially became the streamer’s flagship show, and the series has now graduated to the big screen. The Mandalorian and Grogu‘s first trailer released this week, teasing an ongoing adventure that’s moved to the big screen.

Lucasfilm has quietly hit a reset on anything that really changed over the course of The Mandalorian, wary of losing anything in the transition from TV to film. That means Din Djarin’s Razor Crest is back, he’s wielding a pulse rifle again, and we can assume the helmet will stay on. But one thing has changed.

Now, Din Djarin is working exclusively for the New Republic, hunting down a resurgent Empire. Grogu may have the Force, but we’re returning to that simple, basic theme of heroes fighting against the Empire, battling against a rising authoritarian powerhouse. It feels like quite a timely message to return to.

Star Wars Has Finally Realized The Force Isn’t Everything

The last few years have seen Star Wars gradually rediscover the truth that there’s so much more to the franchise than the Force. The Mandalorian was the first step, but the most dramatic was undoubtedly Tony Gilroy’s Andor, which barely touched upon the Force; this, instead, was an intense look at what it means to resist a fascist state.

Andor was undoubtedly the best Star Wars TV show so far, and it proved that the franchise flourishes when it returns to its roots; not Jedi versus Sith, but the original politically-impactful message of heroes resisting authoritarian and fascist forces. It seems fitting, then, that Star Wars‘ new movie is dealing with the battle against the Empire again.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is a promising first step for the franchise as Star Wars returns to the big screen. It will be exciting to see what Lucasfilm do next.