THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU: 5 Villains We Could See In The Upcoming STAR WARS Movie

The Mandalorian is finally heading to the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu, but who should the titular characters square off against? We have some exciting ideas for the upcoming movie's big bad...

By JoshWilding - Jan 27, 2024 09:01 AM EST

Filed Under: Star Wars

Lucasfilm recently announced plans for The Mandalorian & Grogu, a new theatrical film which will put the spotlight on two of the Star Wars franchise's most popular characters.

We don't currently know what this movie means for The Mandalorian season 4 but it's widely believed it will still happen. From there, this big screen outing will lead into Dave Filoni's rumoured "Heir to the Empire" adaptation in anticipation of a possible third movie which turns this into a trilogy.

While time will tell on that front, now feels like a good time to discuss some of the villains that Din Djarin and Grogu could square off with in their movie. Whether it's familiar faces from the franchise's past (and future) or the Expanded Universe, each of these suggestions has real potential.

Find out who we think could be The Mandalorian & Grogu's big bad by hitting the "Next" button below...

5. The Shadow Council

We first met the members of The Shadow Council in The Mandalorian season 3 and learned that, much to Moff Gideon's chagrin, many of them remain loyal to Grand Admiral Thrawn. Now he's back and Gideon is dead, will they all fall in line with one of Emperor Palpatine's most prized Imperials?

It depends on what Thrawn is up to and whether he has any interest in restoring the Empire to its former glory now he's allied himself with The Great Mothers of Dathomir. At the very least, we expect Captain Pellaeon to be at Thrawn's side and, if so, he could make for a fitting adversary in this movie.

We're not sure he has what it takes to be The Mandalorian & Grogu's sole big bad, but Favreau can use the villain to tie this story into both Filoni's Star Wars movie and even the eventual formation of The First Order.

4. Joruus C'baoth

A deranged clone of Jedi Master Joruus C'Baoth, this Dark Jedi was determined to bring Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa-Solo, and Mara Jade under his control. However, despite being forced into becoming Grand Admiral Thrawn's pawn, he eventually set his sights on ruling the remaining Empire.

Unleashing Force Lightning with ease, he was on par with Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine and eventually found an...interesting...use for Thrawn's cloning facility by creating his own "Luuke" Skywalker. In The Mandalorian & Grogu, however, we think it would make sense for him to have created Grogu from Yoda's DNA.

Alternatively, he might just want to get his hands on The Child as he once did with Luke to create an army of incredibly powerful Force-sensitive beings who will do his bidding. It would be effortless to make it so that Gideon originally worked for him before focusing on creating clones of himself.

3. Maul

C'mon, we had to have at least one bonkers suggestion here! Maul died in Star Wars Rebels but Dave Filoni has already retconned that show's ending; with that in mind, why not find a way to make it so that this former Sith found a way to survive?

He has a history with the Mandalorians after once wielding the Darksaber and ruling Mandalore and, crucially, Lucasfilm never did resolve Solo: A Star Wars Story's big cliffhanger. We're not suggesting turning The Mandalorian & Grogu into Solo 2, but throwing Crimson Dawn into the mix would be no bad thing.

The fact is, this movie needs to be more than just a longer-than-normal episode of the Disney+ series. Bringing back an iconic villain from the franchise's past will bring all manner of fans into theaters and allows Favreau to play with some thrilling character dynamics.

2. Snoke

dfoz387-a648720b-9ceb-42d7-9575-8d3a1b7f984a

The Mandalorian has strongly hinted that Moff Gideon's cloning experiments might have something to do with Supreme Leader Snoke's creation. Whether he was using Emperor Palpatine's technology for selfish means or inadvertently created it for his former boss, there's a way to tie all this together.

Love or hate the sequels, Snoke still needs an origin story and this may be a good place to start exploring that. Heck, if Favreau goes all in on the idea, then perhaps we'll even get to learn how the First Order's future leader ended up with all those scars!

As exciting as it's been to explore this post-Return of the Jedi period, Favreau and Filoni find themselves in a tricky spot because we all know the New Republic eventually falls. We're not sure what that means for a happy ending but Din and Grogu weakening Snoke enough to slow down Palpatine's return would be a big win.

1. Moff Gideon

why-do-you-think-moff-gideon-was-obsessed-with-mandalorians-v0-hg7in1h9b9qb1-copy

In many ways, putting the spotlight on a familiar villain makes the most sense for The Mandalorian & Grogu. Giancarlo Esposito is a powerhouse talent and, for anyone who has watched The Mandalorian, his return would be impactful.

Theories continue to swirl that it was one of his clones who died in the season 3 finale, so why not bring him back as the ultimate big bad for Din and Grogu to square off with? Some unanswered questions could finally be addressed and, to go back to Snoke, we're sure he could be tied into the story in some capacity as well.

An argument could be made that it's time for The Mandalorian to move on from Gideon, but there are still stories to be told. Heck, what a cliffhanger it would be for Thrawn to be the one who takes him out, further establishing the villain as a true threat heading into Filoni's movie.

STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW Director Jon Watts Shares Show's Premise, Premiere Window, And More New Details

Recommended For You:

LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY Trailer Introduces Us To The Official Version Of Darth Jar Jar!

DISCLAIMER: SFFGazette.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

SFFGazette.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

3 Comments

InfinitePunches - 1/27/2024, 2:40 PM

One of your worst.

MG0019 - 1/27/2024, 3:16 PM

Shadow Council makes the most sense as it was established in the series.

Give Gideon a rest. One of the shows biggest criticisms is it’s becoming old-hat. We’ve seen Mando & Grogu, we’ve seen his side quests, Gideon was the Big Bad in every season. We want variety. Most of us wanted Mando to get a break from Grogu! Let that longing build, so that the reunion feels EARNED. Grogu came back in Boba Fett, which kind of diminishes the entire two season arc.

Please not Darth Maul. His time has gone, and he already got his free pass to come back in TCW. It felt a little stretched to bring him back, but the payoff was good. And that final battle with Kenobi is GREAT. Don’t ruin that. He doesn’t belong in this era. It would feel like senseless fan-service to bring him back as Mando’s new Big Bad.

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU: 5 Villains We Could See In The Upcoming STAR WARS Movie

The Mandalorian is finally heading to the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu, but who should the titular characters square off against? We have some exciting ideas for the upcoming movie's big bad...

5. The Shadow Council

4. Joruus C'baoth

3. Maul

2. Snoke

1. Moff Gideon

STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW Director Jon Watts Shares Show's Premise, Premiere Window, And More New Details

LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY Trailer Introduces Us To The Official Version Of Darth Jar Jar!

STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW Director Jon Watts Shares Show's Premise, Premiere Window, And More New Details

LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY Trailer Introduces Us To The Official Version Of Darth Jar Jar!

THE MANDALORIAN Star Gina Carano Hits Back At Reports She Wants Disney And Lucasfilm To Rehire Her

STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW Director Jon Watts Shares Show's Premise, Premiere Window, And More New Details

LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY Trailer Introduces Us To The Official Version Of Darth Jar Jar!

THE MANDALORIAN Star Gina Carano Hits Back At Reports She Wants Disney And Lucasfilm To Rehire Her

THE ACOLYTE: Sinister New CCXP Poster Revealed Along With Rumored SPOILERS

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Just Massively Exceeded Box Office Expectations With Re-Release

THE ACOLYTE Official Trailer Unveils STAR WARS Show's Mysterious Sith Villain

Popular Headlines

THE MANDALORIAN Star Gina Carano Hits Back At Reports She Wants Disney And Lucasfilm To Rehire Her

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES' Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed As First Reviews Swing Online

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: Does The Movie Have A Post-Credits Scene? - Possible SPOILERS

RIDDICK: FURYA Will See Vin Diesel Suit Back Up As The PITCH BLACK Anti-Hero

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA Director George Miller Reveals Who Plays [SPOILER] In Prequel's Surprise Cameo

STAR TREK 4 Getting Another Writer Is News To Chris Pine: "I Guess They Decided To Pivot"

THE WITCHER: First Look At Liam Hemsworth As Geralt Of Rivia Revealed Via BTS Photo

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: Does The Movie Have A Post-Credits Scene? - Possible SPOILERS

STAR TREK 4 Getting Another Writer Is News To Chris Pine: "I Guess They Decided To Pivot"

THE WITCHER: First Look At Liam Hemsworth As Geralt Of Rivia Revealed Via BTS Photo

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: Does The Movie Have A Post-Credits Scene? - Possible SPOILERS

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA Tickets Now On Sale - Check Out An Epic Final Trailer

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES' Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed As First Reviews Swing Online

REBEL MOON: PART TWO - THE SCARGIVER Honest Trailer Really Is Like Shooting Fish Grain In A Barrell

Comic Book Movies & TV

Disney And Warner Bros. Discovery To Join Forces For New Streaming Bundle

JESSICA JONES Star Krysten Ritter's Latest Social Post Has Fans Convinced She's Gearing Up For MCU Return

Zack Snyder's REBEL MOON: PART TWO - THE SCARGIVER Gets The Honest Trailer Treatment

David Cronenberg's THE SHROUDS Poster And Stills Released Ahead Of Cannes Premiere

RUMOR: Sony Pictures In Early Stages Of Developing A Live-Action SPIDER-GWEN Movie

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Stills Offer Spoilery TVA Clues, New Look At Logan, Cassandra Nova, And More

Cartoons & Animated Features

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Breaks Down Biggest Moments In "Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 2" - SPOILERS

New MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN Season 2 Clip Reveals Amanda Waller's Evil Task Force X Plans

Disney+ Confirms Release Of Two More Marvel Animation TV Shows In 2024

X-MEN '97 Features An Incredible Cameo, Shocking Betrayals, And A Huge Comic Book Moment - SPOILERS

X-MEN '97: The Team Dons New Costumes In First Clip From Tomorrow's Penultimate Episode

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS - PART 3 Trailer Reveals More Cameos And Teases An Epic Conclusion

Gaming

MULTIVERSUS Reveals The Joker As Newest Playable Character; Voiced By Mark Hamill

DRAGON AGE: DREADWOLF Reportedly One Of EA's Two "Unannounced" Games Launching This Year

DESTINY 2 Makes Three Expansions Free Ahead Of THE FINAL SHAPE Next Month

Next NINTENDO SWITCH Model To Be Revealed By March 2025

MORTAL KOMBAT 1's First Look Trailer At THE BOYS' Homelander Will Almost Certainly Make You Gag

Sony Does An About-Face; Will No Longer Require HELLDIVERS 2 PC Players To Link Steam Accounts To PSN

Anime & Manga

Netflix's AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER Producer Teases Toph's Debut In Season 2

NATSUME'S BOOK OF FRIENDS Season 5 English Dub Now Streaming On Crunchyroll

MY HERO ACADEMIA: YOU'RE NEXT Sound Director Shares Another Exciting Update For The Film

Casting Call for Netflix's ONE PIECE Season 2 Teases Vivi, Robin And More

Netflix Shares First Teaser For ONE PIECE Season 2 Which Looks To Follow The Arabasta Arc

BLUE LOCK Season 2 Releasing Later This Year; New Illustration Shared In Celebration

Horror

THE SHROUDS: First Poster And New Stills For David Cronenberg's Latest Movie Released

IN A VIOLENT NATURE: Audio Of Audience Reaction To A Brutal Kill Leaks Online

TAROT's Horoscope Is Not Looking Good After Hitting Rotten Tomatoes With 12%

MAXXXINE Officially Rated-R For "Gore, Sexual Content, & Graphic Nudity;" New Still Released

THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER Follow-Up Enlists Mike Flanagan To Direct

MANDY Director Panos Cosmatos To Helm FLESH OF THE GODS Starring Kristen Stewart & Oscar Isaac

Action Movies & TV

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Production Designer Pawas Sawatchaiyamet On Working With Dev Patel

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 Adds SEVERANCE Actor Tramell Tillman

A24's CIVIL WAR Was The #1 Movie In America For The Second Week In A Row

JAMES BOND: Henry Cavill Isn't Closing The Door On Playing 007; "Maybe I'm Too Old Now. Maybe I'm Not..."

Alex Garland's CIVIL WAR Is The #1 Movie In North America- Opens To $25.7M

Pro Wrestling & MMA News

Drew McIntyre Reveals What He Plans On Doing To CM Punk; Calls His Place In WWE Draft "Stupid"

Randy Orton Reveals New Retirement Plan Following Successful Return From Back Injury Last Year

WWE Decides Not To Renew Drew Gulak's Contract Following Ronda Rousey Allegations

KING OF THE RING And QUEEN OF THE RING Tournament Begins On RAW - Here Are The Full Results So Far!