The first footage from The Mandalorian season 3 reveals the return of Rise of Skywalker's standout character, Anzellan droidsmith Babu Frik.

The first official footage from The Mandalorian season 3 has revealed the appearance of creatures that seem to be of the same species as fan-favorite Babu Frik. The Mandalorian, which follows Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin as he bonds with the baby Grogu, has featured many cameos from Star Wars extended universe characters, including Bo-Katan Kryze and Luke Skywalker himself, but these creatures are among of the biggest of the new season. Frik, who is an Anzellan droidsmith, is one of the standout characters of the final film in the Skywalker saga, 2019's Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. He made quite an impression on audiences with his effervescent energy and high-pitched voice, provided by Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle actress Shirley Henderson.

Frik was first encountered when the film's heroes touched down on Kijimi and sought someone who could help C-3P0 unlock protocols that would allow him to translate the Sith language. Kijimi was later destroyed by the Final Order, and the character was presumed dead. However, he popped up again in a surprising appearance in the film's final battle alongside Zorii Bliss, a spice runner and former flame of Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron who was played by Keri Russell.

During the Mandalorian panel at the Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, California, some additional footage from season 3 was revealed after an initial screening. Screen Rant was present for the occasion and can report that the footage contained a barrage of action shots, including a shot of a Star Destroyer, as well as Din flying in his N-1 starfighter with what may be R5-D4. The footage also included shots of the Mandalorian home planet of Mandalore, and several new images of Grogu (including a cute shot of him watching what looks to be a fireworks display, and Bo-Katan eating). The footage also contained the most important reveal of The Mandalorian season 3 so far: a new appearance by creatures of the same species as Babu Frik, the Anzellans, though it's unclear if Babu is among them. The footage so delighted the crowd that they demanded it be played again.

At the moment, it is currently unknown if Shirley Henderson has returned to play these new Anzellans. This will mark the species’ first time returning to the Star Wars universe, though this appearance technically takes place many years before the events of Rise of Skywalker. The Mandalorian takes place during the reconstruction years between the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi and the rise of the First Order in The Force Awakens.

According to extended Star Wars universe sources, Frik was born in the year 50 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). The Mandalorian takes place around 9 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), meaning that Frik will be about to turn 60 years old during this timeline, so there is a chance he will appear among the group. Whether this more youthful appearance will make a difference in his behavior or not remains to be seen.

Next: Babu Frik Is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker's Best New Character