546: In Defense of THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Super Bowl Spot

546: In Defense of THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Super Bowl Spot

From Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive by Richard and Sarah Woloski

February 11, 2026 · 58 min · Episode 546

About this episode

The episode discusses the reactions to the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl commercial and analyzes its creative choices.

By now you've probably seen the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl "Big Game" commercial, and you have an opinion. In this episode, we break down our reactions, explore what may have led Lucasfilm and Disney to make such a bold creative choice, read listener comments, and deliver a detailed deep-dive analysis. In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 60, fans expected a traditional trailer packed with story clues. Instead, we got something completely unexpected: a cinematic parody inspired by the legendary Budweiser commercials. The 36-second spot, narrated by the iconic Sam Elliott and directed by Jon Favreau, opens on a sleigh racing across a snowy tundra. At first glance, it looks like a team of horses—but the camera reveals they're actually tauntauns. Din Djarin passes the reins to Grogu as they glide forward together, guided by the galloping creatures. The commercial closes with Grogu gently reaching toward a tauntaun's nose while the narrator reminds audiences that The Mandalorian and Grogu is coming "only to theaters." Unsurprisingly, the fan response has been sharply divided, and we also discuss the overwhelming reactions shared across our social media. PODCAST SPONSORS Small…

People in this episode

Hosts: Richard Woloski, Sarah Woloski

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Keywords

Sponsors

Small World Vacations, SpiritJersey

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lucasfilm, Disney

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