The Mandalorian season 3 could reshape the Star Wars franchise by finally solving the mystery of who rescued Grogu from Order 66. The Great Jedi Purge has remained a foundational cornerstone since its incorporation in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Various other properties across TV, video games, novels, and comic books have further showcased the disastrous events of when Clone Troopers turned their guns on their Jedi comrades and generals. Fortunately, the thrilling and jam-packed The Mandalorian season 3 trailer indicates that Star Wars will continue this trend, thereby revealing what happened to young Grogu.
Without watching The Book of Boba Fett, viewers might be surprises to see Grogu reunited with Din Djarin on The Mandalorian. The adorable and powerful Jedi youngling left to train as Luke Skywalker’s first pupil before being faced with the unfair decision of picking between a future as a Jedi or a life with Mando. Naturally, Grogu rejoined his greatest protector on his journey to rediscover what it means to be a Mandalorian. Nonetheless, Luke successfully helped Grogu tap into repressed memories, briefly revealing that the youngling was at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant when Darth Vader attacked. However, Grogu escaped the carnage somehow.
The Main Theories To Explain Grogu's Order 66 Escape Are All Huge
Since that haunting moment revealed Grogu's perspective on Order 66, as Jedi fought and died from the Clone's attack, audiences have been abuzz with every Star Wars theory as to who saved Grogu. If any of these theories proved true, it would have groundbreaking implications on Star Wars' established canon. As such, the grandiosity of each theory does limit how many can be simultaneously true. Each theory varies in precision, with some even resurrecting dead characters or contradicting lore. As to the former, a popular theory is that Mace Windu had survived losing a limb and falling from the Emperor’s chambers — with this theory perhaps also serving as fantasy wish-fulfillment, as many Star Wars fans would surely love to see Samuel L. Jackson reprise his role.
Others suggest the resurrected character who saved Grogu could be the Grand Inquisitor, as seen in Rebels and Obi-Wan Kenobi — an event leading to the Jedi Temple Guard’s capture and subsequent fall to the dark side. Resurrection aside, another Star Wars theory posits that Jar Jar Binks, one of the most controversial Star Wars characters of all time, was responsible — a heroic act that would've been plausibly overshadowed by his assistance in bringing about the Empire's rise. If that were the case, it really would shake up the entire franchise — though perhaps not in a positive direction, as many fans already find the theory itself revolting. Nevertheless, perhaps there’s a future in which Jar Jar is finally redeemed, if not in The Mandalorian.
Anakin Sparing Grogu Would Create A Star Wars Mystery
A theory with major implications suggests that Anakin could actually be the person who saved Grogu. Of course, Anakin was at the Jedi Temple, but he was there killing the Jedi. Obi-Wan Kenobi clearly demonstrated how Anakin remorselessly murdered everyone, younglings included, so having Anakin save Grogu would be a foundation-shaking and perplexing choice. Intriguingly, it would actually add incredible depth to Grogu’s backstory and his connection to Luke, if he ever discovered the truth.
Logistically speaking, it does seem highly plausible that The Mandalorian’s trailer is at least setting up an appearance by Anakin as part of Grogu’s full memory of Order 66. Hayden Christensen made a triumphant return in Obi-Wan Kenobi, as both Padawan Anakin and Darth Vader. Not to mention that Christensen will appear again via flashbacks in Ahsoka too. His inclusion in Grogu's story wouldn't necessarily be shocking. If this theory pans out, it'll be interesting to see how Star Wars depicts Anakin saving Grogu in The Mandalorian without breaking his character.
An Order 66 Survivor Saving Grogu Would Be Massive
A surprising number of Jedi survived Order 66 in Star Wars, with more being revealed with each new project. It wouldn’t be astonishing to see The Mandalorian continue the trend. In fact, one of the most intriguing options is a special case. Barriss Offee was Luminara Unduli’s padawan and a friend to Ahsoka Tano, but she had grown disillusioned with the Jedi Order’s involvement in the Clone Wars. As a former Jedi, it’s still unknown whether she got caught up in the Jedi Purge too. Barriss would be a fascinating choice to save Grogu. Such could lead to a redemption arc and possibly a reunion with Ahsoka all these years later.
Overall, it would make the most sense for Grogu’s savior to be another Order 66 survivor — unless they're shown as sacrificing themselves to ensure Grogu’s escape. Other prospects could include Jocasta Nu, the Temple librarian, or members of the High Council like Eeth Koth or Oppo Rancisis. As per an Easter egg in Obi-Wan Kenobi, a fun option would be Quinlan Voss. The Jedi Master was notoriously distrustful of the Clones and has extensive enough history across The Clone Wars, novels, and comics to be a recognizable enough face to excite audiences.
A Main Character Saving Grogu Changes Their Entire History
Star Wars would be smart to choose a savior familiar to audiences for the final reveal to pay off — notwithstanding the likely accusations of “fan service” that would surely come with such a decision. Given the options, it would be surprising, though not completely unfeasible, for the savior to be a highly established main character. Two safe bets would be either Yoda or Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, seeing as it's entirely possible (and perhaps probable) that Grogu’s Order 66 savior died, especially given that there's no mention of survivors at the Temple in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, The Mandalorian may reveal that Grogu had been moved by the time of their arrival there. Such a change would significantly counter their established history.
Alternatively, this could be a clever opportunity to introduce audiences to a completely new character. If it is someone new, audiences will then expect the savior to play a larger role down the line, whether in person or via flashbacks in The Mandalorian — or at least elsewhere in the franchise. Regardless of whether the savior is one of the most established characters in Star Wars lore or an altogether new or minor character, when Grogu’s savior is finally revealed in The Mandalorian season 3, the show will also have to explain why Grogu was left alone and what happened to his savior.