The nextStar Warsmovie,The Mandalorian and Grogu, is continuingThe Mandalorian’s tradition of honoring the originalStar Warstrilogy with a surprisingReturn of the Jediconnection. Details aboutThe Mandalorian and Grogumovieare still being kept tightly under wraps, including much ofThe Mandalorian and Grogu’s cast, but some information has indeed been passed on.
This has been accomplished mostly in the way of exclusive footage shown at events such as 2024’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, the latter of which I was in attendance. The footage I saw revealed a surprisingly familiar face that connectsThe Mandalorian and Groguto one famedReturn of the Jedifoe.
The Mandalorian And Grogu Features The Return Of Jabba’s Son
Believe it or not, Jabba the Hutt is indeed a father.Rotta the Huttlet was first introduced in the 2008Star Wars: The Clone Warsmovie, which acted as the gateway for the beloved animated series of the same name. Also referred to as “Stinky,” Rotta was rescued from the Separatists by Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano.
Now, nearly twenty years after his initial debut, Rotta will return to theStar Warsgalaxy inThe Mandalorian and Grogu. The footage I saw at Star Wars Celebration Japan ended withRotta, now fully grown and very buff, pumping his fists victoriously at the center of a gladiator ring, with Din Djarin and Grogu as spectators.
Don’t Expect Rotta To Be Your Stereotypical Hutt
Of course, the biggest mistake you could make while anticipating the appearance of Jabba’s son is that Rotta will take on his father’s same legacy. It’s clear already that Rotta is anything butthe stereotypical Hutt,preferring to fight for himself rather than have others fight on his behalf.
While, like much of the movie, Rotta’s motivations for being a gladiator type of fighter are unclear,there will certainly be something fueling himinThe Mandalorian and Grogu. Given the fact the movie takes place years after his father’s death at the hands of Leia Organa, that could very well be the cause.
Until then, the best way to prepare for this surprisingReturn of the Jediconnection in the nextStar Warsmovie is toget caught up with Rotta’s story inThe Clone Warsmovie. WhileThe Mandalorian and Grogumay be doing the work to reestablish Rotta some, it’s likely he could refer to his past - and his father.
The Mandalorian and Groguhits theaters July 08, 2025.
