The next Star Wars movie heading to theaters is bringing a familiar face from the animated series into live-action as the primary antagonist. The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to hit the big screen on May 22, 2026, and recent trailers and merchandise reveals have confirmed that the legendary bounty hunter Embo will be causing trouble for Din Djarin and his tiny Force-sensitive companion. This marks a major shift for the franchise, as the movie will not feature the series’ previous big bad, Moff Gideon, leaving room for this Clone Wars veteran to step into the spotlight.
A New Threat Replaces Moff Gideon
Fans of the Disney+ series have watched Giancarlo Esposito play the menacing Moff Gideon for three seasons. The Imperial warlord was obsessed with capturing Grogu and wielding the Darksaber. However, viewers will not see him in the upcoming film. Esposito confirmed in an interview with Empire magazine that he is not part of The Mandalorian and Grogu cast.
“There is a big movie coming out that’s focusing on Mando and The Child. I can’t say it’ll be that. But I hope to be able to join that franchise again, because I think there’s more road for Moff Gideon.”
— Giancarlo Esposito to Empire Magazine
Gideon’s fate was left somewhat open at the end of Season 3, as he was caught in an explosion while wearing Beskar armor. While he could return in future projects, his absence in this movie means the story needs a new villain to challenge the heroes. The film will introduce several antagonistic figures, including Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt (Jabba the Hutt’s son) and the Hutt Clan, but the primary threat appears to be Embo.
Who is Embo? The Clone Wars Bounty Hunter Explained
For those who only watch live-action Star Wars, the name Embo might not ring a bell. He is a character who gained a strong following from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. Embo is a Kyuzo from the planet Phatrong, easily recognized by his distinctive metal hat. That hat is not just for fashion; it is a sharpened throwing weapon and doubles as a shield, making him a unique and dangerous opponent .
In The Clone Wars, Embo was known as one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy during that era. He was athletic, nearly silent, and a merciless fighter. He worked for various crime lords and even took on Jedi without backing down. His first appearance was in the Season 2 episode “Bounty Hunters,” where he worked alongside other hunters to protect farmers on Felucia. Interestingly, Dave Filoni, who is now a Lucasfilm President and co-writer on the movie, originally planned to kill Embo off in that episode. The crew liked the character so much that they convinced Filoni to let him live, which allowed Embo to appear in multiple storylines throughout the series .
Confirmation from Trailers and Merchandise
The official trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, released in mid-February 2026, gave audiences their first clear look at Embo in live-action. He can be seen approaching a hut that looks very similar to Din Djarin’s home on Nevarro, suggesting a direct confrontation between the two bounty hunters is on the way .
Dave Filoni will reportedly provide the voice for Embo in the film, speaking in the character’s native Kyuzo language. This adds a nice layer of authenticity, as Filoni was heavily involved in creating the character during his time on The Clone Wars .
Earlier rumors and reports from sources like Bespin Bulletin suggested Embo would play a major role, and the new footage confirms those reports were accurate. The movie’s storyline involves the New Republic hiring Din Djarin to deal with Imperial warlords and criminal elements like the Hutts. Embo enters the picture as a hired blade for the Hutt Clan, tasked with taking out Rotta the Hutt or anyone who gets in their way .
The Story So Far: What to Expect from the Film
The Mandalorian and Grogu takes place after the fall of the Galactic Empire. The New Republic is trying to establish order, but Imperial warlords are scattered throughout the galaxy, causing trouble. The official synopsis confirms that the New Republic has enlisted the help of Din Djarin and Grogu to handle these threats .
The trailer shows Din working with a New Republic colonel played by Sigourney Weaver. It also reveals that Din breaks his Mandalorian code by removing his helmet multiple times, and Grogu is seen using the Force in several scenes, including accidentally messing up the takeoff sequence of their ship .
Embo’s role seems to be that of an enforcer. If Din is sent to deal with the Hutts, Embo will likely be the physical obstacle standing in his way. Given Embo’s track record of surviving fights with Jedi during the Clone Wars, he presents a much different kind of challenge than Moff Gideon. Gideon relied on technology, soldiers, and political power. Embo relies on pure combat skill and years of experience. This sets up a more personal, one-on-one style of conflict for the titular characters.
Release Information for Global Audiences
Disney and Lucasfilm have locked in the release date for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Fans around the world can mark their calendars for the following dates:
- United States & Canada: May 22, 2026
- United Kingdom & Ireland: May 22, 2026
- Australia: May 22, 2026
- India: May 22, 2026
The film will be released in standard theaters and IMAX, with director Jon Favreau confirming they shot the movie with larger aspect ratios in mind to give audiences a true big-screen experience .
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Favreau spoke about the shift from streaming to theaters at a recent event.
“We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of that, we have to notch everything up and then the storytelling as well. We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen.”
— Jon Favreau
The cast brings together familiar voices and new faces. Pedro Pascal returns as the voice of Din Djarin. Sigourney Weaver joins the Star Wars universe in a mysterious role as a New Republic colonel. Jeremy Allen White voices Rotta the Hutt, who has grown up considerably since his appearance as a baby Hutt in the 2008 Star Wars: The Clone Wars film. Jonny Coyne is also set to play an unnamed Imperial Warlord .
With the trailer now released and Embo confirmed as a central villain, the excitement for Star Wars’ return to theaters is building. The movie promises to blend the gritty tone of the series with the larger scope of a cinematic adventure, all while introducing a beloved animated character to a whole new generation of fans.
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