Disney’s ongoing struggle to reconnect with Star Wars audiences has sparked another debate between creators and fans, this time involving Brendan Wayne, one of the actors who physically portrays Din Djarin in The Mandalorian.
Wayne is facing criticism after accusing some Star Wars fans of being “toxic” while also attempting to downplay concerns surrounding the disappointing theatrical performance of The Mandalorian and Grogu.
His remarks have reignited a conversation that has become increasingly common in modern entertainment: are fans unfairly attacking franchises they once loved, or are studios refusing to listen when audiences reject creative decisions?
Brendan Wayne Says Star Wars Fans Are “Toxic”
During a recent interview, Wayne argued that a portion of the Star Wars fanbase has become overly invested in claiming ownership of the franchise and has begun rooting against projects they dislike.
“It’s interesting to see people who are pulling against the franchise they love, just because of their ownership,” Wayne said. “That can be 100% toxic in the Star Wars world.”
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Wayne then delivered the comment that has generated the most discussion online.
“It’s to be present and to watch it, and if you don’t connect, cool, but we don’t need to hear how bad you are, that they ruined your Star Wars. They didn’t ruin your Star Wars. It’s our Star Wars.”
For many longtime fans, that statement landed poorly.
Critics argue that dissatisfaction with Disney-era Star Wars is not rooted in ownership or entitlement, but rather frustration with the direction the franchise has taken since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. Many fans contend that they continue to support Star Wars projects they enjoy while criticizing those they believe fail to live up to the legacy of the franchise.
Fans Point To Successful Star Wars Projects
The backlash against Wayne’s comments quickly spread across social media, where many users argued that the problem is not Star Wars itself, but the quality of specific projects.
Supporters of that view frequently point to Andor, which earned praise from both critics and audiences, as well as the Jedi video game series developed by Respawn Entertainment. Those projects were embraced by much of the same fanbase now being accused of toxicity.
Then there’s Andor, and the Jedi games. Untouched by Disney, and BELOVED by Star Wars fans. This take about Star Wars fans being toxic is always by people that do not understand why they are upset, and want to shift responsibility so they can excuse making awful movies and shows.
— 𝖑𝖇 (@LegendaryB200) June 13, 2026
One viral response summarized the criticism directed at Wayne’s argument.
“Then there’s Andor, and the Jedi games. Untouched by Disney, and BELOVED by Star Wars fans. This take about Star Wars fans being toxic is always by people that do not understand why they are upset, and want to shift responsibility so they can excuse making awful movies and shows.”
The sentiment reflects a growing belief among many fans that Hollywood often treats audience criticism as a problem to be managed rather than feedback worth considering.
Wayne Defends The Mandalorian and Grogu’s Box Office Results
The controversy surrounding Wayne’s remarks comes as he has also been defending The Mandalorian and Grogu from criticism over its theatrical performance.
The film was intended to mark Star Wars’ return to the big screen after years of focusing primarily on Disney+ streaming content. Instead, it delivered the weakest theatrical launch in modern Star Wars history.
Despite that reality, Wayne defended Lucasfilm boss Dave Filoni and argued that focusing on opening weekend numbers misses the bigger picture.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Dave Filoni onstage during the Ahsoka panel at the Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for Disney)
“He understands that it’s not all about, did we open well against Solo, or whatever it was?” Wayne said while discussing Dave Filoni’s long-term vision for the franchise.
Of course the film’s opening weekend disaster was only one part of the larger box office implosion. The Mandalorian and Grogu has faced massive box office drops in each subsequent weekend, making the profitability all but impossible at this point.
Wayne also pointed to the movie’s production budget as an important factor.
“We were amazing because we didn’t have the budget of those movies, and we still did something,” he insisted.
The Mandalorian and a Hutt – Star Wars, YouTube
That explanation has done little to quiet criticism from fans and industry observers who note that Star Wars was once one of the most dominant box office brands in the world.
Even with a lower budget than some previous entries, The Mandalorian and Grogu opened below every Disney-era Star Wars theatrical release and experienced steep week-to-week declines. For many observers, those numbers suggest a franchise that no longer commands the same enthusiasm it once enjoyed.
A Familiar Hollywood Debate
Wayne’s comments are unlikely to end the ongoing discussion surrounding Star Wars and its relationship with fans.
In recent years, audiences have repeatedly pushed back against the idea that criticism automatically equals toxicity. Many fans argue that because they invest their time, money, and passion into these franchises, they have every right to voice concerns when they believe studios are making poor creative decisions.
A piece of the Mandalorian and Grogu movie poster – Disney
That perspective has become especially common among Star Wars fans who feel that Disney and Lucasfilm have spent years dismissing criticism rather than addressing the underlying reasons audiences have become disengaged.
Whether Wayne intended it or not, his comments have once again highlighted the growing divide between parts of Hollywood and the audiences they rely on.
How do you feel about Brendan Wayne and his comments on Star Wars fans? Sound off and let us know!
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