The film does not have an opening crawl like the main entries in the Star Wars franchise, but it does feature a few slides of opening text that establish that Din Djarin is now working for the New Republic for hire. He’s still bounty hunting, per se. However, his targets now are the last high-ranking remnants of the Empire. We open on a group of former Empire leaders gathering in an old bunker on what appears to be Hoth or another snowy planet.
The film then immediately pivots to an extended set piece in which the Mandalorian infiltrates this old base and takes out waves of snowtroopers to reach a powerful benefactor who’s been protecting these ex-Imperial warlords. We see Mando take these troopers out with ease, then leading into a chase sequence with his loyal youngling/sidekick Grogu. We go from the base to Mando and Grogu chasing the benefactor, who’s trying to escape inside an AT-AT, on a small scout walker. This is the sequence that has been widely showcased in the trailers. The action is just as exciting as in the Disney+ show, and the translation to the big screen is almost seamless.
After the introductory set piece, we learn a little more about the film’s plot. Mando works for a New Republic general/leader played by Sigourney Weaver. Mando has been going on these missions not just with Grogu but also with Zeb Orrelios from Star Wars Rebels. The team has a new mission from Weaver’s character, get the location and indentity of one of the Empire’s most notorious leaders, who is shrouded in mystery. To do that, Mando has to get the information from the Hutt gang on Nal Hutta. They have agreed to turn over the intel in exchange for saving one of their members, Rotta the Hutt, who is being held captive by a rival crime syndicate.
Mando initially hesitates to work for the Hutts, but Weaver convinces him with a plea that, in order to prevent the Empire from coming back, drastic measures are needed. She also pays him in advance with a special surprise: his old ship, the Razor Crest, now rebuilt with other vintage parts.
