Jeremy Allen White becomes son of Star Wars legend in the Mandalorian

In the United States, the Star Wars franchise continues to expand with the announcement that Jeremy Allen White has been cast in a significant role for the upcoming film centered around 'The Mandalorian & Grogu.' The film, which is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026, marks a new chapter in the beloved series and adds a notable character, Rotta the Hutt, the son of the infamous Jabba the Hutt. This character will make his live-action debut, having originated from the 2008 animated movie 'The Clone Wars.' White, best known for his role as an intense chef in FX's 'The Bear,' will provide the voice for Rotta, injecting new energy into the film's narrative. White's involvement comes after he has garnered significant acclaim, winning two Emmy Awards for his performance in 'The Bear,' along with securing a nomination for a Golden Globe, illustrating his rising star status in Hollywood. The film will feature a strong cast with Pedro Pascal reprising his role as Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian, and Sigourney Weaver making her Star Wars franchise debut in an unspecified role. Directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the script with Dave Filoni, this upcoming project aims to further explore the adventures of the beloved title characters. The production of this film began in August, with filming officially wrapping up recently. Details about plot elements remain limited, though the movie is poised to continue the storyline established in the Disney+ series that first aired in late 2019. This pivot to a film format comes on the heels of a postponement of the previously planned fourth season of 'The Mandalorian,' which had already been written but faced delays due to industry strikes. Disney's decision to focus on 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' instead of continuing the series highlights a strategic shift in how the franchise will be developed moving forward. Disney executives have not ruled out the possibility of future television series, but there remains anticipation about whether audiences will see the continuation of these story arcs solely on the big screen. The excitement surrounding the film has already been heightened by the release of exclusive footage at D23 in August, showcasing some returning favorite characters amid a rich, expansive sci-fi backdrop that fans love. As the film approaches its release date, fans are eager to see how Rotta will be introduced and the role he will play within the larger Star Wars universe. The inclusion of characters familiar to the franchise's history, combined with promising new talent like Jeremy Allen White, aims to ensure the film's appeal to a broad audience. This film represents a key moment for the Star Wars saga, as it seeks to blend elements of nostalgia with innovative storytelling. As the franchise grows and evolves, both new and seasoned fans are keenly watching for more developments leading up to the film's premiere.