Review: ‘Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian’ shares an insightful look at what makes ‘Star Wars’
When “The Mandalorian” premiered with the debut of Disney+, Star Wars fans were able to experience a new kind of tale from a galaxy far, far away. With “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” viewers get to learn just what it took to make that story come to life.
Debuting on May 4, affectionately known as Star Wars Day by the fan community, “Disney Gallery” illustrates the creative work, talent, and technology used to bring “The Mandalorian” to life on the small screen.
The first two episodes of this eight-episode docuseries focus on directing and the legacy of Star Wars, and feature roundtables with those involved led by Jon Favreau, executive producer of “The Mandalorian.” Mixed in are glimpses of life on set, where lightning was truly captured in a bottle.
Future episodes will cover how the cast brought the characters to life, the technology used in the series, the artistry behind the show’s practical models, effects, and creatures, and the creative influences, score, and connections to ‘Star Wars’ characters and props.
What I loved most about this series is that it shows just how much Favreau’s ragtag team of directors really understand what makes Star Wars “Star Wars.” Each one has so much reverence for the history and legacy of what came before them and the original vision of George Lucas, and it’s this understanding that helps make “The Mandalorian” feel like classic Star Wars. There’s even a mention of Joseph Campbell and his concept of the Hero’s Journey for you mythology lovers out there.
And yet, despite that collective understanding, each director brings their own ideas and style to their episodes, weaving a diverse fabric that ultimately tells a beautiful, action-packed story. These are the people you want leading the future of “Star Wars.”
This series will not only share more insight into what makes “The Mandalorian” so great, but if you’re like me, you’ll want to queue up the original series and binge-watch it all over again.
Check out the trailer for “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian” below, and be sure to stream the first episode when it premieres on Monday, May 4 on DisneyPlus.com.
