When The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters on May 22, 2026, marking the first new Star Wars movie in six and a half years, and then Grand Theft Auto VI follows just four days later on May 26, 2026, after a 12 and a half year wait, the question of which will be the bigger deal is intriguing. These two releases could very well be the Barbenheimer of 2026, given their immense cultural significance.

While Grand Theft Auto VI is virtually guaranteed to be a colossal event – it's already generating massive buzz – The Mandalorian and Grogu presents a less certain outcome. The Star Wars franchise has been somewhat oversaturated recently, akin to eating pizza every day. Just like my Noni warned me about the allure of daily pizza, the constant stream of Star Wars content might lead to audience fatigue. The excitement for a new Star Wars movie might not match the fervor surrounding a new GTA title.

The anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI has been building for over a decade, and this anticipation itself is part of what makes the franchise so compelling. This is a lesson that Lucasfilm and Disney might want to heed: less can indeed be more when it comes to maintaining audience excitement.

In contrast, The Mandalorian and Grogu might feel like more of the same to some fans, given the franchise's recent output. Therefore, Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to be the bigger deal, while The Mandalorian and Grogu might be seen as somewhat routine in the grand scheme of Star Wars releases.