What will Baby Yoda’s first words be? Former Star Wars head Kathleen Kennedy reveals new details about the character’s evolution in The Mandalorian and Grogu.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is shaping up to be the biggest event to hit the Star Wars fandom in years, with it being the franchise’s return to the silver screen after the disastrous Rise of Skywalker back in 2019. However, that doesn’t mean that the film hasn’t been without its critics, with many worrying about what direction the studio plans to take Baby Yoda and Din Djarin in their (likely) final outing together.
Baby Yoda is of particular interest to longtime fans. The character has been the de-facto face of the Star Wars brand for over half a decade, with The Mandalorian and Grogu even adding his name to the title. This has fomented a fear that the film will have him undergo a large internal journey that appeals to general audiences, potentially resulting in him speaking his first word.
Does Baby Yoda Speak In The Mandalorian?
Former Star Wars head and The Mandalorian and Grogu producer Kathleen Kennedy actually weighed in on this speculation during a recent chat with Variety. Luckily, it seems as though Baby Yoda will remain the silent and not-at-all-stoic type, with Kenny remarking how important the use of sound is for the character.
“[Baby Yoda is] another perfect example of a character that has to emote and you have to feel connected to, and he never speaks a word,” Kennedy explains before clarifying “On the big screen, and he never says a word.”
It’ll certainly come as a relief to some fans that Baby Yoda won’t speak throughout The Mandalorian and Grogu. However, given how emotional the first words of Groot were in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it may be a missed opportunity to have a true tear-jerker moment during Star Wars‘ big return to theaters.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to land in theaters May 22, 2026. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the Star Wars universe!
