R2-D2, though he never speaks a word, is one of the most recognizable Star Wars characters there is. Fans were saddened when Jimmy Vee, the current Artoo actor, finished filming for Star Wars: Episode IX. Why? That likely means the end of Artoo on film. And let’s face it; the diminutive astromech droid could very well be one of the most important characters in the franchise. But could he represent one of the biggest problems with the franchise as well?
Artoo and Threepio (C-3PO) are the first two characters we meet in Star Wars. Princess Leia gives R2-D2 the mission to deliver the Death Star plans and, well, the rest is history. Artoo would continue on all the way through to the upcoming Episode IX, but it’s what happened before A New Hope that raises questions, and issues.
The Phantom Menace and Prequels
When George Lucas created the prequels, he knew he needed some nostalgia factor to lure original trilogy fans to the theaters. He achieved that by including Artoo and Threepio in The Phantom Menace. In doing so, however, he created a continuity conundrum that would only spread from there.
Artoo knew Obi-Wan. He also knew Yoda and had even been to Degobah. Hell, he probably even knew that Leia was Luke’s sister. So why didn’t the droid ever say anything to Luke? Why did he keep so many secrets for so long, going so far as to even let Yoda whack the droid with a cane repeatedly? I suppose it’s possible that sometime, off screen, Yoda or Obi-Wan gave the droid specific instructions that Artoo followed to the letter. Or perhaps his silence was the result of the droid’s fierce independence. It wasn’t his business to say anything so, why should he? Not his circus, not his Kawokian monkey-lizards.
When it all boils down, I think the easiest explanation is the most likely: it was just a story-telling corner that that Lucas and Dave Filoni painted themselves into without truly thinking it through. What do you think, fans? Did Artoo have his memory wiped at some point and we’re not aware of the occurrence? Or is R2-D2 the best secret keeper of all time? Let us know your thoughts!
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