Jamie Benning brings us this hugely informative documentary from 2016 looking back at a recent guest on the Filmumentaries podcast, puppeteer Dave Barclay, co-performer of Yoda, chief puppeteer of Jabba the Hutt, Henson alumni, muppeteer, and much more.

In this in-depth short documentary (from 2016), master puppeteer Dave Barclay recounts his incredible journey from a childhood surrounded by puppetry to co-performing one of cinema’s most beloved characters: Yoda. At just 19 years old, Barclay stepped in alongside Frank Oz to bring the Jedi Master to life in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, ultimately becoming Yoda’s lead puppeteer for key sequences — including moments filmed after Oz had left the set.

Barclay shares how a chance meeting with Mark Hamill led to his introduction to legendary make-up artist Stuart Freeborn, and how his very first task on Empire was sculpting Yoda’s top lip so the puppet could speak convincingly. From there, he takes us inside the complex craftsmanship behind Yoda’s construction — from foam latex skin and cable-controlled facial expressions to the delicate choreography of four puppeteers working in perfect sync.

You’ll hear first-hand stories of:

The challenge of performing a fully animatronic puppet in long, physically demanding shoots.

Behind-the-scenes camaraderie with Mark Hamill, Frank Oz, Kathy Mullen, and Wendy Midener.

The secret on-set appearance of Jim Henson with Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Taking over as chief puppeteer for Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.

Collaborating on The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and more.

From Dagobah’s swamp to Jabba’s throne room, Barclay’s career is a testament to craftsmanship, collaboration, and creative problem-solving at the highest level. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, a puppetry enthusiast, or simply fascinated by movie magic, this is a rare insight into the artistry that brought Yoda — and countless other creatures — to life.