According to some of the Hollywood trades, The Mandalorian and Grogu is killing it in one demographic…boys aged 13 and under.
What! My goodness! For the past 50 years hasn’t George repeatedly told naysays and critics that Star Wars was, and always has been, intended for young kids. Well, for the first time under Disney’s stewardship they may have a film on their hands that will introduce a new generation to a galaxy far, far away and bring the staying power that the franchise needs.
Now, it’s all very well looking at the data but only the other day did I potentially see this in action. I’d been to do my recycling, very rock and roll you see, and bumped into my neighbour coming down the road with her son.
The little ‘un was carrying a Mandalorian and Grogu popcorn tin and munching away. She explained it was his birthday and they’d been to see the film. He loved it! He went onto inform me about all the things that happened in the film and did I know that there was a TV show on the Disney Channel that I could watch?
I played along, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm for telling me about his new passion. He’d already asked his mum for some more screen time on the evening so he could carry on watching ANYTHING Star Wars. He’s hooked. Totally hooked on Star Wars. It was like seeing a seven-year-old me all those years ago.
His excitement was clear to see, and I couldn’t help but think that this is exactly who the new film is playing for. Forgive the bluntness of the fact, but The Mandalorian and Grogu may success where the sequels failed – to have a lasting impact on a new generation of youngsters who have so much content thrown at them these days that it’s hard to know where to look.
Whilst the toy industry has changed massively too, there’s enough out there on there for kids to go and get a slice on the action too. The Burger King collaboration has been a huge success by anyone’s standards and, of course, there’s the usual vomit about box office returns from clickbait sites – despite the fact the conversation surrounding that is very nuanced.
If the film can succeed in bringing in excitement and driving new viewers to Disney+ to watch all things Star Wars, then take a bow Mando and Grogu – job well done indeed!
The film is quickly establishing itself a family crowd-pleaser and, well, isn’t this the way?
You can catch Jon on tour (in association with Fantha Tracks) around the UK (and stay tuned as more dates are being added):
FRI MAY 29 | THE RIK MAYALL COMEDY FESTIVAL – DROITWICH – SOLD OUT
SUN MAY 31 | THE RIK MAYALL COMEDY FESTIVAL – DROITWICH – SOLD OUT
MON JUN 1 | RAM COMEDY FESTIVAL – DERBY TICKETS
WED JUN 3 | THE RIK MAYALL COMEDY FESTIVAL – DROITWICH – TICKETS
THU JUN 4 | RIVERFRONT THEATRE – NEWPORT, WALES
THU JUN 11 | THE COMEDY CRATE – NORTHAMPTON
SAT JUN 27 | THE CRESCENT THEATRE – BIRMINGHAM (2nd Show)
SUN JUN 28 | HEN & CHICKENS THEATRE – LONDON
SAT JUL 11 | MILTON KEYNES COMEDY FESTIVAL (3 Shows)
SAT AUG 22 | COACH HOUSE THEATRE – MALVERN (2 Shows) TICKETS – coming soon
Fresh from a sell-out residency at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the new and acclaimed show embarks on its 2026 tour. Award nominated stand-up and improviser Jon Hipkiss brings together the ultimate celebration of comedy and fandom. Based solely on your suggestions, Jon will improvise an entirely new Star Wars film all by himself. He’s all the trailers, all the characters, all the music, the ships, everything. Expect beautiful chaos! “Very funny, clever and totally entertaining” – “I was doubled over laughing for the whole show” – “Fantastic show for Star Wars fans or not” – “Genuinely brilliant. Clever and inclusive, whole family loved it” – “Fantastic show, we laughed all the way through” – “Hilarious and fun with a highly skilled performer” – “A complete delight” – EdFringe.com Audience Reviews.
