R2-D2

R2-D2 in popular culture

Inspiration

• Lucas has stated that Akira Kurosawa's 1958 film The Hidden Fortress (USA release 1962) was a strong influence. Indeed, when the droids find themselves alone on Tatooine, even the music and the style of "wipe" cuts are a clear homage to Hidden Fortress.
• R2-D2 was partly inspired by the robots Huey, Dewey and Louie from Douglas Trumbull's 1972 film Silent Running.
• The name derives from when Lucas was making one of his earlier films, American Grafitti. He once said to one of his stagehands, "Bring me R2D2" (meaning 'Reel 2, Dialogue Track 2', which is an example of some technical nomenclature used in filmmaking). He later wrote it down as a name for a robot.
• In some Spanish-speaking countries it is believed that the name derives from Arturito (little Arthur), as R2-D2 is popularly called there, since it sounds similar to the English Artoodeetoo.
• Around the same time that A New Hope was being shot, Ray Harryhausen had already created Bubo for the 1981 film Clash of the Titans. It was a metal owl with a big head that flew heavily and make whistles and tweets. However Lucas and Harryhausen found about each other's work when it was already started.

Expanded Universe

• R2-D2 and C-3PO had their own cartoon series, Droids.
• In the various Star Wars novels and comics they have played a small but significant role.

Popularity

• R2-D2 was inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame in 2003.
• R2-D2 is one of the most well-loved characters in the Star Wars universe. He is especially well-received by the younger fans due to his unthreatening short stature (960 mm)and kid-friendly design.
• Ewan McGregor, the actor portraying Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel trilogy, said in an interview, "As soon as Artoo-Detoo comes on the set, everyone goes a bit silly." He recalled how his then four-year-old daughter announced she was in love with R2-D2, and then confessed his own affections for the astromech: "...there is something about him that makes you feel great affection for him. I think it is a combination of his shape, his high-pitched voice. He's just incredibly appealing. In fact, I believe he is George 's favorite actor."

Other

• R2-D2 and C-3PO guest starred in a series of segments on the children's television show Sesame Street, aired in 1980.
• Together with Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO appeared on The Muppet Show.
• R2 and 3PO have appeared in numerous Star Wars-based commercials, televison speials, and productions.
• In the book Norby, the Mixed-up Robot, the barrel-shaped robot Norby is called an "R2" model, apparently after R2-D2.
• In the book Wizard's Bane, the main character creates a spell in the shape of a robot called 'RD square square'. (RD 22)