Mandalorian and Grogu’s new Star Wars gangster planet revealed
Lucasfilm is expanding the Star Wars universe with the upcoming film The Mandalorian and Grogu, introducing a new planet that will serve as a major setting for the story. Named Shakari, this newly-created world draws direct inspiration from Prohibition-era Chicago, establishing a unique tone within the franchise.
The planet is characterized as a rain-soaked, perpetually dark crime hub where organized criminal activity thrives in an environment where sunlight never reaches the surface. This atmospheric setting marks a departure from the diverse planetary environments traditionally featured in Star Wars films, instead embracing a noir-influenced aesthetic rooted in 1920s gangster culture.
Production designer Andrew L. Jones revealed at a Lucasfilm press preview event that the design team created custom weaponry specifically for Shakari, including new blaster designs that complement the period-appropriate gangster vibe. The careful attention to detail across the planet’s visual design—from the constant rainfall to the architectural choices—aims to immerse viewers in a uniquely styled Star Wars location.
The introduction of Shakari demonstrates Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the franchise’s visual and thematic diversity while bringing new creative influences into the Star Wars galaxy for the upcoming film.