Kenny Baker is the actor/entertainer who crawled into the R2-D2 unit for every Star Wars film thus far. Being three feet and eight inches tall never stopped Kenny from making it big in the entertainment industry. He was in several fantastic films including Time Bandits, Flash Gordon, Amadeus, The Elephant Man, and of course the Star Wars films. If all goes well, he should end up being one of the proud few who can claim that they were in every Star Wars film. He currently lives in England and is enjoying life relaxing between touring all over the world and appearing at various Sci-fi conventions, something he really enjoys. Kenny was kind enough to take some time out to answer a few of my questions. (Original posting: July 25, 2000)
Tag: droid
Interview with Tony Dyson
(Original posting: December 1, 1997)
Tony was the robot engineer who created the many R2-D2 units for The Empire Strikes Back. He also worked on other films like Moonraker, Superman II, and Dragonslayer. Tony contacted me many moons ago and told me that if I ever wanted an interview to just ask. So needless to say, I asked and therefore, I received. (Original posting: December 1, 1997) Read More
Interview with Anthony Daniels
(Original Posting: May 10, 2000)
Anthony Daniels—the man behind and inside C-3PO—is one of the most friendly and entertaining personalities of all the Star Wars cast members. He is also a Shakespearean stage actor and does some writing on the side. He is always happy to reprise his role as C-3PO for any cause and will most-likely be one of the very few actors who can claim to appear in every Star Wars film. I recently got the opportunity to chat with Anthony Daniels and asked him a few questions. (Original Posting: May 10, 2000) Read More
The Path of Luke Skywalker
George Lucas has stated in many interviews that the heart of the Star Wars saga revolves around the relationship between a father and a son. He might not have had those roles clearly defined at the onset, as evident in the old drafts of the script, but he eventually got the characters there. The role of the son went to young Luke Skywalker, who went on to embark on his “Hero’s Journey” throughout the original trilogy of films. The path was not an easy one.
The Crumbling Empire
By the time of Return of the Jedi, things really started to fall apart for the Empire. The Emperor and his minions were so confident and drunk with power that they couldn’t see it coming. Always in motion, is the future.
Dagobah
It may be a slimy mud hole to some, but to Yoda it was home. This swampy, hidden planet was where Yoda fled, and where he later trained the son of a fallen Jedi. Some argue that Luke’s Jedi training was much too fast in the film. Initially, there were more trials for Luke to endure.
Wampa Ice Creatures
In the finished film, we’re treated to just one Wampa ice creature who attacks Luke and takes him home for dinner. Originally there were supposed to be many more Wampas causing trouble for our friends at Echo Base. Much of this sub-plot was dropped.
The Battle of Yavin
Yavin IV is a small moon orbiting the gas giant Yavin. It’s also where the Rebel Alliance decided to set up camp. Most of the battle preparation scenes took place in the hangar, and briefing room, not counting the few exterior shots. The famous awards ceremony in the throne room closed out the film. The battle itself obviously took place in space, and there were a few changes from script to film. Let’s take a look at some of these differences.
The Droids You’re Looking For
C-3PO and R2-D2 are two of the most beloved characters in popular culture. They are also central to the Star Wars universe. That first line spoken by C-3PO (“Did you hear that?”) started us on a never-ending journey full of action and adventure. This semi-comedic pair never seem to be out of trouble, and someone’s always searching for one or both of them at any given time.
The Rescue and the Transformation
It’s true that Anakin Skywalker technically became Darth Vader before he was so badly disfigured on Mustafar, but most people associate Vader with the black suit. That final transformation took place after Palpatine’s search and rescue mission was a success. Vader was rebuilt, and the rest was cinematic history.
Utapau
The history of the planet Utapau goes all the way back to George Lucas’ original drafts of the first Star Wars film. Fans like myself were very pleased to see the planet finally make it into a film after all those years. It went through many phases of development, but ended up as a green and swampy planet where some important events take place.
To Mustafar and Back
Much like Tatooine, Mustafar was a seemingly insignificant planet, yet it would become the location of galaxy-defining events. Drenched in deep reds and molten imagery, it provided the rich, hell-like backdrop needed for Anakin’s final fall into darkness.
Rescuing Palpatine
You have to hand it to Palpatine. Organizing his own capture and rescue was a stroke of evil genius. Poor Dooku probably thought so too until he had two lightsabers crisscrossing his neckline. What we saw in the finished film was a trimmed down version of his rescue.
Return To Tatooine
The Star Wars films frequently bring us back to the first major planet we encountered a long time ago: Tatooine. In Episode II, Anakin travels to Tatooine after being haunted by disturbing nightmares of his mother. While he’s there, Anakin will not only find his mother, but learn some more about his family, leaving him a changed man. The anger, fear, and aggression that lead to his eventual downfall will take root here, setting the scene for the tragic events of Episode III.
Anakin and Padmé to the Rescue
After a distressing message from Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin and Padmé decide to depart Tatooine and aid their friend. Unfortunately, this results in the two of them getting captured, put on trial, found guilty, and tied to execution posts, right along with Obi-Wan.