Director Jon Favreau is hoping that audiences show their love for Baby Yoda when “The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters later this week. The film follows three seasons of “The Mandalorian,” which first debuted on Disney+ in 2019. Ironically, that same year was the last time that a “Star Wars” film – 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker” – was shown in theaters. Although the last installment in the Skywalker Saga was divisive, to say the least, Lucasfilm is hoping that “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will appeal to audiences, especially due to the inclusion of Baby Yoda.
According to Favreau, there’s a difference between “Disney cute” and “Star Wars cute,” and he has no problem admitting that even cute things in a galaxy far, far away can look a little “weird.”
“The cute stuff in ‘Star Wars’ tends to be a little weird-looking,” Favreau told CBS News while promoting his new film. “It’s not like ‘Disney cute,’ it’s ‘Star Wars cute.’ And so, he’s got weird little hairs and sharp little teeth in there and wrinkly skin, and claws!”
The detailed construction of the puppets was intentional. “There’s an analog, handmade feel to a lot of the characters and a lot of the costumes and a lot of the puppets from ‘Star Wars,’” he explained.
Favreau Admitted He Didn’t Realize Grogu Would Be A ‘Phenomenon’
Although Grogu was created to appeal to a younger audience, Favreau admitted that he didn’t realize how big the character was until he saw the giant balloon during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“We didn’t realize quite what a phenomenon it would be. And then when we saw the balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, that’s when it kind of – as a New Yorker – it really hit me,” Favreau explained. “Like, ‘Wow! This has really hit another level.’ The whole thing’s surreal.”
Favreau grew up in Queens with his father, but he never thought that becoming an actor was a possibility for him. Still, with the encouragement of his father, he dropped out of college and started taking improv classes in Chicago.
Jon Favreau Talks The ‘Father-Son Relationship’ In ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’
Even though the Mandalorian and Grogu are not biological father and son, there are a lot of father-son relationship themes explored in a galaxy far, far away. The theme of found family is also one that is touched upon a lot in the franchise.
“Father-son relationships have always been a big part of ‘Star Wars,’” Favreau explained. “This is one of the most positive father-son relationships in ‘Star Wars,’ and, ironically, they’re not related in any way. But it is a family of choice, and ‘Star Wars’ has always been about families coming together.”
Jon Favreau Saw ‘Star Wars’ With His Father At 10 Years Old
For Favreau, “Star Wars” has always been a family affair. At the premiere of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” on May 14, Favreau said, “Back 49 years ago, I got to see Star Wars when I was 10 years old, and that movie changed my life from that first shot.”
“My dad took me to see it, I sat by his side, he pointed things out and explained to me how cool it was that the X-wings had oil stains,” he recalled, as per PEOPLE magazine. “He later taught me about [Akira] Kurosawa and all of George Lucas’ influences, and he opened the door for me to love not just Star Wars but cinema.”
In an emotional full circle moment, Favreau shared, “I sat on my dad’s side 49 years ago watching Star Wars for the first time, [and] tonight I’m getting to sit next to my dad and watch this.”
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Hits Theaters May 22
“Game of Thrones” star Pedro Pascal is returning to his role as the titular Mandalorian, but many fans are excited to see “Alien” star Sigourney Weaver join a galaxy far, far away. “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White has also lent his voice to Rotta the Hutt, who fans might remember from the original “Clone Wars” movie.
The plot synopsis reads: “The evil Empire has fallen, but Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.”
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” will be available only in theaters on May 22. The first three seasons of “The Mandalorian” are available to stream on Disney+.