How This Summer’s Movies Shift the Connection With Their Related Toys - The New York Times
Before the Mandalorian series debuted in 2019, producers kept Grogu a secret to heighten the drama of the ultimate reveal. Even toy manufacturers were left in the dark, which resulted in a dearth of Grogu toys that Christmas, a major downer for fans clamoring for a Baby Yoda plushie.
That won’t happen with the big-screen spinoff “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” In addition to costumes, pins, Lego sets and, for the deep-pocketed, a cargo-carrying robot fashioned after Grogu’s pram ($2,875), there is an entire line of plush dolls featuring Grogu in various states of “action” and repose. There’s a “Pick-Me-Up Grogu” whose eyes pop open when you lift him; a “Sleepy Grogu” who doesn’t do much of anything except nap; and so on.
Despite the dolls’ appearance, Grogu is a baby who isn’t quite a baby (he’s in his 50s) and isn’t Yoda, despite his nickname. But Grogu is cute, in a weird reptilian sort of way.
The new Masters of the Universe film pokes good-hearted fun at the original series, like the corniness of the character names — including He-Man — and He-Man’s obsessive attachment to his Power Sword. For fans who love the sword as much as he does, there’s an electronic version that lights up, vibrates and makes swooshing sounds when you wave it around. Ostensibly, it’s intended for children 6 and older, though early excited users on TikTok primarily seemed to be men in their 30s and 40s.
