R2D2 Confirmed for Star Wars: Episode VII

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]isney has confirmed that the pint-sized droid, R2D2 will be in Star Wars: Episode VII. An R2D2 model was seen in a production still from the film set a few days ago, which created a fair bit of speculation. R2D2 is now the first character to be officially confirmed for Episode VII.

The character was originally played by Kenny Baker, who is now 79; it seems unlikely that Baker will return to the role for this film due to his age. It is also unclear if Anthony Daniels will be asked to reprise his role as R2D2’s counterpart, C-3PO. The two droids formed a very entertaining partnership, and in some ways the Star Wars story was told through their eyes. They appeared together in all the previous Star Wars films and were often the first characters to appear after the opening credits.

Two British Star Wars fans who build replica droids have also been recruited to work on Episode VII. Lee Towersey and Oliver Steeples were recruited by the LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy at a conference in Germany during the summer.

Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher are also all rumoured to be appearing in Episode VII, and it would be great to have the old characters together again. Hopefully C-3PO, Lando and Chewbacca will also appear to make the old cast complete.