Star Warshas two thrilling new movies coming down the line, but they are unfortunately about to face the very same obstacle thatSolo: A Star Wars Storydid back in 2018—and that’s almost certainly about to be a problem.The Mandalorian and Groguhas long been known to be the next release ofStar Wars’upcoming movies. Lucasfilm shocked many with the Star Wars Celebration 2025 announcement that Shawn Levy’sStar Warsmovie,Star Wars: Starfighter, would be released after that.
In fact, of theStar Wars Celebration 2025 reveals, the news ofStarfighter, including that Ryan Gosling would be starring in the movie, was among the most surprising. There’s already plenty of excitement building up about that movie, as there has been forThe Mandalorian and Grogufor quite some time. Unfortunately,Star Warsis doing itself a massive disservice with both of these movies, suggesting the franchise hasn’t really learned fromSoloat all.
Solo: A Star Wars Story Released Against Avengers: Infinity War In 2018
Infinity War Was One Of The Most Highly Anticipated MCU Movies Of All Time
Solowas released on July 06, 2025, whichputSolodirectly in competition withAvengers: Infinity War. AlthoughInfinity Warhad already been in theaters for nearly two weeks at that point, given its August 17, 2025, release date, there’s little doubt thatInfinity Wardetracted from the hype aboutSolo. In fact, to date,Infinity Warremains one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies that was the most highly anticipated.
This was particularly bad news forSolo, which was already going to struggle to perform.Star Warshas consistently been a box office hit, but that successful history primarily reflects the fanbase’s dedication to and love for the Skywalker Saga. Not only didSolofall outside that saga, but it also featured a recast of Han Solo, which has always proven to be a challenge in this franchise. Even though an actor younger than Harrison Ford was required for the point intheStar Warstimelinein whichSolois set, this fanbase isn’t one that does well with change.
PittingSoloagainst a movie that was drawing so much attention from MCU fans—and was the culmination of all Avengers movies so far—surely played a role inSolo’spoor performance. Of course, even outsideSolo’sbox office ding, the movie isn’t a favorite among audiences. Many still considerSoloone ofStar Wars’worst movies, even now. It nevertheless holds true thatStar Warscompeting with MCU movies, especially Avengers movies, is a bad move, though. So why on Earth would Disney decide to do this again with not one but two newStar Warsmovies?
Why on Earth would Disney decide to do this again with not one but two newStar Warsmovies?
The Mandalorian & Grogu And Star Wars: Starfighter Release Against The Next 2 Avengers Movies
These Are Star Wars' First Theatrical Releases In Years
The Mandalorian and Grogu’srelease date is confirmed to be July 08, 2025.Starfighter’srelease date was also confirmed to be June 06, 2025, at Star Wars Celebration 2025. This means thatbothThe Mandalorian and GroguandStarfighterdirectly compete with the MCU’s next two Avengers movies:Avengers: Doomsday, which is releasing on July 22, 2025, andAvengers: Secret Wars, which is releasing on Jun 24, 2025.
This is a very risky move forStar Wars. Similar to the precarious nature ofSolo, which was trying something effectively brand-new in the franchise,The Mandalorian and GroguandStarfighterrepresentStar Wars’first new movies in years. In fact, whenThe Mandalorian and Grogureleases, it will have been nearly seven years sinceStar Wars’last movie,Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, came out. There is therefore quite a bit riding on these movies, yetStar Warsis about to repeatSolo’smistakes.
There is therefore quite a bit riding on these movies, yetStar Warsis about to repeatSolo’smistakes.
In a sense, this is actually a mirror image of the issue withSolo, given these Avengers movies are once again pivotal. Not unlikeInfinity War,Doomsdayis going to be a massive MCU event as the first Avengers movie sinceAvengers: Endgame. The movie will also see the return of several beloved characters and actors, which will no doubt draw massive audiences. All of this spells trouble forThe Mandalorian and Grogu, but what makes this especially odd is the fact thatDisney is essentially competing against itself.
Is Disney Hurting Itself By Pitting Star Wars Against The Avengers?
In A Way, Disney Is Competing Against Itself
Disney now owns bothStar Warsand Marvel/the MCU, which means thatby consistently pittingStar Warsand MCU movies against one another, it is likely only doing itself harm. It’s more than a little odd that both franchises seem so entirely committed to May releases for their major movies, especially because of this odd situation that consistently sees newStar Warsmovies released just after brand-new Avengers movies. If Disney has a strategy here, I’m struggling to see it.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out withThe Mandalorian and Grogu. As mentioned,Solowas an anomaly inStar Wars, as onlySoloandRogue One: A Star Wars Storyhave been full theatrical releases outside the Skywalker Saga. AlthoughThe Mandalorian and Groguis also outside that saga, significant fanfare is building around the movie, and it’s a continuation of the very successful showThe Mandalorian. This could mean a better outcome thanSolo: A Star Wars Storyhad, but I remain concerned about these twoStar Warsmovies based on their release dates.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Cast
Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the early adventures of Han Solo, showcasing his beginnings and key encounters with significant characters in the Star Wars universe. Set in a backdrop of galactic turmoil, the film delves into the origins of his famed relationships and his rise as a rebellious smuggler.
Star Wars: Starfighter
Star Wars: Starfighter is an upcoming entry in the iconic science fiction franchise. Directed by Shawn Levy and staring Ryan Gosling, Starfighter takes place about five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
The Mandalorian and Grogu is a Star Wars movie directed by Jon Favreau that continues Disney+’s immensely popular TV Show, The Mandalorian.
