Thursday, May 28Thursday, May 28*"The Mandalorian and Grogu" sets franchise low with $165 million global opening, Disney’s weakest Star Wars debut since 2018’s "Solo."*
The first big-screen adaptation of *The Mandalorian* franchise delivered Disney’s worst box office performance for a *Star Wars* film in the studio’s era, grossing $165 million globally over its opening weekend. The film, starring Pedro Pascal alongside the beloved "Baby Yoda" (Grogu), earned $102 million domestically across the U.S. and Canada’s four-day Memorial Day weekend, falling short of the $393 million debut of 2019’s *The Rise of Skywalker* and even the $392 million opening of the maligned 2018 spin-off *Solo: A Star Wars Story*, as reported by *The Guardian* .
While the film claimed the top spot at the global box office, its underwhelming haul marks a stark decline for a franchise once synonymous with blockbuster dominance. *Euronews* noted the opening as the "lowest in the franchise’s history," underscoring the growing challenges Disney faces in sustaining the *Star Wars* brand’s commercial appeal .
The film’s struggles arrive amid broader shifts in the franchise’s strategy, including the recent cancellation of planned *Star Wars* movies and a pivot toward streaming content. With *The Mandalorian* originally debuting on Disney+ in 2019, the transition to theaters may have diluted its novelty, particularly as audiences increasingly favor episodic storytelling over cinematic releases for established IP. Industry analysts suggest the result could accelerate Disney’s reliance on streaming platforms for future *Star Wars* projects, though no official confirmation has been issued.
The film’s reception also raises questions about the viability of expanding *The Mandalorian* beyond its original format, which thrived on the serialized, binge-worthy model of Disney+. As Disney navigates a post-pandemic box office landscape, *The Mandalorian and Grogu*’s performance may serve as a cautionary tale for studios betting on theatrical revivals of streaming-born franchises.
Jurassic monsters and piano tuners: What to see, do or hear this week in Europe This weeks highlights include a new album from Paul McCartney, an exhibition highlighting Edvard Munchs work for a chocolate factory, and a moody twist on Spider-Man starring Nicholas Cage.
euronews · 3 days ago
Bad news for Star Wars as The Mandalorian And Grogu becomes lowest box office opening for series The Mandalorian And Grogu, the Star Wars franchises first big screen outing since 2019s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, has broken an unfortunate record. It has opened to the lowest box office in the franchises history.
euronews · 3 days ago
Food orders and phone bills: Jimi Hendrix memorabilia to go on display in London Exclusive: Exhibition to include letters, work permits and dry cleaning tickets that reveal little moments of domesticity in rock icons lifeWhen Jimi Hendrix lived in a bohemian London flat in the 1960s, he had little need for its kitchen as he had meals sent up from Mr Love, a groovy restaurant on the ground-floor of his building.While celebrities were downstairs, dining at heart-shaped tables and served by waitresses in hot pants, the American rock musician was upstairs, tucking into steaks and hamburgers. Continue reading...
theguardian · 3 days ago
Origami dragons and a story arcade! The joy of museums aimed at children The best of these reject any dont touch attitude in favour of an open invitation to curiosity that might just see your toddler tell you to sit down and read a bookPlay cafes are not for me, but that doesnt make me a monster. I dont drag my toddler around museums and galleries demanding that we look at art every day of the week (what fresh hell that would be). Instead there is, Ive discovered, a middle ground. Museums that are family oriented and fun and capable of sparking curiosity in arts and culture while theyre at it. Museums such as the Story Museum in Oxford.The place is a gem. I love it from the moment were given colourful wristbands that will allow us to come and go throughout the day (no pressure to power through when whining turns to wailing). Tucked away from the tourists in a higgledy-piggledy former post office and telephone exchange building on Pembroke Street, its full of imaginative galleries that invite you to step inside the pages of great childrens books from across the ages. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
„Am dat peste singurul francez care nu știa ce e un Palme dOr. Pățania lui Cristian Mungiu după ce a câștigat marele premiu de la Cannes Cristian Mungiu s-a întors în România după ce a câștigat Palme dOr la Festivalul de Film de la Cannes 2026 pentru pelicula „Fjord. Cineastul a povestit și un moment amuzant petrecut la aeroportul din Franța, unde trofeul său a fost verificat de securitate.
adevarul · 4 days ago
A man woke up outside a Burger King and claimed to have amnesia. A new documentary claims he may be tied to cold cases A new docuseries revisits the baffling case of Benjaman Kyle, a man found naked behind a Burger King in 2004 with no memory. His mysterious past hid far more than anyone expected – and as producers dig deeper into his lost years, unsettling questions emerge about who he really is. Andrea Cavallier reports
independent · 4 days ago
My first drag turn? As Karen Carpenter in hotpants! La Voix on swinger cruises, Strictly – and blazing into musicals From Drag Race to Eurovision to Strictly, La Voix is going stratospheric. And Chris Dennis, the man behind the crimson coiffure, is thrilled. He talks about his cruise ship highs, doing panto with Cilla – and starring in AnnieIve done more cruises than Jane McDonald, says Chris Dennis with a hoot. About 130 in all, he reckons, which his agent said surpassed McDonald, the most famous cruise ship singer there is. You wont find Denniss name on any billing, though, and most of the thousands of people who have seen him perform wont know it either. But they will know his alter ego, La Voix, a northern powerhouse of show tunes, sharp quips and bright crimson coiffure. Perhaps youve seen her slaying the runway on RuPauls Drag Race, dancing a pasodoble to Beethovens Fifth on Strictly, or appearing as a spokesqueen on the recent Eurovision. And now shes about to sashay into her first role in a musical – as Miss Hannigan in Annie.La Voix is an amalgam of the women Dennis knew growing up in Stockton-on-Tees: quick wit, warm heart, belter of a voice, and always in possession of a sparkly top for a night out. After 17 years of Drag Race on TV, weve seen the vast range of what drag can be, from high fashion to political to performance art. But La Voix is classic old school light entertainment. Who, I ask Dennis, are your comic influences? Ken Dodd, he says without a beat. The terrible jokes that just make you laugh. Bang, bang, bang, joke, joke, joke. Barry Humphries Dame Edna and Paul OGradys Lily Savage are big influences, too. And when TVs Loose Women asked La Voix about dancing with Strictly partner Aljaž Škorjanec, her reply – To be flung round the room by a muscular Slovenian, youre not going to say no, are you? – was pure Victoria Wood. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
The knickers that get thrown are bigger now!: Barry Manilow on fans, love, coming out - and turning 82 The great showman has spent the last 50 years on stage, followed by his adoring fanilows - but hes not slowing down yet. Here, he talks about cancer, ridicule and roaring successHis name is Barry, he is a showman – as we all know. But late last year, after more than 50 years of constant performing, it began to look like the Manilow show was coming to an end. In December, the 82-year-old singer announced he was about to undergo surgery for lung cancer, and postponed his planned live shows. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread and the treatment was successful. But around the same time he released a new single, ominously titled Once Before I Go. The accompanying video showed him saying goodbye to his palatial quarters at the Las Vegas Westgate resort, where he has had a residency for the past eight years, and wistfully reminiscing over old costumes, intercut with footage of him in his 80s prime. It sure looked as if he was shutting up shop.But no: That was just an accident, says Manilow of the video. Really? Yeah, we didnt do that on purpose. The song was actually written in the early 80s by veteran songwriter Peter Allen, he explains, but he felt he was too young to sing it when he first heard it. Its a beautiful song and its got nothing to do with me. Its saying goodbye to a romance, you know. But it just so happened that it sounds like Im talking about myself. Far from going anywhere, Manilows got a new album out next week, and a string of new tour dates lined up. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
The Mandalorian and Grogu has lowest box office opening for a Star Wars film in Disney era Film starring Pedro Pascal next to Baby Yoda took $165m globally on opening weekend, failing to surpass the opening of 2018 flop SoloThe Mandalorian and Grogu may have blasted into first place at the box office – but its launch was far, far away from impressive, having the lowest opening weekend for a Star Wars film since Disney took over the franchise.The film, which stars Pedro Pascal as the titular helmeted warrior who travels the galaxy with a tiny companion better known as Baby Yoda, made $102m at the domestic box office (North America and Canada) over the USs four-day Memorial day weekend, contributing to a total $165m global box office. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
Grizz Chapman, actor who played Grizz in 30 Rock, dies aged 52 The actor, who played Tracy Jordans gentle bodyguard in 80 episodes of the beloved comedy, died in his sleep after years of health problemsGrizz Chapman, best known for his role as Grizz on the hit comedy 30 Rock, has died aged 52.His cousin, the Harlem Globetrotter Donte Harrison, confirmed Chapmans death on social media on Saturday. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
K-pop androids and automated artists: welcome to South Koreas strange and ambitious robot theme park Galaxy Robot Park in South Korea hopes to attract tourists to concerts and fashion shows, but can robots ever replicate K-pops connection with fans?Four child-sized humanoid robots take the stage at an arena in eastern Seoul, and as the opening beats of a song by K-pop star G-Dragon begin, they start to dance.Arms swinging, legs stepping in sync, heads bobbing, wigs and baggy clothes swishing, until – mid-performance – one of them seemingly malfunctions and has to be removed from the stage. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
Paul McCartney: The Boys of Dungeon Lane review – at 83, his gift for melody still astounds (MPL/Capitol)From nostalgic returns to his Liverpool childhood to a crazed Glastonbury fantasia, these are songs written with real purpose and a masters finesseThe rock legend in the autumn of their years who chooses to release a new album is well advised to get themselves an angle. If the music that made you legendary was written and recorded long ago – and is highly unlikely to be displaced in the publics affections by anything you do now – its good to have something that suggests a sense of purpose, beyond just adding to an already vast back catalogue for the sake of it.Weve recently seen it with Bob Dylans Rough and Rowdy Ways, rooted in its jawdropping 17-minute survey of American political history, Murder Most Foul; and with Bruce Springsteens Only the Strong Survive, with its canny covers of soul and R&B classics. And an angle is clearly something that has occurred to Paul McCartney, too. From its title referencing a road in the suburb of Liverpool where McCartney spent his early childhood, to the circumstances of its launch – the first single Days We Left Behind was premiered not on YouTube or Spotify but BBC Radio Merseyside – his 27th studio album has been presented as a nostalgic look back at what you might call his pre-Fab years. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago