Grogu's Silent Journey: Why He Won't Speak In The Mandalorian & Grogu

Grogu has been one of, if not the main symbol, for Star Wars in recent years. Debuting in 2019, the character often referred to as "Baby Yoda" became a fan favorite almost immediately, so much so that Lucasfilm moved him and his adoptive father, the Mandalorian, over to the big screen to headline the series' big return to movie theaters.

The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to release in theaters this May, and as the new Star Wars film gets closer, anticipation is seemingly growing stronger. Former Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy recently added to that anticipation and excitement when she revealed that Grogu won't learn to speak in the new movie.

It would be a major step in Grogu's transition from a toddler to a full-blown, Yoda-like Jedi, but writer/director Jon Favreau is right to hold off on the beloved character gaining the ability to speak in the upcoming film.

Kathleen Kennedy Revealed That Grogu Won't Speak in the New Film

Speaking with Variety at the Golden Reel Awards last week, Kathleen Kennedy, who recently stepped down from her role at Lucasfilm after over a decade at the helm, was asked about The Mandalorian & Grogu.

In particular, Kennedy was questioned about Grogu's development, with many using Yoda as a point of comparison. The iconic Jedi Master had the ability to speak (albeit a bit jumbled/backwards) along with holding immeasurable Force powers and proficient lightsaber skills.

Grogu, meanwhile, is still developing his Force powers, has held a lightsaber only briefly, and can't speak (bar the occasional blabbering baby words). Kennedy addressed all of this, noting that his lack of speech is part of what makes him such a special character:

"[Grogu is] another perfect example of a character that has to emote and you have to feel connected to, and he never speaks a word.

[H]e never says a word."

Kennedy argues that the connection audiences feel with Grogu is irrespective of his speaking abilities, and that he has become an empathetic, well-rounded character without it. It's hard to argue against Kennedy's point, as Grogu became a pop-culture sensation almost overnight upon his debut.

What Does This Mean For The New Movie?

Kennedy's revelation has big implications for the new movie. It means that fans will have to wait a little longer (or, as Kennedy teases, a lot longer) before Grogu turns into a Jedi like Yoda. It doesn't, however, mean that Grogu's character development will remain at a standstill in the upcoming story.

In each season of The Mandalorian (and The Book of Boba Fett), Grogu is shown to be further along in his development. In season 1, he is very much a helpless baby, only showing his abilities with the Force in brief moments, such as when he heals Greef Karga and when he saves Din Djarin in the finale.

Season 2, meanwhile, shows a slightly progressed Grogu, connecting more with the Force on the planet Tython and calling out none other than Luke Skywalker through the Force.

In The Book of Boba Fett, Grogu has arguably his biggest leap forward. The exact time between The Mandalorian season 2 and this show is a little unclear, but it's said to be at least a year that Grogu trained with Luke before he left to return to Din Djarin.

That training paid off as Grogu can be seen lifting objects, leaping and jumping like a Jedi, and proving himself to be a formidable opponent to enemy gangsters in the show's finale.

In The Mandalorian season 3, Grogu is more involved in combat, joining Din Djarin as they fight Imperial remnant soldiers on Mandalore and saving his father and Bo-Katan from an explosion in a huge moment, and one that is his biggest Force move yet. It's a clear sign that, although Grogu may not be speaking, his character development remains progressive.

All of this is to say that Grogu can grow as a hero even without the power of speech. In turn, this allows Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, who co-wrote the new movie together alongside Noah Kloor, time to continue the slow and steady rise to Grogu becoming a full-fledged Jedi.

Because of this slow build-up approach, when Grogu does hit these milestones, such as speaking, wielding a lightsaber, and joining the Jedi, it will be even more satisfying as a result.

Din Djarin And Grogu Can't Converse, But Their Bond Is Strong Regardless

Language is a huge part of Star Wars, just as it is any film or show. Still, that Grogu can't yet speak doesn't mean that his bond with Din Djarin isn't strong, as the duo's relationship has become stronger and stronger as time has gone on.

Djarin felt an immediate connection to the child and risked his life and the lives of his Mandalorian coven to save him long before he even knew his name, highlighting just how powerful their bond is.

Grogu does the same for his dad, too, saving him from Moff Gideon on multiple occasions, such as in the seasons 1 and 3 finales, respectively. It's this bond that is the main emotional pull for audiences and looks set to remain that way for the new film.

Their relationship may be a little unconventional, but it works. Even when they are separated, such as in season two's The Believer, one of the best episodes of the entire series, their bond remains at the heart of the story.

Because Grogu can't respond to Din with simple dialogue, Favreau and co. are reliant on emotional storytelling to carry that weight and display the characters' feelings for one another.

It's why moments like Djarin removing his helmet in the season two finale are so powerful, as he easily could have voiced this to his son, but instead of doing so, he conveys this with his actions rather than his words, making it an even stronger scene.

The Mandalorian & Grogu may have similar moments, as the latest trailer revealed that Din's face will be seen for the first time since the season 2 finale in 2020. The trailer also showed a glimpse at Mando's fight with Rotta the Hutt and a look at the return of Embo, the bounty hunter who first appeared in The Clone Wars.

The Mandalorian & Grogu will release in theaters on May 22, 2026.