While Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker may have polarized the fanbase, leading many to seek out further explanation via the movie’s novelization, one thing moviegoers seemed to be unanimously enamored by was pint-sized droidsmith Babu Frik.

A member of Zorii Bliss’ Spice Runner crew, Babu Frik was, at first, instrumental in leading our heroes to the wreckage of the Death Star. Then he appeared near the end of the film, with Zorri, during the clash with the Sith Eternal fleet at the Battle of Exegol. And he was never not wholly adorable.

Star Wars concept designer and sculptor Luke Fisher posted a few pieces of early concept art for Babu Frik on his Instagram, showcasing a couple initial designs for the character.

The first image shows a large-eared goblin-style creature, which seems like it could have been a cute addition to the saga. The second picture is a bug-like being with giant fly eyes. Chances are fans wouldn’t have gone ga-ga for that one. You can see Fisher’s full “Early Babu Frik Explorations” post here.

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For more Star Wars news, check out our review of The Clone Wars’ series finale and all the casting news for The Mandalorian: Season 2 – including Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett, Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, and Justified’s Timothy Olyphant.

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Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Source: IGN.com Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Concept Art Shows Babu Frik as a Gross Bug