In a surprising twist, one of the most talked-about characters from the new The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer is none other than Rotta the Hutt. Though he only appeared for a fleeting second, Jabba the Hutt’s son, last seen as the “Huttlet” in The Clone Wars, has clearly grown up and bulked up, looking impressively formidable.
The trailer hints at Rotta’s significant role, showing him in what appears to be a gladiator arena, either hosting or participating in a fight, while Mando and Grogu observe from the audience.
Jeremy Allen White, who lends his voice to the adult Rotta, offered a tantalizing tease during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. While promoting his upcoming movie, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, White hinted at Rotta’s dynamic with Din Djarin: “He’s just a bit broader, but still like a Hutt. It’s kinda like him and The Mandalorian running around for a lot of the movie together.”
When pressed on whether a Hutt could “run,” White chuckled, responding: “Rotta can move quickly, yes.” This suggests that Rotta will be a crucial, if unexpectedly agile, partner to Mando in the film, perhaps mastering a surprisingly swift shuffle.
While specific plot details for The Mandalorian and Grogu remain under wraps, Lucasfilm has provided an official synopsis:
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Directed by Jon Favreau, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu also stars Sigourney Weaver and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.
The trailer also gave fans a glimpse of Sigourney Weaver’s character and a live-action appearance by Zeb, along with a rebuilt Razor Crest. Naturally, the spotlight remains firmly on Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and the beloved Grogu, affectionately known as Baby Yoda.
Footage shows Mando and Grogu on a reconnaissance mission at an Imperial base, with the ever-resourceful Grogu, accompanied by the equally tiny Babu Frik (first seen in The Rise of Skywalker), infiltrating the facility. Later, Mando and Grogu share a scene with Sigourney Weaver’s character, where a hungry Grogu attempts to use the Force for snacks, much to Sigourney’s amused disapproval.
Zeb Orrelios, the formidable Lasat honor guard from Star Wars Rebels, brings his signature strength to the big screen, making his live-action debut after a brief appearance in The Mandalorian. Fans will enjoy watching him battle stormtroopers, whom he famously dubbed “bucket heads.”
The Mandalorian and Grogu marks the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Despite numerous new Star Wars projects announced since then, this film arrives a significant six-and-a-half years after the last cinematic entry. Another anticipated film, Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, is slated for release in May 2027.