There’s a rising star in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” — and it’s not a Skywalker.
Baby Yoda, formally known as “The Child,” may have stolen hearts since its debut on Disney+ show “The Mandalorian,” but the adorable green guy has a force to be reckoned with in the latest installment of the movie franchise — and it’s backed by some serious star power.
Note: Mild spoilers for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” ahead.
Episode IX is a very dense film and, despite mixed reviews from critics, fans have a lot to unpack to digest the end to the Skywalker saga. But along with answering many lingering questions, Disney’s managed to introduce a cute (read: marketable) character to the cast that already has fans clamoring for toys.
Galaxy, meet Babu Frik.
First introduced by Lucasfilm in October, Babu Frik is described on the official “Star Wars” website as “a tiny droidsmith working among the Spice Runners of Kijimi, the well-regarded Babu Frik can reprogram or modify virtually any droid, regardless of the security measures protecting its systems.” Basically, he’s a gifted droid hacker with an infectious, cackling giggle who is friends with another new character, Zorii Bliss, played by Keri Russell, whom we meet thanks to Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac).
Though he only appears in a few scenes in the movie, Babu Frik is easily the most memorable character, and it’s mostly thanks to his voice — or as one fan put it: “Babu Frik steals every scene he’s in and I’m not kidding in the slightest.”
The tiny newcomer is voiced by Shirley Henderson, a 54-year-old actress best known as Moaning Myrtle in “Harry Potter,” Gail in “Trainspotting” and Jude in the “Bridget Jones” film series. Fans, of course, were immediately freaking out on Twitter.
“Not enough people are talking about how Shirley Henderson is the voice of Babu Frik,” writes one fan. “My mind is officially blown,” adds another.
Others immediately declared it the year of Baby and Babu.
“This is Baby Yoda’s and Babu Frik’s world and we’re just living in it bye,” one jokes. “A spin-off buddy cop show with Babu Frik & Baby Yoda. Do it you cowards,” muses one fan.
Naturally, just like the Baby Yoda toy craze, fans are clamoring to get their hands on a Babu Frik. “I won’t lie I kinda want a stuffed toy of that one guy Babu Frik so I guess Disney’s evil worked on me,” jokes one Twitter user.
Plush versions of Babu Frik have not been announced, but there are already a few toy options available on Amazon paired with a C-3PO — fitting since the little “droidsmith” works some magic on the golden droid in the movie — for $25.33 and $30.97.