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Q
I think it is a shame that they cut that very cool scene in Attack Of The
Clones where C-3PO finally get dressed by Padmé (he is very lucky
I guess)
Kris Van de Sande |
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A
Most people
think they get lucky if they get un dressed!
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Q
Since C-3PO was created on Tatooine, how in the world could he ask Luke
in Ep:IV that he wasn't sure what planet he was on? Was there some sort
of a memory wipe out? And also, did you notice that C-3PO never see's Darth
Vador eye to eye?
Shawn, Canada
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A
Soon all will be revealed. Or Not. And many people don't see eye to eye
with Vader. And not just because he's tall.
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Q
One of my pieces had been recognized on your web page. You are calling it
a forgery and posting it for everyone to see. This is perfectly OK with
me if it is fake then please feel free to let people know. My only question
why am I the last one to know about it? I bought that piece [and others]
from what I thought was a honest dealer. It seems I have been scammed and
I have removed all the items and will be going back to the individual and
demanding refunds. It is 100% my fault I should have researched better.
I m a member and the UACC and I take this business very seriously and I
don't think that what you are doing is very fair.
I think at least you should inform the seller and see if action is taken
to remove the item, if the seller doesn't then you can feel free to smear
their name all you want. In my case you poke fun at the fact that I have
more Star Wars figurines for sell with a smart little remark afterwards.
I can assure you I watched them all get signed with my own eye. I have made
a mistake and for that I am sorry. My intention isn't to mislead or cheat
anyone. This business is built on trust and I trusted an unworthy dealer.
I am very sorry for this and it won't happen again.
Your old friend. Andy AKA Amazing Autographs
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A
We are "calling it a forgery" because it is. But I suppose your
question is mine too. Why are you "the last one to know," that
it is a forgery? Because, if you take your role as seriously as you suggest,
then shouldn't you be the first to know? I'm not happy that you feel
it's unfair to advertise your sale of a fake without us going through the
further effort and time to contact you and argue the point, possibly with
nothing but a useless rebuttal. It takes enough time and resources to police
the scams in the first place, even with the help of so many concerned fans.
Might you, as a regular dealer, owe an obligation of due diligence to your
clients who trust you on the good provenance of your sales? As for poking
fun and smart remarks, perhaps bearing the sword of truth, you imply from
membership of an association, is putting yourself on a pedestal at which
snowballs might legitimately be aimed.
Your honest confession of your own 100% fault proves the worthlessness of
such membership, at least as far as authentication standards go. I'm just
showing my caring for innocent fans who might otherwise be duped by unscrupulous
dealers, of which there seem to be so many. Look at the wide range of penmanship
on the Darkside. It smears the whole fun of collecting as a hobby.
But I do believe that you are not someone who would deliberately cheat;
though perhaps the sin of omission, in not checking the facts, is a sin
of commission in thus perpetuating a lie. That said, I hope sincerely you
wont be offended in keeping your name on the site, with a suitable - non
smart - comment, to warn others who, like yourself, might be taken in by
the cheats? Perhaps you could even join the team and expose the real wrongdoers.
In which case, I would like to believe we could indeed go forward as "old
friends."
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Q
Are you ever planning to return to the insider? Shortly after the WC stopped,
they ran several issues with statements that you would return with the WC
after the prequels were finished. Has the changeover between their managements
interfered? That's why I subscribed in the first place.
Chuckles
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A
I wrote the Wonder Column long time ago when the Insider was edited by the
mighty Dan Madsen who has since gone from the moon of ewoks to deal with
the world of orcs. (I'm not sure about either species myself.) Now the excellent
www.starwars.com, edited by the brilliant and inventive Paul Ens, assisted
by the equally astounding Pablo Hidalgo, is the place to find what most
fans are looking for. Of course you can still read the back issues of the
WC in the Journalism pages of this site. Read and marvel.
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Q
I enjoy reading your recollections on your site. Most actors, I think, would
get bored of a movie they did last week, not to mention twenty-plus years
ago. But not you, and I find that truly refreshing. Also I have noticed
that C3PO's voice in Episodes 1 and 2 is higher in pitch than in 4, 5, or
6. Is this a consequence of your aging, or are you actively trying to modify
the voice in some way?
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A
The rather good thing about writing something down is that it endures on
its own. If I had to read my recollections aloud every time a fan tuned
to the website I'd be as mad as a Rancor's lunch box. As for the voice.
A machine is a machine but as they get older and worn (rather like humans)
the make different noises. Some of course are beyond discussion (you must
ask Ja-Ja about those kinds) but others make sense, as bones or gears or
vocal chords or sound emitting diaphragms get dried up and worn out. I decide
that the young Threepio might legitimately sound a little brighter in pitch.
We already know how he sounds in later years. And what's this "your
aging" thing? Just you watch your language!
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Q
I am a rather uniquely sized stormtrooper (5'11, 148 lbs) in the 501st Legion,
and I'm very curious to know how many pieces your C-3PO costume is comprised
of. And can you describe the process in which the costume is put on? If
I ever have the opportunity to create and wear a protocol droid costume
for charity functions, the information would be invaluable.
Keith Abbott
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A
Does size still matter after the Princess's cutting remark to the tousle-haired
blond all those years ago? I am an honorary member of various platoons of
the 501st and no one worries about my shape. But getting into my costume
is something else. I think it's in seventeen pieces but I can't remember
if I'm including myself. I shall check next time I have the pleasure, which
looks like early 2005. Will it be the last? Anyway. Why would you ever consider
going anywhere dressed as a protocol droid? Not the easiest costume to wear
to a party and anyway (again) you'd need to ask Don Bies to go along to
help. I always do.
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Q
Sir Anthony! Yes, I address you as the true knight you are in
my eyes! In your shining armor, forever on your quest to quell those petty
so-called autograph-dealers who lure fans worldwide of their hard-earned
cash with a fake copy of your John Hancock. I pity the fools out there who
think they can meddle with the dark side and Get away with it. It is a stinking
business they're in, one that sadly undermines one of the greatest hobbies
on this planet! I take this opportunity to give you some words of wisdom
from Henrik Ibsen:
"One should never put on one's best trousers to go out to battle for
freedom and truth." Forever in endless support of your great and important
quest,
Geir J. Olsen, Norway
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A
I am pleased and honoured by your support. Thank you. Is your friend Ibsen
a Star Wars fan too?
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Q
I
just watched the "C-3PO: His Moment to Shine" web documentary,
and I enjoyed your warm reminisces. It's clear that you truly do have a
warm love of your character, and as a lifelong fan, I wanted to thank you
personally. There are too many actors who just go through the motions --
your warm embrace of C-3PO always comes through, and your spirit is a bright
beacon in the cold of the Star Wars universe.
Adam Houhoulis, New York
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A
Perhaps the people you should really admire are the webdoc's director, Tippy
Buskin and her editor, Duncan Sinclair. They wove my words into a piece
that seems to have touched the hearts of so many fans. Thank you for your
thanks and thanks to all the others who thanked me. ( This is beginning
to sound like an Oscar speech so I wont thank anyone else today.) But I
am fond of Threepio. And I will treasure your last comment. Thank you. Damn!
I said I wouldn't do that!
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Q
Thank you for connecting to your fans. We really appreciate that
one of our idols will actually listen to our opinion. Will we ever discover
the backstory for the silver shin?
LoserkidBXCR
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A
As you may have gathered from all the fluff that is surrounding Episode
III, Threepio is, for the first time, completely gold from knee to foot.
I believe this is in honour of the expensive carpets in Miss Padme's bedroom
and the rather elegant designs of her more public areas. I hope that remark
isn't open to misinterpretation. And now I come to think about it, in Ep
II, her bedroom had the privacy of Penn Bus Station. Oh well. Actually,
Threepio was always slightly embarrassed not to be perfectly formed so it's
a topic of conversation best not attempted. Artoo likes to talk about stuff
like that.
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Q
Thanks for the inspiration and unforgettable memories you've
displayed through the character of C-3PO. During my hardest of days... popping
in any of the SW flicks and watching any C-3PO scene...it never fails to
bring a welcome smile on my face and a well-needed reminder that there's
always enough love and hope to keep me afloat. I became teary-eyed and utterly
moved after watching the webdoc. Your comments on what C-3PO has brought
to the saga, and this being the final SW film, really hit me in the gut.
Steve H (U.K)
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A
It is a slightly odd to think that I have done my last take as C-3PO in
a Star Wars film. The fact that I did it alone, walking along a piece of
blue carpet, talking to R2 who wasn't there, was merely business as usual.
I'd rehearsed, pulling along the studio vacuum cleaner for company!
But I'm glad you appreciate the webdoc It's less gung-ho than the usual
but that is perhaps no bad think. Sometimes the pace of SW related material
can be rather intense. I'm happy to hear from a fan who doesn't always want
to hear the whirr of light sabres. It's someone like you who makes the whole
thing worthwhile for me. And don't worry, I suspect Threepio may return
in some guise or other before long but before that, EpIII. I hope you enjoy
it. And it's fine that it has all finished. It's been a long time. Thank
you for being there.
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Q
I have read my name under the "The Dark Sides" on their home page.
I insist on it this out immediately take her away from my names since I
am not a swindler. I have this for it has this one guaranteed it to me bought
by one for himself around one a real autograph acts. At Ebay of the seller
zhadum11
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Pardon?
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Q
In Episode 3 will Anakin give Threepio his gold covering or will he be spending
too much time going to the dark side and slaughtering the Jedi? And the
last time we saw Artoo and Threepio was when they were left behind at the
Geonosian arena. What happened to them before Anakin and Padme's wedding?
Eli aka Darth Small
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A
Well
there's always a lot of slaughtering to be done in Ep III if you really
want to gain an All Areas Pass to the Dark Side. However Threepio has never
looked so perfect, as he would happily admit, so someone does something
right somewhere.
As for the time before the nuptials; have you any idea how long it took
to get the arena sand out of Threepio's parts (especially the ones that
weren't showing) - to say nothing of my own! Then there was the dress to
order and the cake, the gift list and the invitations, booking the church
and the priest, the photographer. Well I think you can imagine it was a
very exhausting time for Threepio, since Mrs Amidala wasn't around and he
was basically the bride's mother, which makes a kind of sense when it was
his daddy who was saying 'I do'. And Artoo, of course, was busy practising
being a bridesmaid. He never did get it right. He and Threepio are still
finding confetti in the strangest places.
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Q
I was curious about one fact from AOTC. When Anakin goes back to find Shmi,
he discovers from Watto that he sold her to Lars. When he visits the Lars
homestead, we already see Owen, in his apparent teens with Beru. Anakin
had made a comment about not seeing Amidala for 10 years. Is there something
I'm missing? Is this another behind the scenes bit that the viewer doesn't
know
about?
Teri Lintl
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A
Sorry!
No idea. I only watch the bits I'm in. Sometimes, of course, I'm in bits
in bits.
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Q
Kudos
for displaying forged signatures and their sellers on your site. That's
an excellent idea. As a huge Star Wars fan and collector, I really appreciate
resources like this. Keep up the great work.
Dave
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Kudos
to you for being a huge Star Wars fan, who appreciates my efforts
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Q
I was surprised to find your name in the Lord of the Rings (1978). What
do you think of the actor reprising your role, Orlando Bloom?
N. Lobo, London
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I
was delighted that his performance clearly echoed many of the artistic nuances
that so inflected my own. Orlando has clearly learned most of his craft
from following my work and I think he may have a career as an actor of some
kind. His interesting decision, in the role of Legolas, was not to play
it as a brunette, as did I, but as a blond. I have never played a blond,
even in a cartoon.
Now, of course, I play a grey.
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Q
When I pass by a dome-topped trash recepticle, I sometimes will stop beside
it and assume the famous "C3PO standing beside R2 with his hand on
R2's head" pose. I then will ask my companion, "Who am I".
Could be a good trick you could try.
Randal and Emily Ray
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A
Under
certain circumstances, the answer to, 'Who am I?' could be, " You are
Under Arrest!" Be careful.
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Q
When In the scenes were you are traveling in Solo's ship, is the movement
of the ship made by a special simulator or is it just the camera playing
tricks?
Peter R Griffin
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A
The
cockpit was a hi-tech special simulator made of two scaffold poles and four
strong stagehands. The poles passed under the set, which was constructed
on raised base, and the four guys jumped up and down on them. It all looked
very silly. Until you saw the movie.
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Q
I
was recently alerted that my autographed poster was listed on your site
as being a forgery. Whilst I acknowledge that I cannot verify the authenticity
of the item, I bought the item from an autograph dealer in the US believing
it to be real. So I have no choice but to sell having bought it in faith
to be geniune. It deeply hurts me that you have decided to put the offending
matter on your website. My only wish is that you take it off your website
because not only is it damaging to my reputation as a seller on ebay but
now my respect for the actor himself, Anthony Daniels, as I WAS a loyal
fan of the original Star Wars trilogy. Thanks
Nathan (space*monkey)
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A
It
deeply hurts me, not only to lose your respect - though quite why you should
have that reaction, I'm not sure - but that fans are sold pieces of junk,
like the one in question on The Darkside of this site. I assume that you
have informed the person to whom, according to eBay, it appears you passed
on this worthless autograph, in all innocence, that you now know it to be
a fake and are happy - whilst not ecstatic - to return any monies they may
have passed to you. In case you've forgotten, they are called Bertie Turn
2. Might I then suggest that you go, COA in hand, and demand the return
of the sum you originally paid to the person who, in all innocence, sold
the offending item to you in the first place. Please write and tell us what
happens. I am sorry that you have been the victim of this crime and believe
that you should not be offended by sharing your experience with others as
a warning to them.
AD
ps
I was rather surprised that you are still trying to pass on your
expensive mistakes to unsuspecting fans some months after this correspondence.
Never forget, you have a choice. It seems to me that you are still making
the wrong one - possibly not something a "loyal fan" would do.
No thanks. |
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Q
I'm am gutted [that he has bought a bunch of fake autographs]... but not
surprised after reading your website. I've spent so much time and money
in buying these items. And felt that I've been asking the right questions
and getting (what I believed to be) the right answers.
I feel such a fool. I really believed I was spending money on some quality
Star Wars memorabilia. This news really could quite easily spoil the star
wars magic...except I believe the force is stronger than the dark side!
All of the posters came with a lifetime guarantee...I know that means nothing
by law...but it means everything to their reputation. Especially to the
company who I haven't left ebay feedback to, yet! I will also report them
all to ebay and threaten them with fraud prosecution.
All the best - your work and efforts have saved so many of us "gullible"
fans.
Richard |
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A
You are not a fool and the Star Wars magic is far bigger than the
cheap cheats will ever be. Respect for othersand indeed self respect isn't
strong in them, but the Force will be with you always - through the
enduring magic that really is Star Wars.
AD
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Q
I want to support your actions for listing false eBay auctions.
I think the buyer beware should be noted to all that buy over the Internet.
I'm sorry to state that I do not own any autographs per-say of one of the
greatest characters in SWars (C3PO), or any other stars. But my point still
stands and I support you. I think it is important for those who have purchased
fakes to be notified in someway. Thanks again,
Chris
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A
NOT own an Anthony Daniels autograph! If it were not for the rest of your
letter I would have thought you were totally lacking in sense, taste and
perception. However, reading on, I find that your judgment is outstanding.
Thank you for your support
AD
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Q
Even though I know that you really don't know... In A New
Hope, Vader says "I have not felt this presence in a long time",
who is he talking about, his Jedi Master, his Son Luke, or the wonderful
Droid that he created so many years before on Tatooine?
Dan:
Pennsylvania
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I
don't know how you know that I don't know but I think I know what you want
to know though I don't know if I really know. Now we've got that straight,
wonderful and charismatic though Threepio may be, I always understood that
it was Obi Wan whose presence the leather-fisted Lord so quickly recognised
because, as you will eventually learn, he never knew hi uh uh uhh I uh can't
uhhh breathe uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh uh
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Q
I
greatly enjoyed perusing your website. It is heartening to find an actor,
regardless of his claim to fame, taking time to interact and give back to
his fans.
I especially like the updated listing of appearances, and The Dark Side
serves a very good purpose (policing forgers) and is entertaining as well!
Having worked in the game and toy industry, I have had the pleasure of meeting
Anthony Daniels in person (only because he borrowed a CD player from our
booth when his stopped working) and found him to be as erudite, genuine
and entertaining as his comments on this site would seem to indicate.
Keith Winkler: Georgia
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A
You are a gentleman
and, as the say, a scholar (Not many would dare the word 'erudite' in public).
The tone of your message implies that I must have returned your CD player
- eventually.
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Q
I am a hobby collector (NOT a dealer) and I regularly use my Ebay name of
'Jonflogit'. I was rather shocked to find that a star wars poster I sold
recently has been highlighted as a fake, on your website, and me along with
it. I bought [it] from '**' on Ebay - & he is apparently already recognised
as a villain on your site in your hall of shame. I bought this item in good
faith, and so I have now asked him for a refund in full, and have also told
him that I will hand it to the police.
I am very sorry that this has inconvenienced you, and ask kindly for you
to review this situation I am in. I am not a con-artist. I therefore ask
you to please remove me as an offender, and help me work towards getting
this situation/ scammer sorted.
Jon
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A
It doesn't inconvenience
me. It does make me sad that this sort of thing is so common. It certainly
sounds as though you have been taken advantage of, and now unfortunately
may have done the same thing to someone else, without realising it.
A long ime ago,
fans collected autographs to possess a relic of a particular personality,
as a symbol of their respect and pleasure in that entertainer's work. Now,
for the most part, it has become an industry, where a signature is merely
a disembodied token, with as much intrinsic joy as a Monopoly money - to
be collected without thought, just to make up the set. This industry has
many, many honest and joyful participants. It is a shame that a selfish
minority spoil what should be an innocent pleasure.
The FBI are diligently pursuing this form of white-collar crime, and in
the UK, local council Trading Standards officials are regularly involved.
They are the people you may wish to contact. And the police.
For legal reasons the seller's name has been edited from your letter, but
if it's any comfort, I personally believe you and thank you for your involvement,
though perhaps unintended, in my simple aim to protect the fans. Please
let me know what happens.
AD
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Q
We were contacted by a recent buyer of one of our Star Wars cast signed
posters. "JonFlogit" stated that it was a forgery. We were directed
to your website for further information and are very concerned.
We are a very honest, and reputable autograph company in the United States.
We either obtain the autographs "in-person" or purchase them from
reliable collectors who we have been associated with for years. Our records
indicate that these posters were obtained by one of our collectors as he
attended several SCI-FI conventions over a period of years. After purchasing
and receiving the signed posters we then did our best to confirm signature
authenticity. Only then did we list them on eBay.
We will never list any autographed item that we do not totally believe is
110% authentic. We will immediately suspend all auctions, or sales that
involve Anthony Daniels, and Star Wars. We will also contact each, and every
"buyer" who has purchased a Star Wars signed poster from our company,
and issue an immediate, and full refund.
I have personally been collecting autographs for years. I have had the pleasure
of meeting Anthony Daniels, and having him autograph items for my personal
collection. It seems as though I have been trusting the wrong people. In
the future we will be much more diligent in our purchasing of any autographed
items.
Keavin Lawdermilk
President TCB Security & Entertainment Co, Inc.
eBay Seller: Grnberet1980
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A
And also a little
more diligent about the "collectors" you employ, I hope. Unfortunately
you used the same 110% standard in your ebay terms and conditions and still
managed to offer items that were 110% fake. So perhaps standards all round
need revising? But I think it would be a terrific gesture of your obvious
good faith, to contact your purchasers and give them refunds. Maybe you
could encourage your fellow dealers to be more responsible as well. And
maybe you and Jonflogit have learned a lesson. Clearly, the price of a genuine
autograph is eternal vigilance. But it's not just my autograph that is faked
on ebay and beyond. From producers to ewoks, I regularly see forgeries of
their signatures on posters, photos and merchandise, though with an ewok,
it is hard to tell.
AD
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Q
Well, this is the very last Star Wars movie. I've been dying to see the
circle of the saga completed but as a fan, I'm sorry to see it end. Your
performance as C-3P0 was main reason why I enjoyed the movie so much.
I was a 9-year-old, enduring multiple surgical operations. My childhood
would be spent in body casts and braces - stuck in a bed or a wheelchair,
with no place to go. Then Star Wars came out. It caught me up body, mind
and soul. But the golden boy to me wasn't Luke, Han or Chewie. It was C-3P0.
He made me laugh, made me cry and made me cheer. He was funny with the one-liners,
noble in telling Luke to leave him behind, and sad when he saw his friend
blasted by Darth Vader.
And for some reason, no one seemed to appreciate his finer qualities. My
father thought the droids were "childish and for kids."
I thought you guys were the best thing since Laurel and Hardy.
I also knew how hard it was to move inside that costume. I realized that
C-3P0 had an actor underneath and I empathized because I had a full body
cast, and it was hot and heavy. But still, your intelligence, mannerism
and voice came through, and it inspired me to make the best of my situation.
The toys, books and other merchandise helped me transcend the body casts,
beds and operations. I was no longer trapped. I drew the droid, I built
the model kit and read the books. My C-3P0 action figure was lovingly worn
by many hours of playing. The term 'merchandising' doesn't mean that much
to a kid who simply enjoys the toy.
The question you will be asked a million times is, "How does it feel
to know this is the last Star Wars movie?" For this fan, it will be
like saying good-bye to an old childhood friend. You promise to see each
other again, but you know it's unlikely. And being older now, I also know
that you should make the most of your good-byes.
Thank you so very much for being C-3P0. Mr. Lucas and you helped me through
a very difficult time. I will always enjoy the memories.
Mike Lukash
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A
So what's your
dad's problem! Droids are for kids indeed! Pah! I say. I hope
he at least appreciates the gift of having a son like you. A son who epitomises
all that is thoughtful, sensitive, intuitive, intelligent, articulate and
perceptive! You clearly take after your mother.
Your letter and your thanks touch me. Isn't there something rather wonderful
about amusing kids? I was given the role of C-3PO, never knowing how it
would all turn out and how, from time to time, someone would understand
what I was trying to do; understand and appreciate.
There are elements of the saga, and certainly of Threepio's personality
and finer qualities, that I will miss. But he will live forever,
in the
ether that is video, cable, DVD and entertainment-brain-implants, that I'm
sure are even now being inserted into blister packs for Christmas 2009.
Whatever the medium, it is people, people like you that have kept the saga
alive. So… Thank you. Thank you all.
Most of us have difficult times. I hope most of us have happy memories too.
I'm glad to have provided the latter for you. And you're right about good-byes.
But I'm not saying good-bye. Not yet!
AD
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Q
When Anakin goes back to find Shmi, he discovers from Watto that he sold
her to Lars. When he visits the Lars homestead, we already see Owen, in
his apparent teens with Beru. Anakin had
made a comment about not seeing Amidala for 10 years. Is there something
I'm missing? Is this another behind the scenes bit that the viewer doesn't
know
about?
Teri
Lintl
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A
I
don't know.
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Q
From day one See-Threepio has been the heart (along with your stubby counterpart,
R2-D2) of Star Wars. He was the 1st action figure I got waaaay back in 1978.
Granted, I melted him by leaving him on the furnace, but I've since bought
other incarnations. My question is about C-3PO's his cartoon adventures.
I'm happy to say I've taped every episode of the Droids cartoons of the
80's and I
love Threepio's grasp of so many languages. Ahh, to hear Shakespeare in
the Biituu dialect... I digress. Will Threepio be in the upcoming Clone
Wars on the Cartoon Network? Will we hear your voice (it would be a sin
if anyone faked C-3PO) and (hopefully) hear some more otherworldly linguistics?
T'would be divine.
Jason R. Serra
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A
I thought you
were a man of taste and discernment until I got to the bit about the furnace.
Moving swiftly on… personally I had a lot of fun on Droids,
despite its rather problematic production qualities. I should point out
that the Biituuns are in fact strangers to iambics thus rendering the Bard's
words into the poetic metre of a chain saw. But I am thrilled to say that,
yes - as you probably now know - I do speak in the new Clone Wars
since the producers are far from sinners: I would stop short of saying they
were divine. I'll see what we can do about alien linguistics - though I
just got back from shopping at Tesco where the level of communication was
clearly from another planet.
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Q
I
read about a deleted scene with a worried Threepio about its coverings
and Padmé coming with a solution. I watched the DVD, and didn't
see this scene in the special features. Is it really in the DVD?
Gil Sicuro, Brazil
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A
No.
They ran out of space - odd in a space movie, so perhaps they ran out of
something else. Sad too, since it was a rare moment of insight in the entire
saga into Threepio's troubled personality. The missing scene went something
like this...
Discovered alone in the Homestead garage by an insomniac Padme - concerned
by the sudden departure of her fledglingly murderous boyfriend - she asked
if Threepio was happy. He soulfully confirmed that he was not un happy,
and that indeed everyone there was very kind and considerate. He only regretted
that Master Annie had been made to leave so quickly - a mediclorean problem
as far as I remember - and had no time to finish his handiwork as Maker
and add the requisite coverings to his creation. It was very difficult to
be like this. This? Enquired the feeling Padme. Naked! Replied the ashamed
and sensitive droid. Naked! It simply wasn't protocol!
For Threepio, existence is nothing without a proper structure of what is
correct. Imagine the trauma of the intervening years as he wandered unclothed
around the moisture vaporators in the liquid gaze of the nubile Beru. Protocol
generally frowns on public nudity, even on the giant beach that is Tatooine.
Moved by this confession Padme's eyes dropped - metaphorically- to the empty
floor where she found at her feet, a box of covering. I never noticed, said
the astounded droid, whilst admitting that he was not very technically minded,
in a manor of speaking - possibly an admission of total blindness would
have been more accurate - Gracefully bending to rummage in this newly noticed
treasure chest, the sharp-eyed ex-queen found another chest and a face and
more besides - good taste requiring that some things are left to the imagination.
The scene ended with a fully clothed and ecstatic droid posing for Owen
and his bride under the contented eye of the resourceful Padme.
We originally shot Threepio as a puppet (see Gallery 1 for proof). However,
once the scenes had been cut and processed by ILM, to the point of perfection
(especially the acting), Mr Lucas realised that this was not the moment
to spend so long away from Anakin making sand-people-sushi. So we had to
go back and fix all the previous scenes using the fully dressed, if rusty,
droid. The inference is that it was Shmi who completed her son's handiwork.
The moment never made it into the movie. And it never made it to the DVD.
And I thought it was rather moving. Oh well.
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Q
Just a query on the scene cut from ESB where Threepio removes a "warning
wampas" sticker from a door in the rebel base on Hoth, and the unfortunate
stormtroopers are attacked. Why was it cut from the film? I have only ever
seen still photos and have been intrigued ever since and it would be interesting
to read your thoughts on this.
Chris Axten.
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A
Not being a firm
believer in mind reading, pyramid selling or telekinesis, rather than reading
my thoughts, I suggest you read Wonder Column Number 4 in the Journalism
pages. Read and wonder.
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Q
I know that Luke used his force to make you spin around in the air and all,
but the Ewoks seem convinced that you are a god. My question is -- Are you
really a god?
Something tells me you are.
Kyle Keiran Memphis, USA
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A
It wasn't Luke's
force. It was the special effects chap using his for the perilous job of
steering me in my hanging basket along some overhead rails. I was using
my force to hang on and hope the wires didn't snap. As for your question,
I'm rather surprised that you had to ask.
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Q
I found it interesting that while filming you would actually give R2 lines
to help you feel like you were actually talking to someone, to help 3P0
react better. I wonder what kind of attitude and personality you have given
your little buddy. I always imagined him as being very sarcastic to 3P0
in all their conversations.
John Walker IV
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A
Yes, I did write
out his lines, since no one else had. And it got a bit lonely and frustrating
talking to myself. Of course this activity bordered on the schizophrenic
but who wouldn't become strange wandering alone in a desert. Since sarcasm
is held to be the lowest form of wit, it is natural that you would assume
it would be the chosen mode of expression for R2. However it still requires
some sort of basic wit in the first place. I do not believe that wit appears
on the specification manifest of a thermo capsillary-dehousing assistor.
In R2's case, I am sure. If you only knew some of the expressions he comes
out with!
By the way, are you a sequel or prequel?
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Q
I have two white cats I've named Anakin and Amidala. My friends
think I am strange, but I find it cute... at least they aren't my flesh
and blood. What do you think?
PrincessDroid1978
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I think you're
strange.
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Q
The time and energy you expend for we the fans (eg this site) is a rare
and much appreciated gift. It's great to see how much you love 3P0. Why
do you think some Stars have fallen in love with their characters but others
want nothing to do with Star Wars or the roles that made them stars?
Steven Cavanagh
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A
Thank you for
your thanks but I should point out that Threepio and I are just good friends.
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Q
I Have
you ever asked any other stars to do exactly what you do on your website?
Meaning, have them police eBay auctions and post the obvious forgeries…
you have set a precedent in the autograph industry and clearly put yourself
out as an icon of autographs in doing so. Seriously, you cannot fully appreciate
how many of us respect that page, the Darkside. Autograph collectors, even
autograph dealers like myself fully support the movement you have set forth.
Michael Kasmar
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It's
good to know that I haven't alienated everyone in the galaxy, just those
with a lot to lose by selling forgeries. Thanks for your support, which
is mirrored by many who write to me at this site and goes a long way to
counter the abuse thrown in my direction by disaffected traders. Of course
it misses but I'm afraid I have to leave it to others to decide whether
they're interested in all the work it takes to "police" their
signatures. Personally, I respect the fans enough to make the effort on
their behalf.
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Q
I
am a fan of the droid-duo, and was dismayed by the amount of people trying
to con those willing to buy Star Wars memorabilia by faking autographs.
However, I was impressed by your encyclopaedias-worth of anti-scammer evidence.
Keep up the good work in destroying the darkside.
L.Ekert
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Even
I can't destroy the Darkside by myself. But with support like yours and
others, who knows? So polish up that lightsaber and let's go. BZZOOOOOOMMM
WMMMMM ZZZUUU etc
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Q
I
wanted to thank you for your … pointing out my fake signed items. I
returned the items to the dealer and he gave me a full refund…and even
went as far a refunding the custom frames and plaques I had made… I'm
now no longer £500+ out of pocket, excellent news indeed… Anyway,
I believe the shop are considering prosecuting the guy.
Richard Carrington. |
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A
I'm
so glad the shopkeeper stood by you, concerning AliKesh20. Congratulations
on not taking the matter lying down - as they say. I've removed the other
interesting comments you make since I cannot prove or therefore publish
them. But your evidence gives great cause for concern and it is being pursued
elsewhere.
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Q
In
AOTC when you are on the conveyor belt you mention that you are worried
about R2 D2 as the little fellow is always getting in to trouble. How do
you know this? You've only met him briefly in Episode I and slightly more
in Episode II but you've shared no adventures. Or have I missed something?
Brenda Clark
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Yes
you have! You must realise that, though George Lucas occasionally removes
the camera from the seminal exploits of the two droids to watch what some
of the other characters are up to, nevertheless the two machines continue
to have a life of their own, well, perhaps existence of their own. For instance,
the long flight involved in Ep II meant that once lunch had been served,
the movie (Indiana Jones -XIV) finished and after a short nap, R2 passed
the time by chattering to C-3PO. The latter having lead a rather sheltered
life on Tatooine where, apart from the odd marauding Sandperson, the only
potential danger was having his parts painfully sandblasted by the desert
wind, was naturally astounded at the elaborate tales of heroism that R2
claims in his autobiographies. Since modesty is not a word in R2's memory
bank, the stories took on a rather dramatic quality featuring him in the
lead role. This caused Threepio to take a couple of Anadin. He is now resting
before the rigours of Ep III.
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Q
I
have been to Tunisia and went in the Sahara desert (Dune Sea) and also I
visited Matmata. I was wondering as you had no give in C-3PO's costume how
did you manage to keep your balance on the shifting sand and rocky terrain?
Anietta UK
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So
you too have survived the Tatooine Experience! Well done! No doubt the odd
grain of sand is still lurking about your person and items of a personal
nature. As you may read in one of the Titan pages on this site, I did indeed
fall victim, and down, to and on the shifting sands of the desert. Stretches
of it had the stability normally found in the dribbling grains of an egg
timer. I would often be the first to try out a particular route, not so
much as a kind of mine-clearing device for a chicken-hearted crew but because
they didn't want any human footprints to spoil the futuristic historic environment.
One day the inevitable happened and the forces of gravity took me on a rather
frightening trip. However, the suit wasn't damaged at all. As for the rocks…
we had to wait another 25 years and the different location of the Homestead
interior at Matmata for me to make a rather more spectacular, quite scary
and very expensive acquaintance with the planet's surface. I may have recovered
but Threepio will never be the same again. Oddly, the documentary crew,
having filmed the first five takes, decided the sixth, final close-up of
Threepio, did not need to be covered. Big mistake. It was the only real
bit of drama to happen that day!
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Q
Thank
you very much for the action taken on your site about fakes. It is very
reassuring to me and many others… I am currently trying to obtain refunds
from this company as the items were supplied with COA's. Here is a quote
from SignedByStars that you may find entertaining. "total rubbish,
none of our items are fake, please supply independent proof from a qualified
authenticator, i strongly recomend sotherbys as they are they are the best."
Stephen Ankelen
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Sotheby's?
(as it is actually spellt, on my planet at least). Wasn't one of their (now
ex) chief executives recently wearing an electronic tag due to a conviction
for some questionable activities whilst in office with this august company?
Birds of a feather? If this is indeed a quote, then it's more 'total rubbish'
from Signed By Stars! Sadly, I don't find it entertaining at all, apart
from there gramer and spellin.
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Q
On
a ten-scale I'd give AOTC forty-seven. Threepio shone (metaphorically) more
than in any of the other films! The "...such a drag" and "beside
myself" lines were dry wit of James Bond quality. There's a thought!
When Brosnan calls it quits Threepio could take over as 007! His programming
might need a wee bit of modification, as he's never exhibited much in the
way of a libido...
Lasse J. Nordvik
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A
Nice
idea, C-3POO7. But his life-style doesn't present too many opportunities
for libidinous activities. R2D2 can hardly be regarded as an object of desire
- or am I missing something?
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Q
I have to tell you that I am emphatically disturbed to see my name listed
on your "scum and villiany" page. I have no part in the origin
of the autographs, I am just a seller!! Futhermore, I do not appreciate
this slander and I will not be selling any items with your name listed on
my items. In return, I ask that my name be taken off of your "scum
and villiany" page. I will be looking into the origin of the autographs
I sell, and stop selling items that could be forgeries. I also may ask,
"How do you know everything you have signed, or your secretary, do
you think it could be possible that maybe one of the items listed on your
page may be LEGIT"?
John B.
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A
Then we are both
"emphatically disturbed", as are the many correspondents
to this site on the subject, who seem grateful that we are trying to stop
them being ripped-off. Of course the fact that your name appears is purely
because an item is or was for sale that is a forgery and you are the person
selling it. These are simple facts. No implication of fraudulent motive
is made. However, "…I am just a seller" seems to indicate
that you felt no responsibility for the authenticity of what you sell, though
I'm glad it appears that you may do so from now on. I'm sure your customers
will be relieved. As for your last comment, any signature on which there
is the slightest doubt is not posted. But, on the evidence to date, I hope
you will forgive me for claiming to be a higher authority on my own autograph
than you.
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Q
I
was wondering what it was like during AOTC when you went back to the real
spot of the Lars home. Was it cool to be back after so long?
Emily
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A
Actually
it was incredibly hot. We were there in the summer months this time around.
Our first visit was in winter and it could be quite chilly. This time I
learnt that it was a good idea to wear factor-50 sun cream whilst I sat
around the set. But it would have been a better idea to take it off before
I put on the suit. I cannot describe the blinding pain, unless of course
I used words like blinding pain, to describe the blinding pain I experience
as the factor-50 combined with the perspiration flooding down my face and
into my eyes as I cooked away inside my very personal oven! On a more spiritual
note, it was indeed strange to be standing on exactly the same piece of
salt waste where I had first worn the suit some 26 years before. The charms
of Tunisia are such that I had not felt the need to return in the interim
but it was easy to remember my first visit and ponder on the years between
and what they have meant for me. I pondered for quite a while.
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Q
Is
Star Wars Episode VI the very last film? I mean, will George Lucas ever
produce Star Wars Episode VII?
Linn Markryd
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Yes
and no.
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Q
Surely
the producers have made accommodations in recent years to make the costume
more comfortable for you? For example, in AOTC, after R2-D2 reattaches C-3PO's
head, he sits up of his own volition. Was this a CGI version of C-3PO, or
were you actually able to sit up in the costume?
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You
have clearly not met the head of the math department at World O'Lucas, Rick
McCullum. New suits cost money. This is not an option. So the suit I wear
in AOTC is the same as in ROJ, artfully painted by Justin Dix from downtown
Australia. I was able to sit up straight in the shot due to the length of
time I spend in the gym, pursuing a six-pack (hopelessly!). It was also
due to the length of timber wedged under my back and later removed by ILM
that, with two helpers at the far end pressing down on a fulcrum between
us, acted as a lever to help me up. It all worked rather well but the sand
got into some interesting places.
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Q
In SW ep2, everybody seemed to enjoy the part when 3PO's head was added
on to a Battle Droid's and vice versa. But I wondered how each end worked
by itself when it wasn't joined to the Battle Droid.
Ben Keeler, UK
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I
acted both parts dressed as Threepio and it was ILM who moved the bits around.
But at least I/he got to do something that I/he have/has wanted to do for
years - wield a blaster! It had to be wired into my hands, as it was too
cumbersome to hold with Threepio's mitts on. Being a childish person I did
actually make kapoww noises as I fired but I came out with a rather different
line from the one you hear in the finished movie. We had to dub it or change
it to an 'X' certificate!
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Q
I
had a great time at Celebration II; you were very entertaining as the host
and made the extremely long lines worth the wait. I want to ask you if while
you are filming, do you
do all of the action sequences in costume, and then dub the voice in later?
Ben Johnson
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So
many have written happily about CII and me: less happily about CII and the
lines. But thanks to all who had fun and told me about it. Somewhere in
a Wonder Column is the full story of how I have a tiny microphone
inside Threepio's face with a radio transmitter sending rather breathy speeches
back to the radio receiver and tape deck, whilst I perform the scenes. Months
later I return to a dubbing studio with Mr Lucas and spend hours mimicking
my moments and performance, whilst giving the sound designers a squeaky
clean (i.e. no squeaks from the costume marring the superb performance)
performance. I do actually stand there as if I am wearing the costume. That's
how I match up the performance but it looks a little silly. Do I care? But
on the set, guess where they stick the transmitter!
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Q
Unique
Collectibles, one of the companies you cite in your "Dark Side"
forgeries section, recently went out of business. I do not doubt that they
forged your signature on the photos posted on your site. However, I am now
HIGHLY distraught because I purchased a $200 piece from them because a few
collectors told me it was one of the collecting hobby's "gold standards."
It folded abruptly - I assume because everyone who was involved in its scams
wanted to avoid impending investigations. I trust only one autograph company
now. Anyway, thanks for your exposure of fraudulent salespeople.
Michael G.
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I
am sad to hear that you were taken in, Michael. Many people are. Perhaps
the only consolation is this expensive warning that at least you are able
to share with others. It will be interesting to find under what name these
Sleazoids eventually resurface. As for "gold standards", I only
trust C-3PO.
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Q
I
was extremely happy to see Threepio in AOTC completely built. You are definitely
one of my favorite characters in the series if not at the top of my listand
I'm so glad that Threepio is more of a character again! I also saw that
you played "Lt. Dannl Faytonni" in the film and was curious as
to who this was. I have seen it three times now and do not even know where
to look.
Danniey Palliser
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A
Lft.
Faytonni is the whole reason for the car chase where Obi Wan and Anakin
pursue the gorgeous Zam to the nightclub. That's where Lft.F. hangs out
with two rather lovely girls in a blue uniform (Lft.F. not the girls, who
wear rather more revealing costumes). It is a pivotal moment in the script
when Lft. F. turns to survey the damage done by O.W.'s light sabre. Please
see the film again or go to Gallery 1 on this site for a quick close-up.
But, not top of your list? Oh well.
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Q
In
that fine magazine "Star Wars Insider," you were quoted as saying
"I added in one line. I just turned a sentence around to give the character
somewhere to have come from." Now that we've all seen Episode II, I
am wondering which line was your creation?
Bruce Green
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Actually
there are one or two which GWL allowed me to play with. Possibly the one
I was referring to was me referring to Anakin being 'The Maker' and the
fact that I knew he would 'return' one day; two concepts that the Great
Ewok Inventor had created in the first place. There were others but modesty
forbids. It is his movie after all.
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Q
What
a privilege it was to see you during Celebration II. I certainly have
a warm spot for C3-P0 and that spot only grew larger by actually getting
to meet you. I was watching The Making of Star Wars (1977) and wondered
if you are in the costume in public appearances as, for example, the footprints
in the cement and the documentary itself. Thank you for being one of a
kind!
Steve Winslow
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I
do hope the warm spot has cleared up by now. But I too greatly enjoyed being
at C II with all the thousands of fans that made it so worthwhile. Yes it
was I putting my footprints in the cement on a very hot day in Hollywood.
Later I came back as myself and added my name above Threepio's. Do you know
how difficult it is to write in cement, with thousands watching to see if
you can spell your name? (See one of the Wonder Columns for details).
I had rather less personal credit whilst shooting The Making Of Star
Wars. It took a week for me to film with the odd break whilst they interviewed
Carrie, Mark and Harrison. Obviously thinking I need the rest, they refused
to include an interview with me as me. They didn't want people to know that
Threepio isn't a real droid. Which of course he is! (You never know who
reads this stuff). I will admit that it felt somewhat curious to be personally
omitted from a documentary around a film in which I had, shall we say, a
small but shining role. Oh well. Anyway, one of a kind of what?
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Q
I have heard rumors through various prop building groups that you are bound
by contract not to give out your bodily dementions to anyone. Is this true?
If not would you disclose this information for those wanting to build replicas
of their favorite droid to place in their home dens?
Keith Henry
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A
I assume you
mean "dimensions" although my sanity has clearly been in question
for some years. This is one of the more bizarre rumours I have heard, since
I can give my bodily "dimensions", and indeed my body, to whomever
I wish. Unfortunately there hasn't been too much take-up of the latter in
recent times. What is known as my vital statistics are 5' 8" and 38,
29, 35. Do you think I should do aPlayboy centre-fold?
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Q
C-3PO is the best SW Character!
I've seen his name spelled different way, like See-Threepio. Is there an
officially correct way of spelling it?
FireAndFlamesFan@aol.com |
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A
Well, you are
clearly a highly intelligent fan with excellent taste. C-3PO, See Threepio
or Threepio (to his friends) are officially correct. The abbreviated, 3PO,
is not acceptable in Lucasfilm material as the stylemasters can be really
picky.The same goes for R2, though he has always been abbreviated, or rather,
truncated.
C-3PO, See Threepio or Threepio but not 3PO, would be delighted at your
question, as he is a stickler for the correct mode of address, indeed the
correct mode of everything - except perhaps for apple pie. But in real life
I personally have been known to slip in the odd 3PO or 2. Real life?
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Q
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Star Wars Galaxies, an MMORPG,
for months now. Are you planning to play? I'm sure you'd fit right in. You'd
even have the privilege of being n00bed by the NWW! After that you could
join us in the BMCC, previously the MNC, and talk to me, MJ12, and IWBMJ,
BS03, BDA, Malekh, ATD, BT, Sang, and everybody else!
Jessie Yoder...ummm...Yoda.Elkhart, IN
PpppSSs If you want to know what all the initials mean come on over to SWG!
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Huh?
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Q
You did a stunt in ESB (I'm pretty sure it was you...) when Han and Leia
are escaping from Hoth and Threepio is desperately trying to follow. That
must have been exhausting, especially when you're running up the ramp of
the Falcon (with restricted vision). It was great!! Any comments about that
scene?
Yanick Cloutier, Montreal
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A
Yes, it was I
(see below and also WCs for comments re stunts). And thank you for appreciating
the effort I sometimes have to make on the inside, to make suit look interesting
on the outside. The real problem is that there is nowhere inside 3PO's (oops!)
chest for my chest to expand in order to keep my breath. This is especially
difficult in scenes that require some sort of exertion. Similarly, the legs
of the costume restrict any tensing of my calf muscles required, for instance
to climb the rather steep ramp of the Falcon. But since that wondrous vessel
was destroyed long ago on the back lot of Elstree Studios, that is not going
to be a problem ever again. The real problem Threepio had on that day on
Hoth, was that I had a slight hangover!
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Q
How many languages you really speak? For instance do you understand 'God
dag'?
adam Bengtsson
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A
I can speak French and fake the odd word in Italian and Spanish. Doesn't
everyone! "God dag" I believe is Swedish for "good morning",
although in Australian (in which I am almost fluent) "dag" means
something entirely different, relating to the rear end of a sheep. One has
to be so careful!
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Q
Your writing style is a delight, reminds me the cleverness of the XVIII
century... I'm one who thinks that the problem with Episode I was pretty
simple: Not enough C-3PO! There's hope we can see more of our favourite
golden persona in Episode II, or are we just wishing upon falling stars
(no pun intended, you're going way up!)
Piero Venezuela
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A
When it came
to your letter full of XVIII, I panicked. I have to admit that all this
Roman numeral business gives me the shakes. Ever look at the end of a movie
and see ©MXVII or MLIV etcetera (more Roman)? What does it all mean?
Then we got Star Wars Episode V. But did we ever get Episode T or
U? No! So what's it all about? But as to your question, remember… all
that glisters is not gold. You have been warned!
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Q
In one of your Wonder Columns you said you were thinking of getting a tattoo.
Did you decide on a design and actually get one?
Scott Greene
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A
The problem with
tats (as they are known amongst the tatted) is what? and where? And what
do when you get bored with staring at an orange snake wittily disappearing
somewhere unmentionable on your person. Or your tat causes jealousy since
it indelibly refers to your ex. Together with piercings, I find the whole
subject mildly disturbing and my body remains the inviolate temple it has
always been. But I'm afraid my sense of irony has got the better of you.
(I was joking.)
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Q
What odds 3PO and R2's memories are erased at the end of Ep III, hence explaining
why they do not recognise Tatooine when they return in A New Hope?
Paul & Steph UK
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A
I've just realised something quite spooky. If you take'Tatooine', add an
extra 't' and a 'g' and take away the 'e', you end up with… aghh! (worthy
of The X Files, or what!) I don't know about Threepio but my memory card
is rather fragile anyway, so there'll be no problem in three years time.
By then I probably won't even remember what day it is. But whatever the
case… Never tell me the odds!
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Q
We named first daughter Leia. Then when our second was born we named her
Carrie after Carrie Fisher. Friends and family thought it was weird at first,
but now it's no different to any other name. What do think about fans who
name their children after Star Wars characters?
JOHN GOMEZ
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A
Weird.
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Q
What was it like to do some scenes with Andy Secombe, who comes from a famous
radio lineage? His dad, Harry Secombe, was one of the stars of the Goon
Show of which I am a great fan, a minority group in the U.S. But it was,
to my comedic upbringing, what Star Wars was to my imagination.
Charles Edwards, Orlando, US
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A
As an ex Gooniste myself, I too bored my friends by calling them "Neddy"
and singing… Ying Tang, Ying Tang, Ying Tang, Ying Tang, Ying Tang
Didle I Po. Ying Tang, Ying Tang, Ying Tang, Ying Tang etc. Memorable! Like
his dad, Andy too has remarkable talents . Though he doesn't actually appear
on screen, his physical performance is as hysterical as his vocal one. It's
so captivating that I watch every take he does. Outstanding. In fact he
made Watto my favourite character in II and III. Don't tell Ja Ja.
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Q
Can you please shed some light on Chris Parson
a man going round Star Wars conventions saying he played cp-30.
Mark John Whitworth UK
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A
Oh dear. Some confusion here. It's actually "C-3PO"! But many people make
that mistake. Also, you are far from the first person to ask me about Chris
Parsons and his comments, so thank you for giving me the opportunity to
shed light on the subject for you and for many others. To the best of my
recollection, Chris Parsons was one of the large group of background artists
who usefully dressed up in various costumes on ESB and ROJ. On some occasions
in ROJ he was asked to be a stand-in for me; to stand on my marks whilst
they lit the scene and I got dressed in the gold suit for the shot. Over
the first three movies I enjoyed the assistance of Harriet and most particularly,
Alan, as stand-ins, both of whom were also a great help and very much a
part of my support team. As far as stunts go, the first fall was performed
by Jo from the props department; the second by me and the third by Tracy.
Stunt people are brave and talented people who should be respected for their
particular skill. I believe that Chris Parsons wore the costume for the
long shot of Threepio being carried towards the Ewok village. I remember
this was a second unit shot filmed in the UK whilst I was filming with the
main unit in America, in Yuma and in the redwoods, with lots of rather fresher
Ewoks. Whilst the shot was very necessary and the use of second unit speeds
up the production process, wearing a suit is possibly not quite the same
as 'playing a role'. To my knowledge this was the whole of Chris Parsons'
contribution as C-3PO on camera and he was never, as some people have been
led to believe, involved as a stunt performer on my behalf. Nor did he act
as personal assistant to me, as had Harriet, Maxi, Alan, John and Brian.
Whereas he provided a very useful resource for the second unit and wore
several different costumes, I'm sure that Chris Parsons' comments regarding
his involvement with C-3PO and myself have been hugely misinterpreted by
fans, since I believe he would never have intended to deliberately and unprofessionally
exaggerate his contribution to the filming process and take credit from
those who actually did do the work.
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Q
I reckon that Ewan McGregor's hair looked suspiciously like a wig in some
scenes of Episode 1. Can you tell me if I'm correct, and if so, why did
it look so obvious but the Pod Race (and C-3PO) looked so real?
Shaun Taylor
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A
You remind me of my stint on The Muppet Show and Pigs In Space.
Here… Wigs in Space - allegedly! Well, two different departments
involved here, obviously, run by Head of Pods and Head of Hair. Both unavailable
for comment. Of course much of the podwork was done by computer. But whatever
you thought of The-Man-With-The-Unimpeachable-Medicloreans, would you trust
a computer to cut your hair? I think not. I leave the subject of your podwork
to your own discretion.
Personally I find those little rat-tail things very suspicious anyway and
certainly EMcG wasn't sporting his when I joined him and his mum for a chat
in my favourite restaurant a while ago. Mind you, when I was there a week
later, the Maitre D' asked me why I hadn't talked to EMcG at the bar. Now
without his beard, hair or indeed rat-tail, I had completely failed to recognise
the all round good chap and great young Jedi (he didn't have his light sabre
either). Seems he'd had his head shaved (or taken off his wig) and was about
to join the military but only in a film about the military, so nothing
real there. However, Threepio looked real in Episode 1 because he is
real - always! And he certainly doesn't wear a wig - ever!
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Q
As I sit at my desk at work I stare down at the R2-D2 action figure and
realize that he hasn't said a word in the 2 years that he's been here. He's
nothing without you. He's an empty shell of a droid and I'm pretty sure
that he needs someone professionally to talk to. Maybe if I brought him
an Anthony Daniels endowed C-3PO figure, the sad silence would turn into
a comfortable one!
Jason Hahn Bay Area, California
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A
I always thought
Artoo needed to see a professional. Indeed he tried but he kept rolling
off the couch! But "…2 years…"? He hasn't said a word
to me in me for 26 years! You are merely experiencing a problem I have had
to overcome in all the movies, where he pretty much is an empty shell. Just
try doing all those scenes with him in your office and you'll see what I
went through. Only after Ben Burtt had worked his magic in post production
did the shell come alive. But now I come to think of it - don't you realize
how lucky you are - a silent Artoo. As for a C-3PO endowed like Anthony
Daniels - that is another subject altogether.
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Q
When are you coming to Denmark!? All we Danish Star Wars fans needs some
entertainments from the number one member of the Star Wars cast. :-)
Jesper Jensen, Denmark
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A
Oh dear! I only just came back from your fascinating country - well, Billund
anyway, the bit that is Lego (I mean where they make Lego, as opposed to
the bit of your country that is constructed out of brightly coloured plastic
bricks). I had been invited to address the amazing team who design and market
their superb toys. I had such a good time with them but was relieved that
neither the Lego jet nor the Legloland Hotel were actually fashioned out
of their product. Good though it is, I wouldn't want to fly at 30,000 feet
in it. But the real surprise was in the factory. It was full of robots.
All sorts of shapes, sizes and functions. I really liked Mago 7. I think
it was mutual since Mago 8 appeared to get a little jealous and hyperactive.
But whatever they were, they all got on with their work quietly and efficiently.
I'm thinking of sending R2 there for retraining. Or do I mean - training!
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Q
I heard that you speak a little bit of French, is that true?
If so: Merci a vous pour votre belle interprétation de C3-PO.
Eric Laperriere
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A
Eh bien. It is almost true (see below). And since I am about to return to
La Belle France, time will tell. Enfin - merci a vous!
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Q
Was
it you who once said, "They spent more money on the droid there at
Disneyland, than they did on my own costume!" Or was this the press?
Heidi opiumdoll
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A
I am shocked that you suspect the press of sometimes making up the news.
How could you! I believe everything I read (apart from the articles that
say I fainted in the desert - because I didn't).But in this case I think
that the expenses of creating my suit for A New Hope actually put
the cost in costume. Disney did spend huge sums but mainly
on creating the amazing animatronics that made Threepio so lifelike. They
did a superb job on the whole Star Tours ride and I was thrilled
to be a part of it. Especially since the animatronics had to wear the suit!
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Q
A U.S. TV channel called Noggin, which shows old public television
programs, played a segment with C-3PO and R2 playing hide-and-seek with
Big Bird on "Sesame Street!" We all enjoyed it very much, especially
considering the time and space barriers crossed to make such a visit possible!
Were you involved (many years ago, no doubt)? Also, how do you stay so very
admirably thin, after all these years?
The Smith Family
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A
It was more years ago than I can imagine. But I do remember that it was
the happiest job I ever did. It happened because I got on so well the Muppet
people here in London, who also did Sesame Street. I spent a glorious
week in New York with Big Bird, Oscar, The Cookie Monster and friends in
their studio. I felt really at home with those icons of fun created by actors
who had to work with all sorts of physical restrictions like me. R2 of course
found it hard to concentrate since he immediately fell in love. When he
finally introduced me to her, Threepio had to point out that his girl friend
was a fire hydrant. Curiously, he didn't seem to mind!
As for my being thin; it's pure hard work and cutting out all the things
that I, and the Cookie Monster, love to eat; that, and regularly working
out in a gym. This is not for pleasure but to make sure I can still fit
in a metal suit made for me at an age when being slim came naturally!
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Q
Do you think CGI effects in episode 1 look photo realistic? And
can we expect to see a better film with episode 2? Lets hope Mr Lucas and
his team have learnt that the public want to see a great film. Not just
a merchandise exhibition.
Steve H (U.K)
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A
Are you suggesting that the planet is not a better place for having the
Ja Ja Binks Wude Sticking-Out Tongue Dispenser Candy? I myself have
one in a cupboard very close to me in case of emergencies. Just knowing
it's there helps me through the hard times that can occasionally beset a
sensitive person. But I do meet fans who recall the joy of the original
merchandise figures from 25 years ago. I think we are just doing it again
and whilst you may not have wished for your own plastic Amidala hairpiece,
someone might! So just imagine being a child at this time… and looking
back 25 years on (when my Ja Ja Binks Wude Sticking-Out Tongue Dispenser
Candy will still be in a cupboard - and just as fresh and tasty I'm
sure). But fans do seem to want some physical totem of their movie viewing
experience and some way of being a part of it.
As for AOTC, my experience on the set; reading the script; watching semi-finished
footage and seeing the trailer lead me to believe we may all be able to
really enjoy Episode II. On the question of CG, Mr Lucas informed me that
they have a working computer image of most of the members of the cast stored
in a cupboard very close to him. Perhaps he's worried that I'll ask too
much money for Episode III. But I am afraid…
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Q
Does Threepio have the silver leg because it was damaged behind scenes or
was it because you couldn't afford any more gold on it?
Steven Blyth
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A
Behind-the-scenes damage is usually repaired before it gets in front of
the camera and although finance (or lack of it) is always a big thing on
Tatooine, that is not the case here. For such a punctilious droid as C-3PO
it has always been a slight embarrassment that he is not quite as perfect
as he might wish. Of course, compared with the shame of utter nakedness
in Episode I and the (shortly to be viewed) scrap-heap challenge of AOTC,
a mere flash of a silver shin might be judged on the level of a missing
shirt button. But since Threepio does not wear shirts, he still prefers
it not to be mentioned. Naturally R2 D2 pulls his leg about it all the time.
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Q
I'm French so I will continue this post in my mother language: Bravo pour
le nouvel habillage de ton site (ton nouveau costume de C3PO n'est pas mal
non plus) Quand tu as tourné Star Wars: A New Hope, pensais-tu qu'il
aurait un tel impact? Quand as tu vu le film achevé avec les SFX
terminés? Merci d'avance pour tes réponses et @ très
bientôt dans AOTC :))
Maurice.
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A
Mois, je suis English, mais I will essayer to write en Francais. I am très
hereux that tu like the dressings of the nouveau site and that you pense
that mon costume is aussi, not bad. D'accord!
En 1976 nous certainement didn't think que Episode IV was going to have
any impact whatsoever. Quelques gens even used words like un veritable imbroglio!
(Some gens used an even shorter, ruder word.) Quelle surprise when it had
its début and tout le monde a decidé that it was superbe!
The premier fois that j'ai vu le film with all the effects spèciales
was at the crew screening. I was tellement impressioné!
Tu know that it is moi who is le voix Francais de C-3PO en Star Tours
à Disneyland, Paris! Oui! C'est true! Threepio can parle fluidement
plus que 6M formes de communications but il ne peut pas write in any of
them!
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Q
You have an apparent dislike for the Ewoks.
Granted, they are not my favorite characters from the series-but what is
it about them that you don't like?
Mike Lukash
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A
Ewoks NOT your favourite characters? How could you possibly
say that? Besides their bravery in saving a planet or two - well OK, the
odd moon - don't you think they're cute and cuddly? Wouldn't you like to
have one hug you tight for ever? (NB Rumours of vermin infestation are strongly
denied by the Department of Galactic Pest Control). Aren't those big round
eyes full of life and wit? Don't they move with the spirit of ecstasy? Can't
they dance like Jackson, sing like Madonna? Don't they charm you from the
trees? (Irrelevant unless you are a bird, of course).
Remember, I have seen them in the flesh, well, fur anyway, and after a shower
of rain they do have an added pungency that more than completes their charms
to my eyes - and nose. And there are obviously times of the year when it
is not advisable to go down to the woods etc. But how could you ever think
that I, their reigning monarch and spiritual leader could reject those teeny
little bundles of fun and fur? I swear that when I trod on one it was a
complete accident. Anyway we had spares. I hope this answer goes
some way to refuting the slur that you imply.
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Q I
don't suppose you'd want to be the voice on my answering machine eh?
John Walker IV |
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A No,
I don't. Not after doing it for Matthew Senreich at Wizard Entertainment
in New York. I called him one day and got myself explaining there were no
humans available. More than irritating, especially since I was calling from
England. I didn't leave a message.
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Q Did
you ever play any practical jokes on other cast members or were you ever
the victim, on or off the Star Wars set?
Cyber104 |
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A Ralph
Nelson was the stills photographer on Jedi. You have thrilled
to his rather good snapshots in movie theatres and books. But there is a
darker side to this Californian guy. Seeing him napping on the set one day,
I took his camera and photographed him with his mouth wide open. He was
fairly upset since the producer got to see every frame shot and it might
make him look bad to be unconscious during the working day. I asked him
how we were meant to know if he was unconscious. So... he later poured a
cup of cold water down into my suit when I was ready to shoot. So... next
time he was asleep, I got the pyro FX crew to rig a couple of explosive
squibs under his chair. He lost unconscious with a bang that time! So...
later, when I was dressed in the entire gold suit again, everything suddenly
went dark. Ralph had sneaked behind me and placed two bits of tape over
my eyes. I was completely blinded! I couldn't reach them of course and had
to yell for Brian to come and remove them for me. It was then that I realise
that Ralph would outclass me in any infantile, stupid, immature, pathetic
and childish contest. I conceded defeat. For
now...
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Q I
was at the Echo Base Con. The Q&A you gave was the best and what you
said is true: we Dutch are a bit shy. What makes you come to a little country
in the outer rim called Holland?
Django "The Wookie" Aerssens
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A I
was warned that you were all very shy. Maybe on the outside, because
when I got on stage I discovered that inside every quiet and reserved Dutchman
is a raving Hollywood extrovert lunatic, longing to burst into the spotlight.
Scary! And you think you're on the outer rim? At least you're attached
to the big wheel of mainland Europe. It's the UK that flaps on the hub like
a deflating piece of rubber! Anyway I like Holland. And the Dutch. A lot.
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Q Are
you slipping into self parody?
Mainsource
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A I
knew it was merely a question of time. But, 25 years...? Well spotted, at
last!
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Q Any
plans to write more comics? Your "Droids" story was a hoot.
David Robertson |
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A Do
you mean The Protocol Offensive? I'm pleased you liked it. Lots of
people did. I'd always rather dismissed comics as an easy art form. Was
I wrong! Even with the support, skill and patience of my outstanding co-creator,
Ryder Windham, it was still one of the hardest jobs I ever decided to take
on. So many elements went into creating the finished piece. And of course
it could never be perfect. I was a little sad that C-3PO looked slightly
unwell in some frames but other pictures were just beautiful. I'd thought
that all you had to do to write a comic was draw balloons and fill in the
words. Now I have nothing but respect for masters of the art. I'll need
to get back my nerve before I try again! But you never know.
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Q Will
the [insert trumpet fanfare here] WONDER COLUMN ever see the LIGHT of day
again? I was most distressed when it went off the air, so to speak. Every
time the illustrious *STAR WARS INSIDER* lands inside of my mailbox, I feverishly
search the pages in vain for an new column from yours truly. Any chance
of resurgence? However, I am also very excited at the prospect of seeing
you in Episode II. How I yearn for this film. In honor of you, I just gave
my Threepio mug (which doubles as a pen and pencil holder) on my desk a
pat on the head (not that I think he's a pet, mind you, I mean, you're not
a Wookiee!).
Brian Hodges US |
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A I
am very flattered that you like the WC so much. At the moment I don't
quite have the time to retell more silly stories from behind the scenes.
But eventually you will be able to relive the whole, first series on this
site. So I'm afraid you'll have to read other bits of The Insider
for the time being. They can be quite interesting, or so I'm told. Thank
you for the pat (by proxy). But I am a little confused. Do you take out
the pen and pencil before you drink your coffee? Or sort of hold them to
one side with your nose? Tricky!
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Q
I watched your interview on the bonus footage of the re-release of Star
Wars and I *will* get a kick out of seeing Threepio put together for the
first time. I think it's great that Star Wars has been filmed here in Australia.
When you weren't encased in a suit, how did you like the country?
PS I don't suppose you have written any books? I enjoy reading about
movies from the actors' perspective.
Jediwannabe |
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A Threepio
too gets quite a kick when he's put together - wouldn't we all! But even
in the suit I thought Australia was a smashing place. I've visited several
times in the past and it gets better each time. As for writing - you could
keep your other eye (unless you are ocularly challenged and I have just
made a terrible booboo) on the Titan and Wonder Column pages,
similarly attached to this site) where you can indeed read some of my recollections
of the dramas, on both sides of the camera, observed whilst shooting The
Great Saga.
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Q I
saw the first movie in 1978 (times were hard back then, and I didn't get
a chance to see it until it was shown in a third-run cinema). Although your
face is hidden beneath your costume, your voice alone conveys enough depth
to breathe life into your character. I'm glad Mr Lucas used your actual
voice for the movies.
Ponsones Ariel |
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A I'm
rather glad myself and I certainly wouldn't have continued the role into
the sequels and prequels if George had (as he first intended) dubbed on
another voice to my performance. Hopefully you also think my physical acting
goes some way to complete the characterisation inside the beautiful suit,
created by Liz Moore. Perhaps waiting so long to see the movie made it all
the more impressive. I'm afraid you've got to wait for another year to see
Episode II but I do hope times are less hard for you now.
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Q Which
of the Star Wars movies have you most enjoyed making (Episode II included)?
Jason |
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A Actually
- Episode II. Whilst the original, A New Hope, is my favourite to
watch, the latest one is a pleasure to work on. I had the best time in Australia
with the new cast and crew and had a lot of fun and challenges puppeteering,
as well as getting inside, Threepio. Even Tunisia was not as ghastly as
the first time, though it was considerably warmer, well, viciously hot,
actually. And for the first time ever, thanks to Don Bies, Artoo was a perfect
gentleman!
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Q What
is your favorite C-3PO moment, the one you're proudest of, the one you'd
like to cut out of the fabric of reality, have it bronzed and put on display
on your mantelpiece?
Patrick (Shadow) |
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A I'm
not sure that I actually have a piece to mantle, so perhaps we will talk
about shelves, which I do own. I think Threepio rather enjoyed telling Captain
Solo that he was to be the main course at a banquet given in honour of the
golden droid-king. Sadly, of course (no pun intended), it was the Ewoks'
turn to prepare dinner that night. Since "Now kindly wash your hands" doesn't
translate into Ewokese (since they don't have them to wash), eating healthy
on Endor is not an option - not that eating Solo would be UN-healthy of
course. (You can't be too careful these days with lawyers at the ready and
H Ford being V rich). My own favourite moment is a few minutes later, when
Threepio gets rather cross and is about to deck the fearless but pushy Solo
if he but breaths one more word. Watch Threepio's face as Solo pushes once
to often. Watch and fear! You are clearly a literary sort of cove and I
admire your turn of phrase. But no there is nothing of my own that I would
wish to bronze and put on a shelf, for fear of frightening the horses. And
don't you mean " The fabric of UN-reality?" They're only films, you
know!
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Q My
husband and I live in Japan. He is American, and watches one of the original
trilogy EVERY NIGHT on video. I did not understand what he liked about the
movies, though I sat through them with him, and occasionally fall asleep.
Recently you were in Japan and I saw you on TV. I had no idea a human was
in that suit. WOW!
Junko Seals |
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A WOW
indeed! Surely, falling asleep during a Star Wars film is against
the law - especially when C-3PO is on screen (understandable when he isn't,
of course!). If your husband were sensible he would fast-forward through
the scenes when I am not on. For yes! It is I who beavers away inside that
golden exterior. Having recently hosted a program on artificial intelligence
(I was providing the second half, obviously), I can tell you we are a long
way from creating a machine that can perform like Threepio. So my job is
safe. I think. I have been to Japan several times but this visit was particularly
special and I feel I have many friends there now. So watch out in Tokyo
for the sequel, The Return of The Man Inside C-3PO. WOW!
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Q As
a stage actor, I hope you still are, how are your theatre ties these days;
filming these SW movies notwithstanding?
Michael Mann |
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A I
haven't acted on stage for some time, due partly to the time-frame and life-style
implications of working in the theatre. Also, possibly, to the requirement
to go on doing the same thing, night after night, and Wednesday and Saturday
matinee after matinee, until you get it right - or not. A part of me misses
it. The joy of a live audience comes back to me when I appear at a convention.
It really is a thrill to entertain and amuse and feel the reaction. Of course,
I wouldn't want to do that night after night either!
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Q What
was the longest you had to stay in the Threepio suit? Did you ever panic
and ask them to take it of? And is the suit the same today as it was then
or has it been updated??
Mick |
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A The
first day shooting A New Hope, I wore the complete suit from about
7am to sundown so you can imagine how I felt when they finally took it off
me. Let's say, I was not looking forward to donning it again the next day!
The only time I got claustrophobia was when Salacious Crumb was sitting
on my chest pulling out my eye. The odd thing was that I didn't even have
on the whole costume - I was actually wearing jeans! Maybe it was Crumb's
breath! And yes, it is the same suit as I wore in Jedi, which is why I have
to go to the gym every day!
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Q With
the lights and electronics all around your face, how easy (and how, indeed?)
is it possible to see when encased in 3PO's head? Do you look through those
tiny holes at the centre?
Terry |
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A The
eyes have three tiny, low voltage light bulbs embedded in the plastic lenses.
These are wired to a connector normally taped to the top of my head as the
two halves are closed together. Thus they connect to wires leading to the
battery pack in my back. Watch out for the auction scene in A new Hope.
They forgot to put the wire inside and you can see it dangling in view.
Oops! The bulbs are backed by a mirror and blackout material. This leaves
the little central spot free to gaze out on the world. Be warned. It's like
wearing blinkers in all directions and takes a lot of getting used to. Otherwise
you bash into everything and everyone. Artoo does that sort of thing all
the time however working with Mickey Mouse is a big problem because of his
ears. But he kindly accepted my profuse apologies for the accident. Some
mice are really nice!
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Q What
Star Wars role would you have liked to play if you hadn't ended up as Threepio's
primary "motivator" ? Great job !
Patrick |
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A Thank
you. I like your 'primary motivator'. In fact Threepio was the only role
that I found interesting in the script I was shown but as it turned out,
Han Solo turned into something of a scene stealer that I enjoyed watching.
All due to Harrison's talent. However, HF and I are not normally fighting
for the same roles! In Star Wars I think I would have liked to have
played anyone wearing clothes!
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Q I
was surfing and found your web site - awesome!! Its great to know that you
care enough about your fans to take time out to answer their replies. With
reference your "Scum and Villainy" section, could you not counter these
rip-off merchants by producing autographed photos of your own and selling
them on your web site, I would be one of the first in line to buy one!!!
I would dearly love to own an autographed photo and get my favourite Star
Wars CCG card signed, but in reality 'it ain't gonna happen'. I'm in the
Forces and always manage to get sent abroad when you are at conventions.
In any event thanks for the site - I've book marked it for future enjoyment.
Paul Luxton |
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A Like
the Force, the Sleazoids will be will be with us always! But at the moment
I don't intend to make this a commercial site. It really is simply for those
fans crazy enough to be interested in what I have done, am doing and will
do. Since you are actually in the Forces(plr) I'm sure we'll meet eventually.
Meanwhile keep avoiding those fake autographs - or become a Sleazoid and
write your own, just like they do!
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Q Years
ago I read that one of the C-3PO robot look-alikes in the films was a girl
(not the stunt women you talk about on your site) I think her name was Sue
Bishop but I have never seen this confirmed any where. Is this true or have
none of the other robots been women?
Metal Mickey |
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A In
the opening corridor scene of A New Hope you see another Threepio-like
figure with me. Inside was the most beautiful girl called Harriet. She was
my stand-in and assistant and since she was the same size as me there was
no problem with wearing a copy suit and wandering about. Shortly after we
finished filming she married one of Queen Elizabeth II's relatives. Life
in royal circles probably doesn't permit her being a robot stand-in any
more - hard to fit that diamond tiara inside. But Harriet, if you read this,
there's always Ep III. Have one of the Palace courtiers call me.
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Q I
must say it takes a lot of courage to post that picture of you from 1975
for the Titan column... but then again, after witnessing your bravery in
a plastic and metal costume in the heat of Tunisia, I guess I knew you are
brave...!
Don Bies California |
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A Yes
the heat was on in Tunisia, all right, and I think we all had to grit our
teeth. I certainly had grit in mine! Showing you that photo is part of my
rehabilitation therapy. For decades I have been in denial about having such
a ridiculous haircut - or lack of one! Fortunately I don't have any photos
of me in the stacked shoes I wore at the time.
PS. Let the world know I couldn't have done Episode II without you.
Artoo certainly couldn't! So thank you!
PPS. Have you checked out your haircut in Gallery 1?
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Q
I was just wondering what it was like to work on the animated version of
Lord of the Rings films from 1978.
Philip Brennan |
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A I
played Legolas - Prince of the Elves and if I am honest it was a rather
odd experience in several ways. The whole cast were in the same studio but
we all had to leave a two second gap between the lines which made for rather
stilted dialogue and sadly, a rather stilted movie. So I'm rather looking
forward to the new one myself, especially as Christopher Lee is one of the
stars.
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Q A
lot of people were negative of the Star Wars artefacts tour being held in
fine art museums. These people would have no quarrel about Bogart's trench
coat or Dorothy's ruby slippers touring in these galleries. Why the tiff
on Star Wars?
Craig & Cindy |
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A Well
I personally don't think Dorothy's slippers should ever be worn with a trench
coat but I agree with you. The Star Wars artefacts are beautiful
creations, produced by artists which, due to their exposure in the movies,
are recognised, loved and respected across the globe. Some arty types seem
to have problems if it's not Shakespeare or Michelangelo under discussion.
Okay, they have proved their staying power over the centuries but my gold
suit, for instance, has already served 25 years as an icon of a popular
story that knows no boundaries, in spite of this sad intellectual snobbery.
I hope it and other artworks from the Saga will continue to delight museum
visitors, long after these intellectuals have passed on and I am a forgotten
name in the scratchy credits on an ancient scrap of celluloid - preserved
in a glass case in a museum of the future!
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Q Do
you know Lorene Yarnell? She played"Dot Matrix" in Space Balls (Mel Brooks').
It would be fine an encounter between these two lovely robots!
Javier Ger - Spain |
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A No
I don't but what a terrific performance and what a great voice was added
by Joan Rivers. Perhaps Threepio and Dot are destined to meet in Ep III.
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Q Just
wanted to know if it is really Mr. Daniels whom we fans can reach via mail
?
Johnny Jagwani |
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A Yes
Johnny, it is really I at the keyboard but I have no way of proving that
to you. Of course I'm not here all the time. The Webmaster lets me out occasionally
- unless I have been really bad!
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