The latest film in the "Star Wars" (SW) series, "The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau), the first theatrical release in seven years, will be released simultaneously in Japan and the United States on May 22nd. The world premiere was held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on May 15th Japan time.
Attending the event were cast and production staff members including Pedro Pascal, who plays the Mandalorian, and his partner Glogu, who possesses immense Force powers; Sigourney Weaver, who plays Colonel Ward, a former Rebel pilot; director Jon Favreau, who also served as producer and co-writer; and Dave Filoni, who enjoys the deep trust of Star Wars creator George Lucas.
Furthermore, it has been decided that Pascal, director Favreau, and producer Kathleen Kennedy will visit Japan on May 19th as the final stop on their tour, which will take them to Mexico, Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and the US.
◇Held at the Chinese Theatre, the birthplace of Star Wars.
The world premiere was held at the Chinese Theatre, the very theater where the first film, "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)," was first screened, making it the "birthplace of Star Wars." The venue, decorated with droids and Imperial weapons everywhere, recreated the world of Star Wars, and was packed with fans wielding lightsabers and dressed in Mandalorian and Glogoo costumes, creating a huge buzz. Then Glogoo made an appearance, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Like the audience, director Favreau is one of the fans whose life has been profoundly changed by Star Wars, and he said, "It's wonderful that Star Wars is back in theaters after seven years. I'm still amazed at how much people all over the world love this world that George Lucas created." He also shared his own feelings, reflecting on the feelings of Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, saying, "The Chinese Theatre is where it all began. It opened exactly 49 years ago this month. Perhaps it was here that George Lucas first felt the impact of what they were trying to achieve. To see the film for the first time in that theater with the audience has truly great significance."
He further stated passionately, "Watching Star Wars gave me the opportunity to learn about Kurosawa films, mythological structures (monomisses), and storytelling. George Lucas has packed so many elements into Star Wars." Regarding the latest film, he emphasized, "Seven years have passed since the previous film was released in theaters. So, I wanted to create a completely new adventure film that even people who have never seen Star Wars before can enjoy. The shared experience of people cheering and getting excited together is what Star Wars is all about, so my wish is for everyone to gather in theaters again."
◇Sigourney Weaver: "It reminded me of Star Wars, which I loved as a child."
Pascal responded to requests for autographs and photos from the fans gathered at the venue, and was all smiles throughout the warm welcome. "I think what many 'Star Wars' fans are hoping for is to have the best time in the theater, just like when I first saw 'Star Wars' as a child. This film is a heartwarming story of fun adventures that delivers exactly that!" he appealed. He also spoke about the father-son-like relationship between the legendary bounty hunter Mandalorian, whom he plays, and the curious and gluttonous Glogu, saying, "They become deeply connected through a series of amazing adventures. And as the Mandalorian begins to focus on raising Glogu for the future, their relationship undergoes a surprising and touching transformation."
Sigourney Weaver, who plays Colonel Ward, a key character in this film who hires the Mandalorian to stop a new war aimed at restoring the Empire, appeared before fans in a black suit. "I can't believe I'm a part of this Star Wars universe! This film takes movies to another level and is very satisfying. And it's a film we all need right now!" she said. Sigourney, who saw "A New Hope (Episode IV)" in theaters when it was released and has watched Star Wars become a global series in real time, added with emotion, "For me, it was all an unexpected dream come true. It reminded me of the Star Wars I loved as a child, so I'm truly thrilled to be a part of it."
In the trailer, Colonel Ward is shown calmly dealing with Glogoo's mischief, but he confessed that he was smitten with Glogoo, saying, "Colonel Ward, the character I play, is tough on Glogoo, but I couldn't help but fall in love with him deep down—his voice, ears, eyes, everything about him is endearing!" He expressed his confidence in the film, saying, "I think this is a movie that everyone should see right now. You don't need to have seen other Star Wars works to enjoy it. You can enjoy this film on its own, and I think it will quickly become a 'classic.' I think that by going to the theater, you'll feel like you've been transported to a world far, far away in space."
Having been thoroughly trained in Star Wars under George Lucas and considered one of Lucas's most trusted creators, Filoni, who is producing this film, said, "While we are creating a new work, we are respecting the foundation that George Lucas created because it is special and unique to many Star Wars fans. And many people are looking for a story worthy of Star Wars returning to theaters, and the Mandalorian and Glogoo are characters worthy of that." This film features a world that will be irresistible to anyone who has seen Star Wars, with vehicles and weapons such as X-wings and AT-ATs, as well as droids such as R2 Unit and creatures such as the Hutts who control the underworld, and is sure to capture the hearts of long-time Star Wars fans.
◇The final stop on the world tour is Japan, the birthplace of SW.
Star Wars has been heavily influenced by Japanese culture and the works of director Akira Kurosawa. The father-son-like relationship between the protagonists of the latest film, the Mandalorian and Glogou, was inspired by the relationship between Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro in the period drama "Lone Wolf and Cub." Japan, the birthplace of Star Wars, will be the final stop on their world tour, and lead actor Pascal, director Favreau, and producer Kathleen Kennedy will be arriving in Japan on the 19th of this month.
This will be their first visit to Japan since "Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025," the first Star Wars event held in Japan in 17 years last year. The excitement of that celebration, which attracted more than 105,000 visitors from approximately 125 countries around the world, is coming to Japan once again.
When the cast and crew visited Japan for "The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX)" (2019), 450 fans and over 200 members of the press gathered. It remains to be seen how much excitement will be generated during this upcoming visit. Furthermore, there is much anticipation regarding what they will say about this film, which is still shrouded in mystery.
The film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" is set five years after the death of Darth Vader and the fall of the Empire. In a lawless galaxy, the Mandalorian, a solitary bounty hunter who perfectly completes every job while adhering to strict rules under the motto "Our Way," gradually develops a father-son-like bond with Glogo, the mischievous and gluttonous "The Child," who possesses immense Force powers, during their journey together. "He'll outlive me. I can't protect him forever..." The story follows these two bound by an unbreakable bond as they confront destiny to prevent a new war aimed at the resurgence of the Empire.
