THE DROIDS R2-D2
THE DROIDS
R2-D2 Astromech units are multipurpose droids found throughout the galaxy. Programmed to repair computers, retrieve information, and assist starfighter pilots as navigators, they communicate only through electronic beeps and whistles that are usually translated by protocol droids. Built by Industrial Automaton, R2-D2 looks just like any other astromech droid, but has exceeded his programming to develop a daring, stubborn, and sometimes sarcastic personality. Loved and trusted by the likes of Leia and Luke, R2-D2 is loyal and motivated, and always willing to risk his circuits to complete a mission or help his masters— especially when it involves defeating Imperial forces. Unlike some other droids, R2-D2 is also good at keeping secrets, even from his near-constant counterpart, C-3PO.
W
hile working on the second draft of the story that would become Star Wars (completed in January 1975), George Lucas realized that the two droids that flee a small rebel ship when it comes under attack had to become more than just the comic relief. In fact, the story itself had to be told from their point of view. And so, R2D2 and C-3PO—the former in particular—became the throughline of the picture, going on the same journey of discovery as the audience, meeting one main character after another. Just like his protocol droid companion, R2-D2’s design was based on concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, who created detailed
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paintings based on George Lucas’ descriptions. McQuarrie depicted the droid as a compact “garbage can” with three short legs, and in August 1975 production designer John Barry set about building the non-humanoid robot for real at Pinewood Studios in England. Along with special mechanical effects supervisor John Stears, Barry built a cardboard mock-up of the droid, before liaising with British actor Kenny Baker for an actual working prototype. As the man who would be inside the finished unit, the 3 ft 5in Baker gave Barry and Stears a vital insight about what was feasible for an actor in such a small space. As a result of their collaboration, Barry and Stears went on to build a second mechanical unit.
On set, the mechanical unit was controlled remotely for the scenes in which R2-D2 had to roll along on three legs, with Baker directly controlling the droid whenever it needed to turn its head, walk, or light up. The lights were designed to convey different emotional reactions (excitement, fear, and curiosity), so that the character would come across as “more than just a robot.” These same emotions later helped sound designer Ben Burtt create R2-D2’s distinctive voice. After many unsuccessful attempts, Burtt finally hit upon the perfect sound by blending inarticulate human vocalizations with notes played on a state-of-the-art synthesizer keyboard. a