5 Interesting Facts About R2-D2
Image Source: Culture Slate
There are few Star Wars characters more iconic than R2-D2. From the beginning of the original Star Wars (1977) to the Disney era, R2-D2 and C-3PO have served as heralds, ferrying new generations onwards into the future of the universe. The astromech has created one of the most important things any piece of media could hope to produce, and that is a relationship. From the earliest days, through the prequels, sequels, standalone movies, and television series R2-D2 has helped us understand that astromechs are so many things, but if they could only be designated as one, they would be brilliant, loyal companions.
The relationship bred from George Lucas’ creations became something so much bigger. From dog Halloween costumes to the Droid Depot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we love the character and seek to emulate that relationship in the aggregate. Whether it is a baby in a costume who is adorable, or an adult with an R2-D2 trashcan, we understand that if nothing else, having that presence around us is positivity. In honor of the world’s most beloved astromech, we have compiled some interesting facts and moments from R2-D2’s ongoing journey in the Star Wars universe. Here are our top 5 interesting facts about R2-D2!
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5. R2-D2’s Name Came From Another Lucas Film
Image Source: Lucasfilm
It may be hard to believe, but my first George Lucas film was American Graffiti (1973). I grew up in New Mexico and car culture was ever-present. The world represented in the film was like the one my grandfather would tell me about, and the one I would see when my family would go to drag races every once in a while. This film did a lot for George Lucas. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and made $140 million at the box office. However, one of its most treasured gifts was the name R2-D2.
The way films are made is always evolving. New techniques are created every day, so everyone is forgiven for not always understanding how elements of the film come to be. In the case of American Graffiti (1973), reels were utilized to record the dialogue. Nowadays, digital recording is more common and more efficient from an archival perspective. In those days, reels would fill up, be placed into a protective case, and be filed. A notable reel name was “R2-D2.” In the context of the film, it refers to the second dialogue track on the second reel. The story goes that the name sounded good to George and thank goodness for that.
4. R2-D2 Has Been Included In Other Films
Image Source: Los Angeles Times
This is a bit more commonly known, however, R2-D2 has been featured in a couple of other films. Star Wars has permeated pop culture. It is not uncommon to see the costumes of the characters in Halloween scenes of other films or their action figures. However, two unique cameos are notable beyond these types of instances. R2-D2 was featured on the underside of a spaceship in the Steven Spielberg classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and a supporting beam mixed with hieroglyphics in his adventure classic, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). These two cameos are particularly important as they further cement the character in not only the story of Star Wars, but greater than even that, the fabric of the history of film.
3. R2-D2 Has Never Had Its Memory Wiped
Image Source: Culture Slate
One of the character’s distinguishing traits is its attitude. For a droid, it has spunk. It is a leader, as is evident in The Clone Wars (2008-2014, 2020) television series. This is more interesting when the knowledge that R2-D2 has never had its mind wiped is taken into consideration. The astromech has served several individuals from Queen Padmé Amidala to the Jedi father-son duo of Anakin and Luke Skywalker. Its time with these strong characters has influenced it. From these powerful people, it has learned independence, leadership, loyalty, and duty.
2. R2-D2 Is The Galaxy’s Hero
Image Source: StarWars.com
R2-D2 has displayed its share of heroism. It feels like R2-D2 has saved virtually every main character of the franchise at least once. From repairing the hyperdrive so the main characters can escape Naboo in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) to helping Luke Skywalker free his friends in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, George Lucas stated, “R2, who is clever and ultimately the hero of the whole piece. He’s the Lassie of the movies: Whenever there’s a pivotal moment of real danger, he’s the one that gets everybody out of it."
1. R2-D2 Was Once Controlled By Grant Imahara
Image Source: Animation World Network
In the original trilogy of Star Wars films, R2-D2 was played by Kenny Baker with Jimmy Vee taking over in the sequel trilogy. However, in the prequel trilogy, an alternate approach was taken to the character’s portrayal on screen. A remote-controlled version, as well as a CGI version, were employed in the films. The former was controlled by one, Grant Imahara.
The MythBusters television series was very meaningful to a generation of students. It was a piece of my childhood and consequently so was Grant Imahara. Adam Savage referred to him as a “truly brilliant engineer, artist, and performer,” noting that he was also “such a generous, easygoing, and gentle PERSON” on Twitter after the engineer’s passing. He will always be a part of the Star Wars family and his work will forever be immortalized in film and in the hearts and minds of generations passed and those who are yet to come.
Thank you for coming on this journey as we learned more about one of the greatest characters in Star Wars! Do you think we missed any interesting facts that would have been on your “Top 5” list? I hope you had fun and may the Force be with you!
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Source(s): Wookieepedia