Director Jon Favreau hopes audiences will 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 debuted on Disney+ in 2019. Ironically, that same year was the last time a “Star Wars” film — 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker” — was shown in theaters. Although the latest installment in the Skywalker saga has been divisive to say the least, Lucasfilm is hoping that “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will please audiences, especially with the inclusion of Baby Yoda.
Jon Favreau says the ‘cute things’ in ‘Star Wars’ are ‘weird’
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 seem a little “weird.”
“The cute things in Star Wars tend to be a little weird,” Favreau told CBS News while promoting his new film. “It’s not like ‘Disney cute,’ it’s ‘Star Wars cute.’ And so, he has weird little hairs, sharp little teeth, wrinkled skin and claws!
The detailed construction of the puppets was intentional. “There’s an analog, handmade feel to a lot of the characters, to a lot of the costumes and to a lot of the Star Wars puppets,” he explained.
Favreau admitted he didn’t realize Grogu would be a ‘phenomenon’
Although Grogu was created to appeal to younger audiences, Favreau admitted that he didn’t realize the character’s size until he saw the giant balloon during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“We didn’t really realize what a phenomenon it would be. And then when we saw the balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, that’s when, as a New Yorker, it really hit me,” Favreau said. “Like, ‘Wow! This really took it to another level.’ This is all surreal.
Favreau grew up in Queens with his father, but he never thought becoming an actor was a possibility for him. Yet with his father’s encouragement, he dropped out and began taking improv classes in Chicago.
Jon Favreau talks ‘father-son relationship’ in ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’
Even though the Mandalorian and Grogu are not biological father and son, many father-son relationship themes are explored in a galaxy far, far away. The theme of found family is also a theme often addressed in the franchise.
“Father-son relationships have always played an important role in Star Wars,” Favreau explained. “It’s one of the most positive father-son relationships in Star Wars and, ironically, they’re not related. But it’s a family of choice, and Star Wars has always been about families coming together.”
Jon Favreau saw “Star Wars” with his father at age 10
For Favreau, “Star Wars” has always been a family affair. At the May 14 premiere of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” Favreau said, “49 years ago, I had the opportunity to see Star Wars when I was 10, and this movie changed my life from the first shot.
“My dad took me to see it, and I sat next to him, and he pointed out things to me and explained to me how cool it was that X-wings had oil stains,” he recalled, according to PEOPLE magazine. “Later he taught me [Akira] Kurosawa and all the influences of George Lucas, and he opened the door for me to love not only Star Wars but cinema.
In a moment of full-circle emotion, Favreau shared: “49 years ago, I was sitting next to my father and watching Star Wars for the first time, [and] Tonight I’m going to sit next to my dad and watch this.
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters on May 22
The star of “Game of Thrones” Pierre Pascal returns to his role as the titular Mandalorian, but many fans are excited to see the ‘Alien’ star Sigourney Weaver join a galaxy far, far away. Star of “The Bear” Jeremy Allen White also lent his voice to Rotta the Hutt, who fans may remember from the original “Clone Wars” film.
The plot synopsis reads: “The evil Empire has fallen, but Imperial warlords remain scattered across the galaxy. As the nascent New Republic strives to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they call upon the 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+.
