Imagine this: it’s May 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, and Disney+ is buzzing with excitement. In 2025, the streaming service revealed that The Mandalorian, the highly acclaimed Star Wars show, crossed a staggering one billion hours streamed. It appeared that the Star Wars universe was sitting firmly atop the streaming throne. But is it really the behemoth we’ve come to believe?
This week, Disney took a moment to pat itself on the back, rolling out a series of impressive stats. Between billion-hour milestones and exciting new releases, it’s a mix of pride and surprise. Yes, Star Wars enjoyed a spotlight, but it also faced some fierce competition. For instance, the animated series Bluey snagged the title of most-watched with 26.5 million rewatches, while Moana 2 topped the movie charts, amassing over 80 million rewatches. Even FX’s Alien: Earth drew significant viewership with over 100 million hours streamed.
Now, let’s narrow our focus back to Star Wars, particularly since it’s been mainly a streaming franchise for the last six years. Despite the massive viewership for The Mandalorian, it stands alone among a sea of content. Other shows like Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi have come and gone, yet The Mandalorian remains the star of the show. Could it be the sheer number of episodes? Probably—more episodes mean more opportunities for views. But one has to wonder: shouldn’t such an iconic franchise have broader representation on screens?
Especially since Star Wars Day marks the peak streaming day of the year for Disney+, the anticipation is ripe. Although Disney has not provided specifics about what was watched that day, the speculation is that it was mostly Star Wars content. The excitement surrounding this franchise likely contributed to Disney’s decision to base the next Star Wars film on the series featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Speaking of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the movie gears up for its premiere on May 22, 2026. The trailer dropped last September, grabbing 10 million views on the official Star Wars YouTube channel. That sounds impressive, right? Until you compare it to recent releases like the Supergirl trailer, which received over 20 million views in just one week. Does this mean fans are leaning towards DC flicks? Not necessarily. It could just be that viewers are more eager for fresh big-screen adventures rather than returning to a universe they’ve already immersed themselves in for countless hours.
Ultimately, Star Wars appears to be in a bit of a lull. Despite those impressive streams, there’s a lurking sense that it could use a rejuvenation. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu give it the spark it needs? Or will fans have to wait until 2027 for a new release, along with a re-release of the original film that launched a galaxy far, far away? Only time will tell. In the meantime, there may be hidden gems in the Star Wars universe worth revisiting, like The Acolyte, Skeleton Crew, or Star Wars Visions.
What is the significance of Star Wars Day for streaming platforms?
Star Wars Day on May 4th represents a peak moment for streaming services like Disney+, often leading to a spike in viewership for Star Wars content and related franchises.
How does The Mandalorian compare with other shows in the streaming landscape?
While The Mandalorian has crossed a billion hours streamed, it’s one of the few Star Wars titles to reach this milestone, facing competition from popular series and films that draw large audiences.
Why did The Mandalorian become so popular?
The show’s engaging story, rich characters, and connections to the broader Star Wars universe have resonated with fans, helping it establish a dedicated viewership.
Are there upcoming Star Wars projects worth noting?
Yes, fans can look forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu movie set to release on May 22, 2026, and potential expansions through series like The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew.
Is Star Wars still relevant in today’s pop culture?
While Star Wars remains a cultural icon, its streaming presence and viewer engagement are evolving, with opportunities for new stories and characters to emerge in the landscape.
What do you think about the current standing of Star Wars in the streaming world? Share your thoughts with us below!
Want to keep up with all the latest? Check out when to expect the newest releases in Marvel, Star Wars, and DC films and shows, plus what’s next for Doctor Who.