Summary
The Acolyteseason 1 finale ends with a surprising cameo from Jedi MasterYoda, questioning whether theStar Warsfranchise will ever bring back the character in CGI or stick to using a puppet. When Yoda originally debuted inThe Empire Strikes Back, George Lucas and his team decided that a puppet was the only feasible way to bring the character to life. However, beginning withStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones,Lucas chose to have Yoda rendered with computer-generated imagery instead of using another puppet.
EvenStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, which originally used a puppet Yoda, was remastered with a CGI version to make the character feel consistent across theStar Warsprequel trilogy. This signified that Yoda was officially a CGI character, but when he returned for a brief cameo inStar Wars: The Last Jedi, he returned to being a puppet. All the modernStar Warsmovies and TV showshave followed suit for Yoda and his species in live-action, so after the finale ofThe Acolyte, is it time to admit that the franchise has abandoned Lucas' idea?
How Old Is Yoda In The Acolyte
The Acolyte season 1 ends with a teasing appearance of Grand Master Yoda, raising the question of how old he is at this point in Star Wars’ timeline.
Why George Lucas Used CGI For Yoda In The Prequels
A CGI character has more freedom and expressiveness than a puppet
Lucas was always a pioneer of innovative special effects in hisStar Warsmovies, but he primarily used CGI to bring Yoda to life to give the character greater freedom. In the DVD commentary forStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace,CG artist Rob Coleman explained that Lucas wanted Yoda to move as freely as the live-action characters, rather than be restricted by the limitations of a puppet. This is understandable given Yoda’s increased screen time in the prequels compared to the original trilogy, whereThe Empire Strikes Backwas the only film to feature the puppet version extensively.
Lucas also decided to have Yoda wield a lightsaber in the prequels, which would have been much harder to achieve with a puppet. Yoda had fast-paced lightsaber duels with Count Dooku and Emperor Palpatine, did all kinds of crazy flips and jumps, and even redirected Sith Lightning back at his opponents. Aside from the action, Yoda’s face can be far more expressive in CGI, from sly smiles to serious contemplation to utter heartbreak. Frank Oz’s work as a puppeteer was outstanding in the originalStar Warstrilogy, but there’s no doubt that Yoda’s switch to CGI came with many benefits.
Why Modern Star Wars Has Abandoned CGI Yoda
Artistic preference, nostalgia, and practicality
Neal Scanlan, creature designer onStar Wars: The Last Jedi, believed that making Yoda a puppet made the most sense, a sentiment shared by Frank Oz.
Star Wars' return to a puppet Yoda can be attributed to artistic preference, nostalgia, and practicality. Neal Scanlan, creature designer onStar Wars: The Last Jedi, believed that making Yoda a puppet made the most sense, a sentiment shared by Frank Oz. Scanlan stated that they felt it was best to have Yoda look as much like he did inThe Empire Strikes Backas possible and that he should feel tangible and real.Speaking to Collider, Oz said he approved of this choice becausepuppet Yoda was the version of the character Luke Skywalker knew in the original trilogy.
This sentiment reflects the backlash to the prequel trilogy’s emphasis on CGI effects at the time, with many fans wantingStar Warsto return to the practical aesthetic of the originals. However,using a Yoda puppet was also the most realistic option forThe Last JediandThe Acolyte, as the character only appeared briefly. CGI is expensive and time-consuming to animate, making it less sensible for a supporting character. The team behindThe Mandalorianlikely understood this with Grogu, especially when the budget had to be spread across an entire season rather than three films.
Will CGI Yoda Ever Return?
A puppet Yoda is more likely, but anything is possible
Given Yoda’s appearances as a puppet andStar Wars' future on the small screen, it is unlikely that the character will return in CGI. The sentiment of the filmmakers, nostalgia for the original trilogy, and the practicality of a puppet make CGI a less viable option, especially for a TV show. Yoda could have a larger role inThe Acolyteseason 2, but the show already teased him as a puppet, which would make his return in CGI feel jarring. Of course,Darth Plagueis also had a cameo inThe Acolyte’s finale but appeared in CGI, so anything is possible.
While CGI Yoda is no longer used in live-action projects, he continually appears in the 3D animatedStar Warsshows, includingStar Wars: Tales of the JediandStar Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.
Even if Yoda primarily appears as a puppet in future projects, CGI could be used for action scenes, asThe Mandaloriandid for Grogu. The special effects team could also use a mix of puppet work and CGI, allowing a practical Yoda to appear on set but with his facial expressions and lip movement enhanced by CGI in post-production. For now, George Lucas' idea of a CGIYodainstead of a puppet is gone, but fans will have to wait until his next live-actionStar Warsappearance to know for sure, whether that beThe Acolyteseason 2 or beyond.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
