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Disney Imagineering Reveals How Grogus Shadow Projection Was Created at Galaxys Edge
On June 23 2026, Walt Disney Imagineering posted a behind‑the‑scenes video on its Instagram account that pulls back the curtain on the creation of “The Curious Child,” a new Grogu‑centered projection show at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The footage follows the park after dark, showing the team at work on the nighttime projections that light up the rocky spires behind the Millennium Falcon.
“The Curious Child” is a limited‑time addition that follows the existing projection, “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” It was timed to coincide with the release of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and the character Grogu. In the video, KC, Video Systems Design Manager with Disney Live Entertainment, explains that the team treated the new show as a post‑experience, allowing guests to witness Grogu use the Force to revisit memories of his travels with Din Djarin.
The core technique, dubbed “shadow play,” relies on simple physical cutouts and a focused light source to produce recognizable shapes, including Grogu’s silhouette. These shapes are then projected onto the uneven surface of Batuu’s spires, turning the rockwork into a dynamic screen. A custom programming interface maps the irregular terrain and the positions of the projectors, displaying labeled elements for both rockwork and projectors. The interface gives a clear view of how the show is aligned to the landscape.
The video highlights how the team blended ancient storytelling methods with modern show technology. Practical shadow effects, animation, projection mapping, and lighting design are combined to deliver the final experience. One of the most detailed sequences shows Grogu’s silhouette being animated. The team used movement reference from animators and choreography to shape Grogu’s physical performance in shadow form, resulting in a three‑minute narrative that places the character at the center of a Force‑driven story.
“The Curious Child” is part of Disney Live Entertainment’s broader effort to expand the nighttime entertainment lineup at Galaxy’s Edge. The original projection, “Shadows of Memory,” debuted in May 2026 and transformed the rocky spires into a massive storytelling canvas. The new show builds on that foundation, offering guests an additional moment that ties directly into the current Star Wars media releases.
The Imagineering video also includes a link to a POV coverage of the show on YouTube, allowing viewers to experience the projection from a guest’s perspective. The release of the behind‑the‑scenes footage comes as Disney continues to update Galaxy’s Edge with new attractions and entertainment tied to the Star Wars franchise.
Overall, the video provides a detailed look at the technical and creative steps involved in creating a shadow‑based projection show in a real‑world environment. It demonstrates how Disney Live Entertainment integrates physical and digital techniques to deliver immersive storytelling experiences in its theme parks.
“The Curious Child” is a limited‑time addition that follows the existing projection, “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” It was timed to coincide with the release of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and the character Grogu. In the video, KC, Video Systems Design Manager with Disney Live Entertainment, explains that the team treated the new show as a post‑experience, allowing guests to witness Grogu use the Force to revisit memories of his travels with Din Djarin.
The core technique, dubbed “shadow play,” relies on simple physical cutouts and a focused light source to produce recognizable shapes, including Grogu’s silhouette. These shapes are then projected onto the uneven surface of Batuu’s spires, turning the rockwork into a dynamic screen. A custom programming interface maps the irregular terrain and the positions of the projectors, displaying labeled elements for both rockwork and projectors. The interface gives a clear view of how the show is aligned to the landscape.
The video highlights how the team blended ancient storytelling methods with modern show technology. Practical shadow effects, animation, projection mapping, and lighting design are combined to deliver the final experience. One of the most detailed sequences shows Grogu’s silhouette being animated. The team used movement reference from animators and choreography to shape Grogu’s physical performance in shadow form, resulting in a three‑minute narrative that places the character at the center of a Force‑driven story.
“The Curious Child” is part of Disney Live Entertainment’s broader effort to expand the nighttime entertainment lineup at Galaxy’s Edge. The original projection, “Shadows of Memory,” debuted in May 2026 and transformed the rocky spires into a massive storytelling canvas. The new show builds on that foundation, offering guests an additional moment that ties directly into the current Star Wars media releases.
The Imagineering video also includes a link to a POV coverage of the show on YouTube, allowing viewers to experience the projection from a guest’s perspective. The release of the behind‑the‑scenes footage comes as Disney continues to update Galaxy’s Edge with new attractions and entertainment tied to the Star Wars franchise.
Overall, the video provides a detailed look at the technical and creative steps involved in creating a shadow‑based projection show in a real‑world environment. It demonstrates how Disney Live Entertainment integrates physical and digital techniques to deliver immersive storytelling experiences in its theme parks.
