You may have heard there’s a new Star Wars film out now. You may also have heard tepid reviews about the film. You may even have heard (or worse, felt) that The Mandalorian and Grogu is boring. Is that really so? A big blockbuster science-fiction film from a 50-year-old fan-favorite franchise is boring? Or is it possible that trailers full of the film’s action sequences, shocking moments, and new characters sucked all the spectacle out of the final product?
I, for one, enjoyed The Mandalorian and Grogu. A lot! And I’m certain that’s down to the fact that I avoided watching any trailers, promos, TV spots, behind-the-scenes coverage, cast interviews, or other manner of marketing materials. I went into the theater having only caught the Super Bowl spot, which was a scene not included as part of the final film. Here’s my reasoning — if I’ve already made up my mind to watch something, a trailer (or ten) isn’t going to convince me any further.
Spoilers for the film ahead. Or maybe not, if you’ve already seen the trailers.
What is The Mandalorian and Grogu about?
The Mandalorian and Grogu takes off from the TV show starring Pedro Pascal as the titular Mandalorian. Mando, alongside his apprentice/adopted son Grogu, is now working for the New Republic. Their mission? To hunt down remaining Imperials and put an end to a possible resurgence of the Empire.
Like the show, each mission turns into a side quest; said side quest then becomes another side quest, followed by another. They meet new people along the way; they fight people along the way; they rescue people along the way, and then it all comes back to the main mission at some point. There’s a lot of action, plenty of humor, and of course, the wholesome dynamic of Mando and Grogu being an odd-couple, father-son duo.
This is exactly why I love the film. It held steadfast to the promise of the show. I was looking for two hours of joy, amusement, action, and being back in the Star Wars universe. Mando was cool. Grogu was adorable. What else do you need?
Marketing The Mandalorian and Grogu
After returning home ebullient from watching The Mandalorian and Grogu, I watched the trailers and was stunned to see just how much had already been revealed prior to the film’s release. While I knew we’d see Pedro Pascal in the film, I didn’t know that Din Djarin’s helmet was removed by someone else, which is a grave humiliation for Mandalorians of his creed.
Nor did I know Din would go head-to-head in an epic battle with a mythic-looking creature. Or that there would be a cavalry of New Republic ships coming to someone’s rescue. All those scenes, and more, were in the trailers.
As a marketer by trade, I know the drill. Marketing’s got to market the product. The job is to attract viewers tangentially interested in said product—to expand reach and, hopefully, rake in more box office dollars. Hence, promos are full of flashy scenes, cool visuals and characters, gags, and twists. If you cast a wide enough net, some of those non-fans will be dragged in. But for the super-fan who is already committed, it’s a yawn. If you’ve already seen the promos, probably several times during previews and at home, then you’re already expecting those scenes and waiting for those scenes. Everything in between might feel like a drag.
We know that trailers and promotional tours aren’t going anywhere. Marketing is an essential (and oft uncredited) part of new releases. But that doesn’t mean that as a viewer, you don’t have control over your own enjoyment of the final product. I’m dedicated to avoiding trailers and the like ahead of a film that I’m really excited for. It takes determination, but I’m certain you can do it too. You owe it to yourself.
So, here’s my recommendation. Take it from a veteran trailer-avoider: when the lights go down and the trailers come on, put your headphones in your ears (or cover your ears with your hands or fingers), close your eyes, and quietly, under your breath, repeat to yourself, “I am one with the Force. The Force is with me." And then let the trailers end and enjoy your film. May the Force be with you.
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