Star Wars Fans Just Noticed the Best Thing About The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Viral Rotta Scene

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Star Wars is a franchise that loves circular turns in its lore, which turns each new project into an opportunity for an Easter egg hunt. The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars film to hit theaters in over half a decade, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that director (and unabashed Star Wars fan) Jon Favreau made sure to leave behind some Easter egg treats that Eagle-eyed fans will appreciate.

A fun reference in The Mandalorian and Grogu is quickly spreading online, as it nods to a memorable scene from the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope. Dedicated fans who caught it while watching in theaters are feeling pretty proud – did you happen to spot it?

The Mandalorian and Grogu Pays Homage to Star Wars’ Greatest Game

The story of The Mandalorian and Grogu begins with Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu working for the New Republic. They’re tasked with helping the Hutt Twins find their nephew, Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White), in exchange for information about a dangerous Imperial leader who is still hiding. Din and Grogu eventually locate Rotta on the planet Shakari, discovering he’s become a successful gladiator.

Star Wars enthusiasts were quick to spot a clever detail: the ring where Rotta the Hutt battles is actually a nod to Dejarik, the very first Star Wars game ever created.

Dejarik, often called “holochess,” is a memorable detail George Lucas included in the original Star Wars film, A New Hope. In a scene on the Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca and C-3PO play a game of chess using holograms and alien creatures instead of traditional chess pieces. Like many elements from the original Star Wars trilogy, Dejarik has become iconic and has appeared throughout the franchise in animated shows, comics, novels, and video games. It’s even inspired real-world merchandise, including actual Dejarik game sets.

Things get really self-aware in The Mandalorian and Grogu when Din Djarin’s fight with Rotta the Hutt turns into a larger-than-life wrestling match. The villain, Janu Coin, unleashes real monsters from the Dejarik game into the arena to punish Din and Rotta for not fighting to the death. It’s a Jumanjilike moment where the game comes to life, resulting in one of the most exciting action sequences in Star Wars*.

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2026-05-25 21:41