Star Wars: The Last Jedi - 39 Things We Learned From The Director's Commentary

15. Yoda

Yoda Star Wars
Lucasfilm

The shot used to introduce Yoda, showing the back of his head first, was Frank Oz's idea, knowing instantly that everyone's heart would jump as they recognised who it was.

They managed to find the original mould for Yoda and recreated puppet from Empire Strikes Back, and even managed to track down the same woman who painted his eyes and had her return. Oz helped edit the Yoda scene as well as controlling the puppet, giving really important insights into how to make it play. Oz also taught Johnson that Hamill's reaction is as important to the puppet's performance as the puppet itself.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.