R2D2

One of young Star Wars fans' favourite characters is the droid R2D2, also known as Artoo, who is inseparable from his partner, the protocol droid C3PO.

Click here to download R2D2 artwork (pdf)

Artoo was an astromech droid, the most famous unit of the R2 series. Besides having a very special human element, Artoo plays a very important role as he is tied to two of the most significant figures in the history of the galaxy: the father and son, Anakin and Luke Skywalker.

At first R2D2 belonged to the royal house of Naboo and served King Veruna. The droid was employed to repair the royal starship and to attend to the needs of navigators.

Due to chance circumstances and a thirst for dangerous missions, R2D2 was always in trouble and dragged C3PO with him. But as well as being a magnet for problems, Artoo also rescued his companions on more than one occasion, including the time he saved Padmé Amidala's life when they escaped a blockade of the Trade Federation.

In the film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Artoo also saved Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa and Chewbacca when they were trapped in a garbage processor on the first Death Star.

Besides the Skywalkers, R2D2 was, at different times, also under the command of Padmé Amidala, Captain Raymus Antilles, Captain Huba, Governor Wena (of Kalarba), Jawas, and Owen and Beru Lars, among others.

R2D2 is Star Wars creator George Lucas's favourite character in the entire saga. The popularity of Artoo paved the way for the droid to be inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame in 2003.

Homeworld: Naboo
Species: Droid
Type: Astromech droid
Height: 0.96 metres
Weapon: Arc welder, buzz saw
Vehicle: X-Wing, Naboo N-1 Starfighter
Affiliation: Rebel Alliance