This morning during The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Jon Favreau came to the stage Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama and shared about some exciting things that are coming to Batuu. This includes the new The Mandalorian and Grogu update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.
“One of the cool things about Disney is how we can tell our stories in so many different formats,” Favreau told the crowd. “We’re already taking Mando and Grogu from the TV screen to the movie screen, and at the same time, [The Mandalorian executive producer] Dave [Filoni] and I are working with Asa to bring this story to the Disney parks, too.”
During the panel, the date when this new update will be arriving was shared. The new version of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run with The Mandalorian and Grogu update will debut on May 22, 2026, the same day as the movie.
“Opening an attraction and such a massive movie on the same day wouldn’t be possible without the relationships we have inside Disney,” Kalama added. “Jon and Dave have shared their story with us, and now we’ve all worked together to come up with a new mission for Smugglers Run that plays into this narrative.”
Imagineers worked with the movie makers for the film to capture scenes for the attraction on the actual movie set. Thanks to this, guests will see some familiar Star Wars locations while piloting the Millennium Falcon. This includes the Tatooine, the Cloud City on Bespin, and the remains of the second Death Star above Endor! Concept art was revealed for these three destinations:
“This isn’t going to retell what happens in the movie – it’s more like participating in something that’s happening just off-camera from what you see in the film,” Favreau explained.
The new update for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will be found at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland Resort and also Walt Disney World Resort. What do you think of this update? Which new destination are you most excited about? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
