ILMxLAB’s latest virtual reality experience, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, extends and expands the world of Batuu and Black Spire Outpost like never before. And just as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the epic immersive lands at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, introduced new characters and locations into the Star Wars galaxy, the same is true with Tales. In this series, we’ll introduce you to some of the new residents — and travelers — you’ll run into during your adventures on Batuu.
“I am the top Resistance spymaster.”
If there are any two droids that need no introduction, even on Batuu, it would be C-3PO and R2-D2.
A protocol droid fluent in over six-million forms of communication, C-3PO was originally built from scrap parts by a young Anakin Skywalker on the planet Tatooine. He went on to become an integral part of the Rebel Alliance as it fought against the Galactic Empire, serving as a longtime ally of General Leia Organa.
In the wake of the crushing losses the Resistance sustained at the Battle of Crait, Threepio was instructed to revive his dormant droid spy network in order to locate and recruit potential allies of the Resistance. The results were, as one would expect from C-3PO, decidedly mixed.
R2-D2 is a heroic astromech droid that has been part of some of the most pivotal moments in galactic history, whether flying on the X-wing fighter that was responsible for blowing up the first Death Star, or being part of the Rebellion forces that overthrew the Imperial presence on the forest moon of Endor, leading to the fall of the Empire itself.
Later, R2-D2 laid dormant for years, hiding a crucial piece of information that would eventually lead to the location of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. Now, back in action with the Resistance, Artoo continues to help his friend C-3PO — even if it’s against his better judgement.
“My circuits have had quite enough of the Wilds for one day.”
To create the expressive sounds of R2-D2, the Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge team turned to Skywalker Sound, Lucasfilm’s groundbreaking audio and sound design division. The close collaboration with the Skywalker Sound team, including Supervising Sound Editor Kevin Bolen, allowed R2-D2 to be just as whimsical and unforgettable in virtual reality as he has been in every other medium.
With C-3PO, the team knew that making the droid feel as authentic as possible was crucial, and there was only one actor would be able to truly handle the role: the famed Anthony Daniels himself.
“Along with the joy of working with the super-talented team at ILMxLAB, I am so thrilled to bring C-3PO to life again in this fascinating dimension,” said Daniels. “I love it that fans will actually be able to be a part of his perilous adventures, standing beside him, on the distant planet of Batuu. It may be virtual reality, but believe me, reality will quickly take over as players personally interact with C-3PO right in the middle of the action. I hope fans will be as amazed as I am.”
It’s hard to overstate the transportive power of not just meeting iconic characters like Artoo and Threepio, but actually adventuring alongside them. It’s the kind of thing that anyone that’s ever watched a Star Wars movie has wanted to experience, and now with Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge that dream can become a reality.
“There’s something really special about standing face to face with iconic characters like C-3PO and R2-D2,” said director Jose Perez III. “We can’t wait for our fans to experience it.”
You can meet C-3PO and R2-D2 for yourself in Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, available now on the Oculus Quest platform.
