Super Bowl commercials movie trailers drop, Mandalorian steals show

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By: Jessica Morrison

Disney’s Star Wars entry stole the spotlight at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The Mandalorian and Grogu delivered a spectacular Old West-style trailer that left audiences buzzing. Multiple blockbuster movie trailers dropped during the game, but one stood above the rest.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Mandalorian Release Date: Arriving in theaters May 22, 2026
  • Iconic Narrator: Sam Elliott provided the voiceover for the iconic Super Bowl spot
  • Super Bowl costs: 30-second spots cost between $8-10 million for advertisers
  • Stadium Location: Super Bowl LX took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California

Star Wars Dominates Super Bowl Movie Trailers

Disney’s Mandalorian and Grogu emerged as the standout trailer of the night. The spot showed Pedro Pascal’s bounty hunter and Grogu being pulled through snow by a fleet of Tauntauns in classic Western fashion. Sam Elliott’s legendary voiceover guided viewers through an inspirational narrative about destiny and unbreakable bonds. The creative direction came from Jon Favreau, the force behind the original Disney+ series.

Disney’s marketing team positioned the trailer as a celebration of beloved characters transcending pop culture. Grogu has become a phenomenon since his debut on the small screen, and this big-screen translation promises heart, humor, and spectacular cinematography.

A Record-Breaking Movie Trailer Lineup

Beyond Star Wars, Universal Pictures dominated the Super Bowl airtime. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Minions and Monsters, and Disclosure Day all received prominent spots during the broadcast. Netflix surprised viewers with an unexpected teaser for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, featuring Brad Pitt reprising his iconic Once Upon a Time role.

Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary debuted its latest trailer from Amazon MGM Studios. Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures focused on Scream 7, bringing back Neve Campbell’s familiar horror legacy. Pixar’s Hoppers and Supergirl rounded out the entertainment slate.

Who Skipped the Big Game

Marvel Studios made headlines by sitting out the biggest advertising event. Avengers: Doomsday, due in December 2026, received no Super Bowl spot. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apple also passed on movie trailer opportunities. Disney skipped Toy Story 5 despite being a major franchise release. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey from Universal didn’t secure airtime either.

Movie Title Release Date Studio
The Mandalorian and Grogu May 22, 2026 Disney
Project Hail Mary March 26, 2026 Amazon MGM Studios
Scream 7 February 27, 2026 Paramount
Hoppers March 6, 2026 Disney-Pixar

“Sometimes we choose our path, other times the path chooses us. Through it all, we keep pushing forward, driven by a deeper purpose. The journey never gets any easier, the bond just gets harder to break. This is the way.”

Sam Elliott, Narrator of The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl Spot

Why The Mandalorian Stole the Show

Grogu’s cultural impact cannot be understated. Fans worldwide connected with the character during the Disney+ streaming series, making the transition to theaters a monumental moment. The Super Bowl spot’s quality impressed industry insiders and audiences alike. The creative choice to parody the classic Budweiser Clydesdales commercials added unexpected humor and charm.

Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man absence and Marvel’s strategic withdrawal handed Disney the evening’s spotlight. The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives during Memorial Day weekend, traditionally a strong period for blockbusters. Disney already holds the holiday record with last year’s Lilo and Stitch, which earned $182.6 million.

What’s Next for Blockbuster Marketing?

The cost of Super Bowl advertising reached unprecedented levels in 2026, with 30-second spots commanding $8 to $10 million. Studios carefully calculated whether the investment justified the exposure. The Mandalorian and Grogu’s performance suggests Disney made the right call, generating immediate social media buzz and anticipation.

Streaming services like Netflix showed willingness to compete for Super Bowl placement. Brad Pitt’s surprising appearance in the Cliff Booth teaser proved that star power remains essential. Box office battles of 2026 will undoubtedly reference this pivotal moment in entertainment marketing. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu deliver Memorial Day success like Disney’s recent hits?

Sources

  • Forbes – Comprehensive listing of all Super Bowl LX movie trailers and release dates
  • Deadline Hollywood – Detailed coverage of The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl spot with Sam Elliott voiceover analysis
  • Rotten Tomatoes – Complete database of every movie and TV trailer airing during Super Bowl LX

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