Today (March 24th, 2020) marks the launch of new streaming service Disney+ in the UK, and with it comes a whole lot of exciting content exclusive to the platform. As well as allowing access to scores of classic Disney TV shows and movies, there are releases such as Star Wars: The Mandalorian that can be enjoyed for the first time. So, in these strangest of times, why should you give the new intergalactic series a try? Here are just seven reasons…
7. It’s the first live-action Star Wars series ever
Whilst we’ve had animated Star Wars shows, this will be the first live-action series to come to fans. Defined as a "Space Western", The Mandalorian follows the journey of the titular character - a bounty hunter called Din Djarin – and "his exploits beyond the reaches of the New Republic". Though Jango and Boba Fett are the bounty hunters best-known to Star Wars fans, this new show allows a third to emerge as a tireless warrior in pursuit of achieving his goals, no matter the price.
6. It's been created by Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau doesn't just serve as creator of the series, but as an executive producer, showrunner and head writer. His back-catalogue speaks for itself, and includes such gems as Elf, Zathura: A Space Adventure and the recent live-action adaptations of Disney's The Jungle Book and The Lion King. With his slick and clever writing at the forefront of The Mandalorian, it’s without a doubt going to be one of the most watchable series of the year.
5. There are some incredible cast members
As well as the brilliant team working behind-the-scenes, the cast is made up of a whole host of big names. Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones) takes on the role of The Mandalorian, with Carl Weathers, Werner Herzog, Taika Waititi, Gina Carano and Amy Sedaris also amongst those who appear (or lend their voice to a character).
4. Keep an eye out for Easter Eggs
For the biggest Star Wars fans, a bunch of different Easter Eggs have been scattered through episodes of The Mandalorian. These hail back to movies and TV shows that have taken place in the Star Wars universe, allowing the most dedicated amongst us to really flex our muscles and show off our knowledge.
3. It got incredible reviews in America
The Mandalorian started airing on Disney+ in the UK last November (2019), and the first season currently sits with an average rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critic Richard Roeper, from the Chicago Sun-Times perhaps put it best when he said: "This is a visually stunning, consistently entertaining space-spaghetti-Western serial."
2. There’s already a second season ordered
Thanks to the huge success of the first season in areas where Disney+ has already launched, a second season has been ordered so that the Mandalorian’s story can continue. We’ll not give too many details about what to expect, because that would take away from your viewing experience, but expect plenty more drama and chaos!
1. Baby Yoda
We couldn’t complete the list without mentioning one of the most recognisable faces across the globe – that of Baby Yoda. Referred to as “The Child” throughout the series, the toddler (despite being 50-years-old) is from the same unnamed race as Yoda, and is protected by The Mandalorian throughout the series whilst being sought out by other bounty hunters. He’s absolutely adorable, and if you still don’t want to watch after seeing him, then you must have a heart of stone!
Star Wars: The Mandalorian is now available to stream exclusively on Disney+. Episodes one and two are currently available in the UK.
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