Baby Yoda is arguably the single biggest selling point in the Disney Star Wars era but the Child could have looked different from the now infamous look that makes him The Mandalorian's stand-out. Combining two of the most important pillars of the Star Wars model - nostalgia and marketability - the tiny, infant clone of Master Yoda has transcended the show, becoming a money-making machine. And while his design seems effortless, given the likeness to his Jedi forebear, the process of deciding on his look wasn't as simple as it may seem.
Grogu's cultural impact is far from The Mandalorian's most impressive achievement; in fact, the show's remarkable combination of Legends canon and new stories set in the wake of the Empire's fall in Return of the Jedi has been the biggest success story of the Disney Star Wars era. But adding such an accessible character, even for younger children (George Lucas' ideal objective in previous chapters, of course) gave The Mandalorian the pulling power to make any concerns over selling a live-action show in the wake of the Sequels considering less of a problem.
Who needs the Skywalker Saga when you have the Child, after all? And while Grogu is a near identical copy of Master Yoda (prompting theories that Yoda is the Child's father, in fact), there was some consideration to making him look different during the early stages of production. Thanks to The Art Of Mandalorian book, which Screen Rant has a copy of, here are all of the early Baby Yoda concept art designs that almost changed how Grogu looks and that chart how he came to life.
Baby Yoda Uses The Force
More Disney and slightly less like the Jim Henson inspired puppet of the final show, this rosy-cheeked version doesn't quite fit, particularly with the pink button nose.
Grogu Gets A Lift Off Din Djarin
An incredibly cute moment here that really plays into the dynamic of Grogu and Din Djarin as father and son.
Baby Yoda's Expressions Study
An interesting look here at how the intricacies of Grogu's expressions progressed in the design stage.
Grogu's Pod
Interestingly, the pod looks a little more Imperial by design here, and larger compared to the more slight Grogu. The Child also appears more like a human child in shape, with longer limbs.
When Baby Yoda Met IG-11
A great little look here at one of season one's coolest episodes, with Baby Yoda in basically his final form.
More Baby Than Baby Yoda
This design notably has a far more human look to the lower part of Grogu's face, which makes him cuter, but actually a little too Uncanny Valley.
Baby Yoda Looking Shocked
This image very much suggests that Baby Yoda has seen some stuff.
Grogu Says Peek-A-Boo
The blueish hue to his skin is obviously different to Grogu's final design, but the spirit of the image is pure The Mandalorian. Should Baby Yoda take up the option of becoming a true Mandalorian foundling, fans may yet get to see a version of this in the show.
Baby Yoda On The Razor Crest
There's just the slightest hint here that happiness would make Baby Yoda's ears stick up, much like those of a dog.
The Start Of Baby Yoda's Frog-Eating Habit
No matter how you paint it, it's still a little gross.
Another Alternate Pod For Grogu
In contrast to the pod in The Mandalorian, this one is designed to be worn on the back, and would have seen Din Djarin ferrying Grogu around more actively.
Baby Yoda Peeks Out
Another look here at Baby Yoda trying to climb out of his "pod". Given how easily he seems to manage it in the show, it would appear he's better at it than in these early designs.
Baby Yoda Uses The Force
A look here at the first season's first big Force moment for Grogu, which looks impressively like the final shot in the show.
Baby Yoda In The Sand
This one appears to be very close to the final design, and a rare look at Baby Yoda's feet.
More Hand Drawn Grogu Concept Art
Again, Baby Yoda has a more cartoonish look here than in The Mandalorian's final version, and a more human-like baby look when sleeping. His posture in the third image is more old person than infant.