When The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to release on May 22, 2026, marking the first new Star Wars movie in theaters in six and a half years, followed closely by Grand Theft Auto VI on May 26, 2026, the first new GTA game in 12 and a half years, the question arises: which event will be the bigger deal? And which might feel like more of the same?
On paper, these releases should be among the most significant pop culture events of 2026, akin to the Barbenheimer phenomenon. A new Star Wars movie and a new GTA title? It's like a dream come true for fans. While GTA 6 is poised to be a massive hit—it's already generating immense buzz—The Mandalorian and Grogu carry a bit more uncertainty.
It reminds me of a childhood memory where I told my Noni that I could eat pizza every day. She wisely countered that I'd eventually get sick of it. And she was right! Pizza every day loses its charm and can even become unappealing over time, not just for me but also for those selling it.
This analogy fits well with the current state of Star Wars. It's become like pizza every day—overwhelming and repetitive. In contrast, the anticipation for a new GTA game has been building for years, adding to the allure of the franchise. This is a lesson that Lucasfilm and Disney should consider. The excitement for GTA stems from its rarity and the long-awaited anticipation, whereas Star Wars might feel like more of the same old/same old.
