R2-D2

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R2-D2 (called "R2" for short and phonetically spelled "Artoo-Detoo") is a robot character in the Star Wars universe. An astromech droid (referred to in the novel as a 'thermocapsulary dehousing assister'), R2-D2 is a major character in all six Star Wars films. Along with his protocol droid companion C-3PO, he joins or supports Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan Kenobi in various points in the saga. R2-D2 was played by Kenny Baker. Along with Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader), Obi-Wan Kenobi, and C-3PO, he is one of only four characters to appear in all six Star Wars films.

R2-D2 was originally designed and built by Tony Dyson, at the White Horse Toy Company Ltd. Some involvement was by John Stears, who worked on the proto-types with models specifically created by the Australian firm Petric Engineering building club and the English firm C&L Developments. Many scenes also made use of radio controlled and CGI versions of the character. Original props of R2-D2 and C-3PO are used as audio-animatronics in the queue area of Disney's Star Tours: The Adventures Continue attraction.