One of the more long-lasting battles in “Star Wars” history is the fight over how far to push “the cute.” Now, with the introduction of the Porgs in December’s “The Last Jedi,” filmgoers who embrace cuddly critters may win a decisive victory.
On Wednesday, Entertainment Weekly unveiled an adorable Porg as part of its exclusive photo-gallery reveal for Episode 8. And the image was a big-eyed reminder that under Disney chief executive Bob Iger, the franchise always has its eyes on moving tons of new merchandise.
It was Iger, after all, who reportedly dreamed up wee droid BB-8 for a big rollout in Episode 7, J.J. Abrams’s “The Force Awakens” — an instant hit with many toy buyers.
The Porgs, though, look even more nefariously Imagineered to be an ideal stocking stuffer upon “Last Jedi’s” Dec. 15 release.