New York (CNN Business)Hasbro, the maker of several "Star Wars" Baby Yoda toys set to hit stores later this year, confirmed last week that its supply chain is being disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus disruptions haven't hurt production of Baby Yoda toys yet, according to industry expert Jim Silver, CEO of Toys, Tots, Pets & More, a toy industry review website. Silver said he spoke with sources inside the Chinese factories that Hasbro works with.
But Silver said the situation could soon change for the worse -- and not just for Baby Yoda.
"If things aren't normal by the time June and July roll around, there will be shortages on a litany of toys," Silver told CNN Business.
Baby Yoda, officially known as "The Child," became an internet sensation in November following its surprise debut at the end of episode one of the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian."
Disney (DIS) chose to forgo manufacturing Baby Yoda toys until after the character made its first appearance on the show. The Mandalorian's creators told reporters in November they feared making Baby Yoda toys available before its premiere would tip off fans to the adorable little alien's surprise introduction.
Silver expects to see Baby Yoda toy production decline by 5% to 10% because of coronavirus, but said Hasbro is "close to being able to ship what they originally projected."
. Guess I'm gonna REALLY cherish my Hasbro Black Series Mando figs.
