It's fair to say that the new Disney+ TV series, The Mandalorian, has been a big hit with Star Wars fans, although maybe not for any of the reasons we expected. The show chronicles the adventures of a nameless Mandalorian bounty hunter who resembles Boba Fett; but it was the character of The Child (an alien who resembles a young version of Jedi Master Yoda) who people really engaged with.

In true Star Wars fashion, there's plenty of Baby Yoda related merchandise available for Christmas. But this week gamers were also in for a sneaky sci-fi surprise when it was announced that Baby Yoda would be crossing over to the latest Sims game!

Using my Jedi mind powers, I command you to watch the trailer for The Mandalorian: 

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Yes, players of the fourth iteration of the phenomenally-successful life simulation game were delighted to find that Baby Yoda is now available in-game as a special decorative item.

The gnome-like Baby Yoda figure was added to the game a free bonus content in the latest update. Players can find the little green creature by searching in build/buy mode under ''sculptures'', or by searching for him by entering ''Baby Yoda''.

The item is listed as: 'The Child Statue' (available for just 503 Sims dollars) with the caption reading: "This statue is a lovable replica inspired by the Disney+ live-action series, The Mandalorian."

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In a recent interview with Collider series creator, Jon Favreau spoke about how secretive Disney has been about merchandise, so as to prevent spoilers. The Iron Man director stated: "I have to thank Disney and Lucasfilm because the way the cat usually gets out of the bag with that stuff is merchandising and toy catalogs and things like that."

He added: They really back us up. We really wanted to have it be that you had to watch it yourself, so that every time you watch the show, there are new twists and secrets that come out."

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But if you're looking for a Baby Yoda stocking-filler to buy in real-life, then why not check out some of this brand-new Baby Yoda merchandise?

The Mandalorian; a TV series chronicling the adventures of a nameless bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away, has arguably been a bigger hit with Star Wars fans than The Rise of Skywalker - the final movie of the sequel trilogy. Airing on Disney's new streaming service Disney+, it's already fared well with both audiences and critics.

However, when the first episode dropped the main talking point wasn't on the subject of the story or special effects. Instead, fans instantly fell in love with 'The Child' - an infant alien who appears to be the same species as the Jedi master Yoda.

Check out this cool behind-the-scenes video on Baby Yoda shared by Jon Favreau: 

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Since then, fans have been churning out memes and tributes to the adorable little alien with gusto, and that enthusiasm shows no sign of stopping. In typical Star Wars fashion, Baby Yoda has also been a major merchandising opportunity. Here's some good news: you can now purchase a life-size replica of the character of Baby Yoda to have in your own home.

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The replica model is currently being sold on Sideshow Collectibles for $350. Preorders for the figure open today, but it’s not expected to arrive until August/October 2020. Measuring 16-and-a-half inches tall, the figure is constructed out of fabric, plastic, and resin and looks just like the real thing.

In a recent interview with Collider series creator, Jon Favreau spoke about how secretive Disney has been about merchandise, so as to prevent spoilers. The Iron Man director stated: "I have to thank Disney and Lucasfilm because the way the cat usually gets out of the bag with that stuff is merchandising and toy catalogs and things like that.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Sideshow Collectables]]

He added: "So they really back us up. We really wanted to have it be that you had to watch it yourself, so that every time you watch the show, there are new twists and secrets that come out."

Although Star Wars fans have been left pretty divided on the subject of The Rise of Skywalker, it's fair to say that The Mandalorian (a TV series telling the story of the eponymous bounty hunter), has arguably been a bigger hit with the general public.

However, when the first episode dropped on Disney's new streaming service Disney+, the main talking point wasn't the story or special effects for once, but 'The Child' - an infant alien who appears to be the same species as the Jedi master Yoda.

Have a look at this cool behind-the-scenes video of Baby Yoda shared by showrunner Jon Favreau: 

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In typical Star Wars style, there's been a veritable avalanche of Baby Yoda-themed merchandise since then, including life-sized realistic figures, T-shirts, and even a cameo appearance in the latest Sims game. But now we need to prepare ourselves for a new product that's bound to enthrall Star Wars fans: a Baby Yoda waffle iron.

Per Nerdist, Gamespot's Baby Yoda waffle maker has five temperature settings and can help you shape your pancakes, waffles, and crepes to look exactly like the adorable little alien. It's currently available for pre-order for the fairly low price of $39.99 and is expected to ship in September 2020.

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In a recent interview with Collider series creator, Jon Favreau spoke about how secretive Disney has been about merchandise, so as to prevent spoilers. The Iron Man director stated: "I have to thank Disney and Lucasfilm because the way the cat usually gets out of the bag with that stuff is merchandising and toy catalogs and things like that.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/Knitspecibus/status/1235424938171011072]]

He added: "So they really back us up. We really wanted to have it be that you had to watch it yourself, so that every time you watch the show, there are new twists and secrets that come out."

This year has been a good time for fans of one of the world's most famous space operas. For the first time since the infamously-terrible Holiday Special aired back in 1978, a live-action version of Star Wars is available to watch on TV.

Yes, The Mandalorian; a TV series chronicling the adventures of a nameless bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away has aired on Disney's new streaming service, and it's already fared well with audiences and critics alike.

Fans absolutely fell in love with this behind-the-scenes clip of Baby Yoda:

[[jwplayerwidget||https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/E6ole4UR-sKUnNGKf.mp4||E6ole4UR]]

However, when the first episode dropped and fans were able to watch, the main talking point wasn't the breathtaking cinematography or the special effects. Instead, viewers were delighted by the appearance of an infant alien who appears to be the same species as the Jedi master Yoda - famously portrayed by Frank Oz.

Fans fell in love with 'Baby Yoda' right away. So as a Thanksgiving treat, series creator Jon Favreau shared some behind-the-scenes footage of the little creature with us all.

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Taking to Instagram, the Iron Man director uploaded a short clip of the little green alien, and captioned the footage: "If your Thanksgiving table gets too heated show everyone this video I took on the set of the Mandalorian. #happythanksgivng [sic]"

In a recent interview with Collider series creator, Jon Favreau spoke about how secretive Disney has been about merchandise, so as to prevent spoilers. The Iron Man director stated: "I have to thank Disney and Lucasfilm because the way the cat usually gets out of the bag with that stuff is merchandising and toy catalogs and things like that."

If you're a true Star Wars fan then check out the official trailer for The Mandalorian: 

[[jwplayerwidget||https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/vbg8LhES-Q0L14jDU.mp4||vbg8LhES]]

He continued: "So they really back us up. We really wanted to have it be that you had to watch it yourself, so that every time you watch the show, there are new twists and secrets that come out."

But another holiday on the horizon is Christmas: so if you're looking for the perfect stocking-filler, then why not check out some of this brand-new Baby Yoda merchandise?

I think that, if there was one thing we could all agree on amidst the tumult and chaos of 2019, it's that Baby Yoda is devastatingly adorable.

Yes, the Star Wars series The Mandalorian has uncovered an unlikely hero of all of our hearts, and it comes in the form of the outrageously cute creature dubbed Baby Yoda, due to his resemblance to Yoda - erstwhile Jedi master in the Star Wars films.

The Baby Yoda phenomenon has captured the hearts and minds of the internet, and endless memes have been created in its honour.

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So yes, I think it's fair to say that we're all in thrall to Baby Yoda.

That is probably why Build-A-Bear has jumped excitedly into the fray, announcing that soon, shoppers will be able to splash their cash and build their very own Baby Yoda.

Build-A-Bear's CEO, Sharon Price John, said that the toy would be unveiled at the ICR 2020 Conference in Orlando;

“I’m excited to share that we will be one of the first companies to be able to provide the new digital and internet phenomenon, who actually is trending higher than all the presidential candidates combined,” she said, “If any of you has seen 'The Mandalorian,' we now will have The Child, also known as Baby Yoda.”

Check out this ridiculously cute behind-the-scenes video of Baby Yoda in action:

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There does not appear to be an exact release date for the Baby Yoda toy yet, but Sharon Price John revealed that it would be in "the next couple of months," so not long to wait now!

Meanwhile, it has been claimed by actor Adam Pally that the actual Baby Yoda puppet used while filming cost "$5 million". He recalls a story of when he was required to punch the cute puppet during a scene, and apparently was a little too zealous in his enthusiasm. He recalls director John Favreau telling him;

"'I just want to let you know that this is the hero Yoda [the main prop used for close-ups], and it costs, like, $5 million. So, while I want you to hit it, I just want you to know that.'"

Pally says he was so nervous after that bombshell that he missed the target for the next three takes. The power of Baby Yoda truly knows no bounds.

There's no doubt that Baby Yoda from the Disney+ series The Mandalorian is one of the most popular characters in the Star Wars franchise.

Ever since the series dropped, viewers all over the world fell in love with the cute little space tot, and we were all soon buried under an avalanche of Baby Yoda themed merchandise, such as life-sized realistic figures, T-shirts, and even a cameo appearance in the latest Sims game.

Take a look at this behind-the-scenes video of Baby Yoda shared by Jon Favreau: 

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But now it seems as though Baby Yoda is leaving our little blue planet and returning to where he came from - outer space. That's because the Space X crew who arrived at the International Space Station this morning took the little guy with them!

Per a report by BBC News, an adorable little plushie toy of the little green alien was spotted by eagle-eyed Star Wars fans watching the live stream of Sunday's launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Check out these videos of Baby Yoda in action aboard the spacecraft:

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However, Baby Yoda isn't a freeloading passenger onboard the shuttle - he's actually providing a vital service for astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Soichi Noguchi.

Per BBC News, the toy is reportedly being used as a zero-G indicator, so that Crew 1 knows that when Baby Yoda starts floating around they have entered zero-gravity.

A number of Star Wars fans soon took to Twitter to share their excitement over spotting Baby Yoda on the space mission.

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Per an official statement from NASA, the Space X Crew Dragon Resilience successfully docked to the International Space Station at 11.01 pm EST, on Monday, November 16. This mission is the first of six certified crew missions NASA and SpaceX are due to fly as a part of the space agency’s Commercial Crew Program.

The hatches later opened earlier today (November 17), and the crew joined those already onboard the ISS.

However, this isn't the first time that the cute little extraterrestrial has been spotted somewhere unexpected. Recently, he was seen on a tour of California, helping to boost the morale of firefighters battling the recent spate of wildfires.