ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the Disney+ original series The Mandalorian in the context of fan service and the Classic Disney style. This chapter discusses how The Mandalorian, and in particular the breakout character of Baby Yoda/The Child, demonstrates a unique approach to fan service for Disney. Disney chose to embrace, or at least not subvert, fan efforts to name, promote, and market Baby Yoda/The Child. Further, the series itself corrects a lot of problems Disney has encountered under its stewardship of the Star Wars franchise. Specifically, Disney blends classic Star Wars characters and tropes with classic Disney characters and tropes to create a series that successfully appeals to a wide swath of fans – including traditional Star Wars fans. Further, the paratextual series Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian demonstrates how the creation of the series specifically addresses various fan concerns about the franchise, particularly with respect to the sometimes fraught relationship between Star Wars fans and franchise creator George Lucas.
