‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ director Jon Favreau says film honors ‘Star Wars’ world George Lucas created

LOS ANGELES — In “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” our movie heroes embark on a dangerous journey aimed at helping the New Republic, as new threats emerge in the galaxy.

The story underscores that while the infamous Jabba the Hutt may be dead, his family remains, carrying on the evil Hutt legacy.

So, expect Mando and Grogu to face some high-stakes challenges along the way.

Jon Favreau is not only a writer and a producer of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” he’s also the director. His love of the franchise began when he saw George Lucas’ original “Star Wars” movie back in 1977.

“It was humbling because ‘Star Wars’ was one of the big first cinematic experiences that I remember and falling in love with visual effects and that kind of mythic storytelling and everything George created,” Favreau said. “And cinema through the eyes of that movie as an entry point into learning about other cinema because those were all influences on George. So it was a big moment.”

For Favreau, working on “The Mandalorian and Grogu” represents a continuation of that passion.

“For me to linger with a particular world and character, set of characters, is because I’m getting a lot out of it,” he said. “I love the partnerships with the people I’ve been working with. I love the world. I love the audience is so curious about what you’re doing. They’re so perceptive and smart.”

Favreau also described the creative process as playful and immersive.

“It’s like playing with a big ‘Star Wars’ toy set sometimes,” he said.

The film features intense action and visually striking sequences, including battles with some scary and unfamiliar creatures.

“It’s a scary world,” Favreau said. “The stakes are high but the characters are heroic, pure of heart and that, I think, it fits the same mythic structure. Of course, George set the bar really high but we can tell stories that at least honor that world that he created.”

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is rated PG-13.

Viewers can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the film in a special airing of “On The Red Carpet,” scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. on 7.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Lucasfilm, Disney+ and this station.