Disney is facing intense criticism for orchestrating what it called “the surprise of a lifetime” for a group of Star Wars fans at Disneyland, which many have labeled as staged and deceptive.
Staged Surprise at Disneyland
Last week, ahead of the May 22 premiere of the new Star Wars film The Mandalorian and Grogu, the studio set up a special moment. Pedro Pascal, the film’s lead, dressed in full Mandalorian armor, revealed his identity to a gathering of Disneyland guests as they were about to board the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride.
In a viral Instagram clip, the group is led to the ride’s entrance, where Pascal stands disguised in costume. After a brief introduction, he removes his helmet, prompting hysterical reactions from the fans. While Disney never explicitly claimed the guests were randomly selected tourists, the post has drawn criticism from internet sleuths who pointed out that the participants were actually Star Wars influencers, fan creators, and bloggers.
Backlash from Fans
“This is cool... but really wish these type of ‘stunts’ weren’t always staged & with influencers... how about true random fans,” one person commented on Instagram. Another agreed: “Instead of influencers, why not park visitors and families who have paid a fortune to be there.”
A third added, “I like how they’re pretending those are just normal park guests,” while a fourth labeled it “fake. How disappointing.” Another critic said, “This was extremely fake. They did this for a bunch of influencers not normal park guests,” noting that when Johnny Depp famously dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow to surprise Pirates of the Caribbean fans at Disneyland in 2017, he did so for “normal guests through the entire day.”
The Independent has contacted Disney for comment.
About the Film
The Mandalorian and Grogu marks Pascal’s big-screen debut in the Star Wars universe. He first starred as the titular bounty hunter in a 2019 episode of the live-action series The Mandalorian.
Directed by John Favreau, the new movie follows Pascal’s legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu as they fight to help the fledgling New Republic protect everything the Rebellion fought for.
In an early review, The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey lambasted the film as “the dullest and most inconsequential Star Wars ever made,” stating, “Stick a fork in Star Wars. It’s done,” in a two-star review, arguing that “with The Mandalorian and Grogu, Star Wars has lost all sense of wonder.”
The Mandalorian and Grogu premieres in theaters Friday.
