Obi-Wan Kenobi: Competition for Grogu? Disney+ series introduces cute new “Star Wars” character

• “Obi-Wan Kenobi” takes place many years before “The Mandalorian” and therefore cannot boast of a Grogu appearance.
• However, the new “Star Wars” series has its own cute character that should take fan hearts by storm.
• However, the little flying droid is actually Leia’s companion.

Disney has always understood that merch can sometimes make more money than movies. So it’s not surprising that almost every “Star Wars” production since the Disney takeover has introduced at least one cute character that looks particularly good on t-shirts or mugs.

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Following BB-8, the Porgs, Babu Frik, and Grogu, Obi-Wan Kenobi brings us a new potential fan favorite. The as yet unnamed character is a flying droid intended to serve as the companion and protector of young Princess Leia.

The droid’s appearance is said to be reminiscent of the little flying saucers in ‘The Miracle on Eighth Street,’ a 1987 film that Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy helped produce.

Since the little droid fails to save Leia from being kidnapped by the Inquisitors, he may join Obi-Wan on the rescue mission. Leia isn’t meant to be at Obi-Wan’s side for the entire series, so the droid doesn’t become a permanent companion for the Jedi-in-exile either.

The little droid will certainly cause a few laughs and, as a drone, will be a popular Christmas gift, but for the time being nobody can hold a candle to Grogu. With his big eyes and childlike nature, Mando’s foster son has catapulted himself into the hearts of the audience – a success that not even Disney can easily repeat.