Top 4 Star Wars Droids – From R2-D2 to K-2SO
When the first Star Wars film hit screens in 1977, audiences were instantly captured by the exciting story, vast galaxy of planets, incredible technology, and memorable characters. With eight feature films released and more to come, there are so many heroes to choose from: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Yoda, Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Jyn Erso to name a few.
But what about their droid companions? The robotic colleagues that have followed these heroes to the ends of the galaxy? There are dozens of droids across various Star Wars films, novels, comic books, games, and TV shows, but four stand out for us. Read on to explore the fascinating backgrounds of our four favourite Star Wars droids.
R2-D2 (Artoo Detoo)
Perhaps the most famous of the Star Wars droids, R2-D2 is one of the most resourceful and heroic characters in the universe. Going by episode order, R2-D2 was the first droid we were introduced to, and has had a starring role in every episode to date, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
A tenacious astromech droid, R2-D2 fixed the shield generator of Queen Padmé Amidala’s Naboo Royal Airship in The Phantom Menace, allowing the ship to escape the Trade Federation’s grasps. The Queen recognised him for his actions, and he later joined her on a journey to Tatooine, where he met his future droid companion, C-3PO.
It’s no surprise that R2-D2 held yet another puzzle piece in The Force Awakens
R2-D2 played a pivotal role in the overall Star Wars story, after Princess Leia Organa gifted him with the plans to the Death Star (following the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story). He went on to perform two more significant acts of heroism in A New Hope, saving Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, and Han Solo from death by trash compactor, and later carried out high-risk repairs as co-pilot on Luke’s X-Wing as he made his final moves to destroy the Death Star.
Having had countless such moments across the original and second Star Wars trilogies, it’s no surprise that R2-D2 held yet another puzzle piece in The Force Awakens. With Episode VIII on its way and at least one more to follow, we can’t wait to see what impact this incredible droid has on the fate of the Star Wars universe.
C-3PO (See-Threepio)
Hand-built by a young Anakin Skywalker on the desert world of Tatooine, C-3PO is a protocol droid designed to assist Anakin’s mother, Shmi. Fluent in more than seven million different types of communication, C-3PO has seen all manner of thrilling action and drama during his travels across the galaxy.
As mentioned above, C-3PO met his faithful friend R2-D2 on Tatooine during The Phantom Menace. Although there was a brief moment of embarrassment (C-3PO didn’t have an outer covering, so was technically naked when they met), the upright protocol droid took a shining to R2-D2, and the two droids grew to become one of cinema’s most recognisable and most enduring duos.
Because of what Threepio had seen, his memory was wiped
Despite their immediate bond, Threepio was left behind on Tatooine when Anakin left to become a Jedi, and later found himself serving Senator Padmé Amidala on Coruscant during the Clone Wars. This was a chaotic time for the droid, and he was forced to stand by and watch as his creator fell from grace to become the now infamous villain, Darth Vader. In the aftermath, C-3PO and R2-D2 found themselves together again. They were assigned to Captain Antilles, but because of what Threepio had seen, his memory was wiped.
19 years later, C-3PO and R2-D2 were thrust into the fate-changing events of A New Hope, courtesy of their master’s ship being boarded by Imperials after the theft of the Death Star plans.
From accidentally participating in the Battle of Geonosis, to being blasted apart on Cloud City, and becoming an Ewok god on Endor, it’s safe to say C-3PO has a knack for danger and adventure. But with R2-D2 by his side, there’s a strong chance he’ll make it out alive, even if it’s in several pieces!
BB-8 (Beebee-Ate)
A skittish but loyal astromech, BB-8 accompanied Poe Dameron on many missions for the Resistance, helping keep his X-wing in working order. When Poe’s mission to Jakku ended with his capture by the First Order, BB-8 fled into the desert with a vital clue to the location of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.
Together, Poe and BB-8 kept watch on the First Order
A new-model astromech, BB-8 served the Resistance in the years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, helping pilot Poe Dameron fly his X-wing. Together, Poe and BB-8 kept watch on the First Order.
When the First Order captured Poe on Jakku, BB-8 fled into the planet’s desert wastes, custodian of an important clue to the location of the lost Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. The plucky astromech soon became the target of a determined search by the Resistance, the First Order and the galactic underworld.
K-2SO (Kay-Tuesso)
A reprogrammed Imperial security droid now loyal to the Alliance, K-2SO is an alarming sight standing within a secret Rebel base. The pragmatic droid is an effective insertion agent, as he can blend in perfectly at Imperial installations and outposts. Without giving anything away, K-2SO joins members of the Alliance in their daring mission to steal the Death Star plans in Rogue One, and we have no doubt that he’ll be one of your new favourite droids too!
Which is your favourite Star Wars droid? Let us know in the comments or on our social media channels! If R2-D2 is your top pick, you’ll be pleased to hear that pre-orders for Build your own R2-D2 are now available! Subscribe now to build our 1:2 prop replica of this famous Star Wars droid!
