2020 has been a year that many of us would love to put in the rearview mirror and forget about as quickly as possible, but just when you thought things couldn’t get any more bizarre, The Mandalorian‘s Baby Yoda has been coming under fire. Unbelievably, there’s been a wave of online backlash against the show’s tiny green breakout star following his behavior during last week’s episode, “The Passenger.”
Ant-Man‘s Peyton Reed directed the self-contained story that saw Mando and Baby Yoda attempt to transport a character known as the Frog Lady across the galaxy with her unborn spawn so that she could be reunited with her husband. However, The Child got more than a little peckish during the trip, and had to be stopped several times from chowing down on the dynamic duo’s cargo.
Despite being played almost entirely for laughs, complete with slurping sound effects and whimsical music, some fans haven’t taken too kindly to Baby Yoda’s actions. This seems incredible to write, but The Mandalorian is now facing criticism for having an alien puppet in a sci-fi TV show snack on eggs that belong to someone called the Frog Lady, a fictional character played by actress Misty Rosas in a big rubber suit.
Lucasfilm’s Creative Art Manager Phil Szostak recently took to social media to defend the scenes in question, and you can check out his response along with some of the pearl-clutching reactions from fans below.
https://twitter.com/PhilSzostak/status/1325915445774282752
I have spoken with many about this episode and it didn't land as comedic because we identify with Frog Mom. Her plight, her need
I think there is a level of body horror & tragedy for people, and 'boys will be boys' for The child that is an unfortunate result of this episode
— The Acolyte M-C (@MarieCGould) November 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/ReasonblyPliant/status/1325930286182506496
I now realize it doesn't have a specific genre and to expect cynicism, horror, and nihilism at times. Can't be disappointed when you know it no longer has a specific genre & to expect mothers to lose their children, repeatedly.
— 🦋OUATinaGalaxy🦋 (@ouatinagalaxy) November 9, 2020
normally I think it would be overlooked but I think the main reason why there's a bit more shock and horror is because in recent comic runs there were two (or three) specifically pregnant women killed or tortured in SW comics which brought back sour memories for people
— I am the spy for Disney (@LalalaIb) November 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/oceanselene/status/1325913714445447168
Her entire species facing extinction but it’s suppose to be cute? I’ll be honest i found it completely disturbing and not at all cute
— Me (@azulgris27) November 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/swarzseawalker/status/1325918810176712712
Just when you thought the internet couldn’t get any crazier, the team behind The Mandalorian are now having to defend themselves from criticism that’s accusing them of painting the adorable Baby Yoda as a child-devouring murderer, which sums up 2020 in a nutshell.