The Experience of Playing C-3PO in Star Wars Films
Summary
In this article, we delve into the experiences of the actor who played C-3PO in various Star Wars films. The actor talks about the changes made to 3PO’s appearance, the process of creating his iconic gold color, and the challenges of performing in different terrains. They also discuss their experience wearing the difficult costume while filming for The Rise of Skywalker and the importance of teamwork in creating their character.
Table of Contents
- Changes to C-3PO’s Appearance
- Creating the Iconic Gold Color
- Challenges of Performing in Different Terrains
- Wearing the Costume for The Rise of Skywalker
- The Importance of Teamwork in Creating C-3PO
- Gratitude towards Stunt People and Crew
Changes to C-3PO’s Appearance
The actor playing C-3PO talks about the changes made to the character’s appearance over the years. They mention the addition of a gold arm and the use of 3D printing to create the suit. The actor also notes that the process of creating 3PO’s iconic gold color involves vacuum plating and colored lacquers.
Creating the Iconic Gold Color
The actor describes the process of creating 3PO’s iconic gold color in more detail. They explain that the suit is vacuum plated with a layer of aluminum, which is then coated with a clear lacquer. The actor also notes that different colored lacquers can be used to create different shades of gold.
Challenges of Performing in Different Terrains
The actor talks about the challenges of performing in different terrains while playing C-3PO. They mention that the suit can be uncomfortable, especially in hot or humid conditions. The actor also notes that it can be difficult to move around in the suit, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Wearing the Costume for The Rise of Skywalker
The actor discusses their experience wearing the difficult costume while filming for The Rise of Skywalker. They found ways to work around the costume, including wearing only parts of it and using red dots as reference points for special effects. The actor also describes a cooling system built into their costume.
The Importance of Teamwork in Creating C-3PO
The actor emphasizes the importance of teamwork in creating their character, Threepio. They express gratitude towards the crew and stunt people involved in the production. The actor also mentions their admiration for artist Tracey Emin’s portrayal of C-3PO falling off Jabba’s barge and Princess Leia sweeping across to a skiff.
Gratitude towards Stunt People and Crew
The actor talks about the importance of stunt people in films and how glad they were to have their own stunt double, Michael Birc. They express gratitude towards the team of people who created and maintained the C-3P costume for all the Star Wars films. The actor also mentions a speeder sequence in Jordan where Mike had to run at 70 miles an hour and free fall off the vehicle in case of a crash. The actor, on the other hand, had a wired real ride experience where they couldn’t go further than a certain latitude, making it totally safe.
Conclusion
Playing the role of C-3PO in Star Wars films is a challenging and rewarding experience. The actor who played the character shares their insights into the process of creating the iconic gold color, the challenges of performing in different terrains, and the importance of teamwork in bringing the character to life. They express gratitude towards the crew and stunt people involved in the production, as well as their own stunt double, Michael Birc.
