“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”
Actually, they are – in the coolest, most unprecedented way. When the rebooting of the franchise was first announced, speculation swirled around the inclusion of original characters – in particular the beloved and iconic droids C3PO and R2-D2. The relationship between these two droids is central to the original films, and the two characters are instrumental in driving the story forward. In addition, they provide a good portion of the comic relief amid all the drama and action. When their involvement in Episode VII was confirmed, fans were ecstatic – not least the R2-D2 Builders Club.
The fan-based club was founded in 1999 by Dave Everett, with the sole purpose of being an accurate resource for those reproducing the legendary astromech droid. Though it currently has over 7,100 members around the world, the group will almost certainly experience an increase in applications once the new movie is released, as it was contracted by Lucasfilm Ltd. to provide and oversee the R2-D2 model for the film (specifically, members Lee Towersey and Oliver Steeples).
This move by Lucasfilm Ltd. is significant because it is a message to all that this film is embracing the fans. In an acknowledgement of the fact that, at this point, Star Wars fans are essentially the experts, the employment of the R2-D2 Builders Club within the production crew highlights the sense that this is indeed a ‘passing of the torch.’
George Lucas created something all those years ago that so captured imaginations that it took on a life of its own, and now it is being handed over to those that love it. It has a Star Wars fan at the helm (J.J Abrams), it has Star Wars fans in its cast, and it has Star Wars fans in its crew. This is a whole new era for the franchise, and for those loveable droids that kicked it all off.
– Sarah Myles
