The surprising collaboration between Lucasfilm and Studio Ghibli just got even more surprising as it’s available to stream on Disney Plus on Saturday, November 12th. The new animated short film is being directed by Katsuya Kondo and has music by Ludwig Göransson Star Wars Zen: Grogu and Dust Bunny focuses on Lucasfilm’s breakout star The Mandalorianthe adorable fifteen-year-old boy Grogu – better known as Baby Yoda.
Grogu and Dust Bunny is described as “a hand-drawn animated short film by Studio Ghibli”. So don’t expect a rousing Star Wars epic on par with animated features like Studio Ghibli spirited away, My neighbor Totoroand Tomb of the Fireflies. But the animation studio’s flirtation with a galaxy far, far away still comes as a pleasant surprise, not only for its almost out of nowhere drop on Disney Plus, but also for its perfect match of talent and theme. Grogu is delightful (and a prominent foodie), and the Ghibli folks are experts at sweet, kid-friendly fare.
Also, there will be fans of My neighbor Totoro and spirited away‘s Sooty Spirits (aka Susuwatari) a chance to see how the titular dust bunnies fare against a Force user (and insatiable snacker) like Grogu.
Studio Ghibli began teasing its collaboration with Lucasfilm earlier this week, leaving fans of both studios’ work in a frenzy with very little information. But they didn’t keep Star Wars fans waiting long for the payoff — no holding until spring 2023 for season two of Star Wars: Visions after all.
Grogu and his father Din Djarin will be reuniting for a third season of The Mandalorian in 2023.
