George Lucas Was Right, Grogu Can’t Skip Jedi Training

The Book of Boba Fett episode 5 gave an update on Grogu’s Jedi training and Force capabilities, but in doing so, it also proved George Lucas right on the issue of Grogu actually needing formal Jedi training. Grogu and Din Djarin’s (Pedro Pascal) reciprocal attachment had been evident throughout The Mandalorian, but it became painfully obvious in The Mandalorian season 2 episode 8, “Chapter 16: The Rescue,” which clearly displayed the affection both had towards each other. Din insisting Grogu go with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) despite having preferred not to get separated from him highlighted how he tried to do what was best for Grogu’s interests, as he needed to find someone that could properly train him to use and commune with the Force.

However, The Book of Boba Fett episode 5 made clear the challenges Grogu faced with the Jedi training, not because of its difficulty, but because missing the Mandalorian impacted his attention and involvement in the training. Choosing the beskar chainmail armor over the lightsaber brought him back to Din, where Grogu wanted to be. At the same time, it also set Grogu’s Jedi training back, as he chose attachment over the Jedi precepts, since Grogu preferred being with Din Djarin over learning about the Jedi way.

Grogu reconnecting with Din in his story arc might have been welcome for those who loved their dynamic in The Mandalorian, but it also proved George Lucas’ main opposition to the introduction of Grogu right, as The Mandalorian producer Dave Filoni revealed Lucas insisted on Grogu having proper Jedi training, which was stopped by him choosing Din’s beskar armor over the lightsaber. Grogu’s need for Jedi training was already clear in The Mandalorian, but it became even more apparent with The Book of Boba Fett episode 7 when his connection to the Force proved even stronger. As The Book of Boba Fett episode 7 had Grogu deal with both the Scorpenek droid and the Rancor in a relatively easy manner, revealing how Grogu’s powers had already increased, it made his Jedi training even more vital in explaining his power progression – and showcased that the franchise needs to continue to provide explanation for any increasing Force abilities.

How Grogu Can Train As A Jedi Without Luke Skywalker

Considering how the glimpses of the Jedi training Grogu received in The Book of Boba Fett episode 6 from Luke probably raised Grogu’s interest in the use of the Force, Lucas’ belief that Grogu would’ve needed formal training could potentially become even more central for The Mandalorian season 3. Indeed, Grogu rejecting Luke’s Jedi ultimatum and choosing Din Djarin over the Jedi path might work against him remembering his previous Jedi training, but it also made it more critical, as the stronger his powers, the stronger Grogu’s ability to be able to control them would need to be. Still, while making things more challenging, having chosen his attachment to Din over mastering the Force with Luke doesn’t mean Grogu’s Jedi training will necessarily stop.

Grogu’s choice might lead him to a Jedi Master more attuned to his needs and accepting of having his fatherly figure Din close by, without him having to reject the Jedi training altogether. There might be only a handful of Jedi around, but someone like Ezra Bridger could teach Grogu how to harness his attachment to his loved ones to be a better Jedi. Although it’s not confirmed whether Bridger will actually appear in The Mandalorian season 3, it could be not only the perfect opportunity for Grogu to be finally trained as a Jedi without having to dismiss a part of himself, but also make good on George Lucas’ wishes of having Grogu trained and not just getting more powerful because of the species to which he belongs, putting to good use the development Grogu showed in The Book of Boba Fett.