The show The Mandalorian and Grogu is breaking from a key practice used in the first three seasons of its original Disney+ run: it won’t be using the innovative virtual production technology that made those seasons so unique. The Mandalorian was the first to employ ‘The Volume’ – a large, curved LED screen that creates realistic digital backdrops – and continued using it for two more seasons because it streamlined filming.
A recent article in Empire Magazine about The Mandalorian and Grogu shared that the upcoming 2026 Star Wars film didn’t use The Volume – the advanced virtual production stage. Instead, filmmakers relied on traditional sets and strategically used green screens during filming.
The absence of a season-long story arc, often called ‘The Volume,’ in The Mandalorian and Grogu is a departure from a successful pattern established in the show’s previous three seasons. This change might actually benefit the upcoming Star Wars film, as its story appears to need a larger scale and more elaborate production than what’s typically seen on television.
Star Wars cinematographer Eric Steelberg explained to TopMob in October 2023 that filming with The Volume, while an improvement in their process, presented a challenge: creating the detailed, three-dimensional sets that appeared on the screens during filming required a significant amount of preparation time.
Steelberg’s comments confirm that The Volume, a production technology, isn’t flawless and presents some difficulties. It’s also interesting to note that Marvel used The Volume during the making of films like Thor: Love and Thunder and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian and Grogu is set for a theatrical release on May 22.
Why Not Using The Volume Is Best for The Mandalorian & Grogu
Although The Volume is a reliable technology for Star Wars productions, The Mandalorian and Grogu deliberately used more physical sets and real locations. This choice effectively emphasized the vastness and freedom of Din Djarin and Grogu’s journey as they travel to different planets.
Perhaps the biggest improvement is the use of elaborate sets, which gives this version an edge over the simpler, shorter-lived original.
The approach of using real sets, rather than relying heavily on digital effects, also proved successful with the Star Wars series Andor. Starring Diego Luna, the show felt more realistic and engaging, a quality that has been widely praised by both viewers and critics, largely due to filming in actual locations.
Honestly, I think ditching ‘The Volume’ is a great move for The Mandalorian and Grogu. It really makes the show look fantastic on screen, and it feels like a fresh start visually, especially after seeing it used so much for three seasons. It’s like a reset for the show’s look, and I’m really enjoying it.
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2026-03-17 00:06