C-3P0 On The View: Anthony Daniels Says Star Wars Droid Isn’t Done

by John Bishop · March 14, 2020

This is the kind of buzz we like to hear! The alter-ego of everybody’s favorite droid told the cast of The View that Star Wars stalwart C-3PO will, indeed, return.

Anthony Daniels

Certainly, that is good news for the man — and the voice — behind the character, Anthony Daniels, and his many fans.

“It’s changed my life,” said Daniels, now 74, of his first look at the concept art for his character in 1975 (seen below) and his subsequent career.

However, before seeing the picture, Daniels — then a self-described “serious actor” — admitted he didn’t want the part until the robot in the picture changed his mind.

“It was [created] by Ralph MacQuarrie,” said the actor of the robot in the artwork. “Totally changed my life – a piece of artwork.”

C-3P0 and R2D2 concept art. Image: Lucasfilm, McQuarrie

And apparently, the neurotic droid continues to change the lives of fans around the world; young and old.

Daniels said that because he is a machine when C-3PO is placed in an uncomfortable position, he says what’s on his mind; he wasn’t taught to “grow up.”

For example, Anthony reiterated his character says, “I’m afraid…” when he is afraid.

“And that speaks to so many of us… he really has connected to people who are a little sensitive,” explained Daniels. “And people write to me and say how Threepio, on the screen, helped them to deal with life.

“That is a gift,” said the actor.

[An aside: I actually teared up typing that. ALL of the main characters from the Original Trilogy have helped me cope, in so many ways. What a fitting thing to say, Mr. Daniels, “A gift.” Truly.]

Anthony Daniels, George Lucas. Image: Lucasfilm

Thankfully, our journey with this character, and presumably Anthony, will continue.

“Oh, he’s not over,” said Daniels of C-3PO, who had some tough moments in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. “I said to JJ…when we were filming, maybe it’s time to put Threepio to sleep; to give him an end.”

Anthony relayed that the director said, “Not on my watch.”

Check out the full interview below; especially the moment when Whoopie Goldberg “Purels” surprise set visitors R2D2 and Chewbacca.

And file this under something I forgot: Apparently George Lucas wanted C-3PO to have a voice more like a used car salesman. Daniels related as much to the cast of The View.

However, he retorted, “Yeah, well, what does he know?”