In the first, the Jedi Master Yoda--originally a puppet capable of conveying lifelike emotion but not lifelike movement-- becomes a swordsman of amazing speed and power.

FORBES

Tuesday's announcement was preceded by a report on the Ain't It Cool News site that the first stand-alone film would focus on the diminutive Jedi master Yoda.

BBC: 'Stand-alone' Star Wars films planned

Director Irvin Kershner said Freeborn put his own image into Yoda the Jedi Master, giving the character inquisitive and elfin features with "more than a passing resemblance to Freeborn himself, " Lucasfilm said.

CNN: Makeup master Stuart Freeborn of 'Star Wars' dead at age 98