The Book of Boba Fett was just the beginning for Star Wars in 2022. After wrapping up the infamous bounty hunter’s Tatooine adventure this week, the franchise has set its eyes on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yesterday, Lucasfilm unveiled an official premiere date and glorious first poster for the next Disney+ original Star Wars series, and The Bad Batch and Andor are not far behind.
Last month, it was revealed that Season 2 of The Bad Batch would begin airing as early as this spring. Moreover, one Disney executive announced that the long-anticipated first season of Andor will hit the streaming service sometime in the fourth quarter of 2022.
One of the bigger question marks surrounding Disney’s television schedule is The Mandalorian Season 3. Audiences witnessed the return of Mando in The Book of Boba Fett's fifth installment, as Din Djarin boasted full possession of the Darksaber.
Additionally, he got to reunite with his little green companion, Grogu. By the end of the show, the duo flew off in the warrior's newly updated N-1 Starfighter.
Viewers are certainly curious to see where the characters will go next. The latest update on The Mandalorian's upcoming set of episodes stated Lucasfilm was eyeing a release around Christmas this year, but that may be called into question based on new information.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Production Extension
A new report from Bespin Bulletin states that The Mandalorian Season 3’s production has been extended. Additional weeks were added to the planned filming schedule, with the show now set to wrap in late March of this year.
The outlet noted that this extension is the reason Ahsoka’s start date has now been pushed to April.
Furthermore, Lucasfilm has seemingly finished its shoot at the Los Angeles train yard used for many of the series' sequences. Sources say they recently witnessed various structures and set pieces being taken down by a small crew. Bespin Bulletin specified that filming would likely occur at Manhattan Beach Studios for the remainder of production.
Will Din Djarin and Grogu Return in 2022?
This news may cause uneasiness with some fans, especially coming off of The Book of Boba Fett's divisive finale. However, there are reassuring explanations as to why these weeks were added.
Production on Din Djarin’s forthcoming journey was rumored to have delays due to COVID-19 last month. Despite these rumors facing some conflicting reports, prolonging the shoot could be a direct result of such postponements.
On the other hand, it could simply be a scheduling issue. So far, Star Wars live-action television has compiled star-studded casts for all of its seasons. It also has a history of bringing in top-tier talent behind the camera.
The show’s actors and directors likely face packed schedules, which could have led to a scheduling conflict. There are numerous reasons as to why filming was extended a few weeks, many of which should not cause worry in the Star Wars community.
The Mandalorian Season 2’s production wrapped in early March of 2020. About seven months later, that same season premiered on Disney+.
If filming on the third installment is able to wrap by the end of this March, history indicates that Lucasfilm can meet that December deadline and start releasing episodes within the year.
