We all knew growing up, that C-3PO was the biggest diva in the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy (far, far away).  Like Jennifer Lopez, the actor who embodied and voiced the classic golden robot issued a few demands in order to reprise the role in the upcoming ‘Star Wars: Episode VII,’  Oh it’s nothing as bad as all white carpeting and furniture in his trailer.  Anthony Daniels, the actor in question, simply insisted that he actually get to don the metallic armor again and appear onscreen, versus simply supplying the voice for a CGI version of the character.

This is what Daniels revealed about getting the call from director J.J. Abrams:

“I will tell you that when [director] J.J. Abrams rang me to ask about filming Episode VII, one of the first things he said after he told me how wonderful I was — and that didn’t take long — but he then said, “Would you be interested in being in the film just doing the voice?” I said, “No,” and he said, “Right!” He knew I’d say that. There’s no way I would just do the voice. I also said that it can’t be the same suit. I will tell you that the team then got together and built a new suit. They made an entirely new look-a-like with changes that you will never notice [on screen] that made my life a lot easier. I can get it on and off very quickly. [During the prequels], the only time [Threepio has] been CG was when it was very dangerous [to act in the scene in a suit] — and it wasn’t very good. In fact, I’m going to say it was awful. One of the difficulties is with a character that you know and love so well is that, as a member of the audience, you go, “Oh no, that’s not right. No, he doesn’t move like that.” With me [in the suit], he’s always going to move the same way and have the same reactions, timing, and so on. With CG, you’re working with some brilliant person on the keyboard who is trying to pretend to be me. The only time that has worked without doubt is Disney’s Star Tours: The Adventures Continue [theme park ride]. There’s an element in the pre-show which is digital and I cannot tell it’s not me. It’s brilliantly done by Disney. In a cartoon series like Rebels, you accept it because it’s not trying to pretend to be reality. It’s an extension, it’s an exaggeration. On that basis, it’s utterly acceptable — providing the characterization is correct.”

The ‘Star Wars’ characters– ALL of them– are among the most iconic in all of film history.  Can you really blame Daniels for being proprietary of his performance as C-3PO and wanting to maintain its integrity?  I certainly don’t blame him and love that he wants to actually appear onscreen, versus CGI, which has come a long way, but can still look fake in the wrong hands.

Will you be happy to see a real C-3PO in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’?

Source: Slash Film