‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’, Creator Jon Favreau on Creating ‘Baby Yoda’
Star Wars: The Mandalorian creator and show runner, Jon Favreau, struck gold with the creation of ‘Baby Yoda’ for the Disney+ series. The little green scene stealer has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking memes and melting hearts.
Favreau discussed the creation of ‘The Child’ with the Hollywood Reporter. When asked why he chose to go with the young Yoda look-alike, Fabreau responded, “we don’t know a lot of details about where he comes from or his species.”
Favreau continued about the creation of Baby Yoda, “He’s mostly a puppet. When it’s CG, we try to make him obey the same physical laws that he would if he were a puppet. I think a lot of times CG makes itself too obvious where you don’t create parameters creatively that allow the character to keep the same identity and charm. … We’ll learn more about him over the course of the season.”
He continued, “I think what’s great about what George created is that Yoda proper, the character that we grew up watching, was always shrouded in mystery, and that was what made him so archetypal and so mythic.”
Favreau also discussed keeping Baby Yoda a secret and its importance In keeping it away from the first wave of merchandise for The Mandalorian. “I think that part of what people really value is to be surprised and delighted, and I think that’s becoming all too rare. It’s very difficult to keep secrets about projects you’re working on.” said Favreau.
“By holding back on that one product, we knew that we may have had the disadvantage of not having toys available day and date, but what we got in exchange was an excitement surrounding the character, because everybody felt like they discovered him together. That emulated more what my experience growing up was like.” he added.
Baby Yoda was definitely a surprise and a demand for merchandise immediately followed his appearance. However, the initial wave of Disney merchandise was less than desirable, a plush and pop vinyl figures will be released later in the summer of 2020.
The Mandaloridan continues to be a Star Wars production that all critics and fans are agreeing is a solid piece of storytelling from the franchise.
What do you think about the creation of Baby Yoda and the great lengths taken to keep it a surprise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
This is post P-90x. I’m saying I watched the videos. I’m not saying I participated. Born in my mom’s basement, I’ve stayed there to embody the stereotype. One day I will rise up… to the main floor of the house.
