Mandalorian and Grogu: First Star Wars Film Shot in LA
SkimNews Take
The California tax incentive is effectively subsidizing the localized development of specialized production expertise, potentially deepening the state's long-term competitive advantage in film.
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- "The Mandalorian and Grogu" became the first Star Wars film shot entirely in Los Angeles, premiering Thursday at the TCL Theatre in Hollywood nearly 50 years after the original 1977 release.
- Jon Favreau, the film's director and co-writer, thanked the California Film Commission for the tax incentive that enabled the all-LA production during his premiere remarks.
- Favreau shared that his father took him to see the original Star Wars at age 10, and the two sat side by side at the premiere 49 years later — the director calling it a full-circle moment.
- Sigourney Weaver makes her Star Wars debut as a New Republic commander, telling Variety she had never watched "The Mandalorian" before speaking with Favreau about the role over Zoom.
- The spinoff film follows Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin and Grogu fighting criminal warlords on behalf of the New Republic, and opens in theaters May 22.
- Disney executives at the premiere included CEO Josh D'Amaro, predecessor Bob Iger, Dana Walden, Asad Ayaz, and Alan Bergman; a pre-screening reception featured Burger King, Olive and June, and blue-tinted Nilla wafers referencing a snack seen in the film.
Why it matters: California's film tax incentive program scored its highest-profile result yet — the first Star Wars film shot entirely in LA — premiering in Hollywood ahead of its May 22 theatrical release. The film also marks Sigourney Weaver's franchise debut as a New Republic commander alongside Pedro Pascal's returning Din Djarin.
