‘Star Wars’ RIP? ‘Mandalorian’ Plummets, ‘Backrooms’ Soars

The weekend’s box office numbers doubled as a baton-passing moment.

• Out with the old – a moldy film franchise razed by its corporate overlords
• In with the new – a generation of storytellers weaned on YouTube 

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” plummeted close to 70 percent in its second frame, falling behind two movies with a combined budget of $11 million.

Maybe less.

The first “Star Wars” film in seven years couldn’t even replicate the box office totals from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” That film proved the franchise’s creative and commercial nadir.

Now, “The Mandalorian” holds that dishonor.

Meanwhile, a pair of indie horror films dominated this weekend’s release slate. “Obsession” grew another 19 percent from its previous week, according to Deadline.com.

That. Just. Doesn’t. Happen. Yet it happened.

Again.

Those stunning results took a backseat to “Backrooms.” The directorial debut of 20-year-old Kane Parsons was expected to earn a whopping $20 million just a few short weeks ago.

Except the box office predictions kept growing, and growing. Last week, experts envisioned a $25-33 million opening.

The reality? Deadline.com reports the film could land between $85-88 million.

Stunning.

Hollywood has been very afraid of where the theatrical model will go over the next few years. It’s an understandable concern.

Ticket sales have slumped in recent years. Gen Z types seemed cozier watching movies on streaming platforms or their tablets than going to a theater.

The films released of late felt inadequate, either too creatively safe or just plain woke. This year, things are changing. Consider the early list of 2026 blockbusters:

• “Project Hail Mary”
• “Hoppers”
• “Scream 7”
• “Michael”
• “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”
• “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

Hit after hit after hit. And now, two horror films are crushing the competition. What changed?

It helps that both Curry Barker (“Obsession”) and Parsons (“Backrooms”) were weaned on social media platforms like YouTube. They took full advantage of the video platform to build their storytelling chops and connect with audiences.

They’re young enough to grasp what Gen Z craves while growing a fan base.

Disney’s “Star Wars” represents something different, an older model that may have outlived its usefulness. Its creators mock the fan base, ignore canon and think throwing a few dozen Easter eggs on the screen will build brand loyalty.

To quote Tim Robinson, “Are you sure ’bout that?”

This new Hollywood may not have enough room for movies like “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It’ll embrace young visionaries eager to lure audiences back to the cineplex.

Just ask Barker, who was offered $10 million for his next film (without a single hint of what it might actually be).