It’s become one of the most popular Star Wars names of all time, and Disney couldn’t care less.
The entertainment giant is doubling down on its refusal to use the term “Baby Yoda” and insists that fans should be calling the adorable character by his actual on-screen name -- “The Child.” Product descriptions for new toys and merchandise coming out for The Mandalorian ask that people start finally doing so.
“He may look like ‘BABY YODA,’ but this lovable creature is called THE CHILD,” Disney says. The company has been purposely capitalizing “THE CHILD” in all of its recent merch descriptions and press releases.
The new products being released include a life-size animatronic doll that makes noises and moves, Baby Yoda-themed board games and action figures. The character has been stealing the hearts of Star Wars fans ever since he appeared at the end of the first episode of The Mandalorian, which centers around a bounty hunter who is tasked to protect him.
Fans began calling “The Child” Baby Yoda due to his resemblance to Yoda from the Star Wars films. The name stuck and quickly went viral on social media, leading to a slew of hashtags, memes and gifs.
Created by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito and Emily Swallow. Season 1 is streaming now on Disney+. Season 2 is slated to arrive this October.