Jon Favreau Says Seeing “Star Wars” at 10 Years Old 'Changed My Life from That First Shot'

Tereza Shkurtaj, Scott HuverSun, May 17, 2026 at 8:58 PM UTC

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Jon Favreau.
Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty -

Jon Favreau credits seeing Star Wars with his father at age 10 for inspiring his love of filmmaking

The Mandalorian and Grogu marks a full-circle moment for Favreau as he leads a new chapter in the franchise

The film, co-written and directed by Favreau, will debut in theaters on May 22, 2026

Jon Favreau has built a career both in front of and behind the camera. From acting in films like Swingers and Chef to directing blockbusters like Iron Man and helping launch the modern Star Wars television universe with The Mandalorian, Favreau has become known for balancing heartfelt storytelling with big-screen action.

At the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 14, the filmmaker reflected on the personal connection he has always had to the franchise and the family memory that’s stayed with him for nearly five decades.

“Back 49 years ago, I got to see Star Wars when I was 10 years old and that movie changed my life from that first shot,” Favreau said in his opening speech.

Scene from 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.'
Credit: Courtesy of Lucasfilm

During the event, held at the TCL Chinese Theater, Favreau went on to describe how seeing the original film alongside his father shaped not only his love of Star Wars but his passion for filmmaking itself.

“My dad took me to see it, I sat by his side, he pointed things out and explained to me how cool it was that the X-wings had oil stains,” the 59-year-old recalled. “He later taught me about [Akira] Kurosawa and all of George Lucas’ influences, and he opened the door for me to love not just Star Wars but cinema.”

Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope hit theaters in May 1977, paving the way for nearly a dozen more feature films.

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Now, years later, Favreau finds himself leading a new chapter in the franchise that inspired him as a child. The Mandalorian and Grogu expands the story first introduced in the hit Disney+ series and features a cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White and Jonny Coyne.

Favreau created the original series and returned to co-write the screenplay with Dave Filoni while also directing and producing the feature film. Although production wrapped in late 2024, the team has continued work on editing and visual effects ahead of its theatrical debut.

Pedro Pascal; Jon Favreau.
Credit: Monica Schipper/FilmMagic

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For Favreau, the premiere also marked a deeply emotional full-circle moment.

“I sat on my dad's side 49 years ago watching Star Wars for the first time, [and] tonight I'm getting to sit next to my dad and watch this,” he shared.

The Mandalorian and Grogu will hit in theaters on May 22, 2026.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”