Babu Frik, the loveable little alien from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was kept from dying in the film by the intervention Steven Spielberg according to a rumour.
Babu Frik has made a big impact on the Star Wars fandom since his debut in The Rise of Skywalker, with many fans enjoying the cute little creature’s inclusion in events.
However, he nearly didn’t make it. According to Neal Scanlon, a creature effects creative supervisor, and concept artist Ivan Manzella, he might have died if legendary director Steven Spielberg hadn’t said something.
Speaking to Empire, Scanlon said: “It could be a rumor, but I believe J.J. screened the movie for Steven Spielberg, and at the end Spielberg said, ‘What happened to Babu?’ Everybody thought, ‘Oh God, what did happen to Babu?’”
Manzella added: “I think he was going to die originally – I think the AD shot that. When the planet [Kijimi] was blown up, he was on it.”
SEE ALSO: Daisy Ridley on the upsetting online response to recent Star Wars films
While Babu’s survival doesn’t necessarily mean we will see him again post-Episode IX, fans of the little guy might owe a debt of thanks to Spielberg for saving him from Kijimi’s fate.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker sees J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) directing a cast that includes Star Wars veterans Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix), Greg Grunberg (Snap Wexley), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine) and Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa) as well as new additions Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), and Keri Russell (The Americans).
