Why fans are excited about a small return from The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker remains one of the franchise’s most controversial entries, but amid debates over plot choices and surprises, one figure won widespread affection: Babu Frik, the pint-sized Anzellan droidsmith who briefly stole scenes with his quirky energy and technical expertise. Now, that species is set to return in a big way for the upcoming theatrical follow-up to The Mandalorian, and early merchandising and trailer clues suggest they’ll be more than a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo.
The presence of Babu Frik’s people — the Anzellans — points to a deliberate embrace of the franchise’s more whimsical, character-driven elements. For many fans, that’s one of the few elements of The Rise of Skywalker that landed consistently well, and Lucasfilm appears to be leaning into it.
Who are the Anzellans (and why did Babu Frik matter)?
Babu Frik first appeared in The Rise of Skywalker as a tiny, hyperactive mechanic on Kijimi who reprograms C-3PO. His comic timing and distinctive design made him an instant fan favorite in an otherwise polarizing film. Anzellans are presented as small, highly skilled technicians with a knack for droid work and gadgets — perfect for injecting moments of levity and charm.
Their return signals more than a nostalgic wink. These characters offer visual variety and the kind of family-friendly cuteness that fuels collectibles, marketing, and memorable cinematic moments.
What the new LEGO sets reveal
LEGO’s tie-ins often mirror actual onscreen content, and recent product reveals have provided the clearest hint yet about the Anzellans’ role in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Among the newly announced sets is an “Anzellan Starship” (set 75445), built to scale for a Grogu figure alongside two Anzellans. That scale suggests:
- The Anzellans will operate small, personal craft — vessels too tiny for human passengers like Din Djarin.
- The film will show these characters in scenarios that emphasize their diminutive size and technical specialties.
- LEGO designers expect the creatures to be visually prominent and marketable, which often reflects meaningful screen time.
Other sets in the range also echo imagery from the trailer, including arctic environments, reinforcing the idea that scenes on a snow-covered world will feature prominently.
What we know about The Mandalorian and Grogu
The theatrical project known as The Mandalorian and Grogu grew from plans originally tied to a fourth season of the Disney+ series. Jon Favreau directs and co-wrote the film with Dave Filoni, keeping the creative stewardship that has guided the show. Key confirmed elements include:
- Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin (the Mandalorian).
- Jeremy Allen White appears as a physically imposing character described as the son of a Hutt (reported as “Rotta the Hutt” in some listings).
- Sigourney Weaver plays a New Republic military leader.
- The film opens in theaters on May 22, 2026.
Trailer footage and promotional art have already teased a snowy locale, echoes of established Star Wars visual language, and the Anzellans themselves — indicating that Favreau and Filoni may blend the show’s intimate character moments with broader cinematic set pieces.
Why the Anzellans matter for fans and the franchise
The inclusion of Anzellans is notable for several reasons:
- Fan service done strategically: Bringing back a beloved minor character type can build goodwill without reshaping major franchise threads.
- Merchandising potential: Small, distinctive aliens translate well into toys and collectibles — evident in LEGO’s decision to center a set around an Anzellan ship.
- Tonal variety: Anzellans can provide comic relief and warmth, balancing action beats and heavier narrative threads.
- Continuity with the series: Their presence underlines the film’s roots in The Mandalorian’s world, where peripheral characters and smaller stories often carry emotional weight.
Comparisons to other small creatures in Star Wars — like Ewoks or Porgs — are inevitable, but the Anzellans’ technical role and clear connection to droid lore give them a different narrative utility.
What to watch for next
With the film’s release date approaching, fans should look for:
- Further merchandise reveals from LEGO and other toy lines that tend to confirm screen details.
- Expanded trailer drops revealing the Anzellans’ role and how they integrate with Din and Grogu’s journey.
- Casting and character details that clarify Jeremy Allen White’s role and Sigourney Weaver’s New Republic position.
- Any behind-the-scenes interviews from Favreau and Filoni explaining how the movie evolved from season plans into a standalone theatrical story.
The Anzellans’ return is a small but telling sign of how Lucasfilm is balancing nostalgia, character moments, and franchise appetite for new settings. For viewers who adored Babu Frik’s brief-but-bright turn, seeing his species take on a larger part of the story will likely be one of the more welcome notes in The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Quick facts
- Film: The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Directors/Writers: Jon Favreau; co-writer Dave Filoni
- Lead: Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin
- Notable cast: Jeremy Allen White (Hutt’s son), Sigourney Weaver (New Republic leader)
- LEGO tie-in: Anzellan Starship (set 75445) scaled for Grogu and two Anzellans
- Theatrical release: May 22, 2026
Keep an eye on official trailers and product announcements for confirmation of these early clues — they’re shaping expectations for one of the most anticipated Star Wars releases in recent years.