'EPISODE III': PADME'S LAST DUTY...

Safe from the Emperor within the deep space outpost/archaeological research site of Polis Massa, our surviving outcast heroes watch as the emotionally and physically wounded Padme Amidala begins the birthing process to what will surprisingly become twins, during the memorable and emotional conclusion, the bridging of sagas, the bringing of 'A New Hope', to EPISODE III.

'THE CLONE WARS': SECOND HAND GOODS!

Captured by the gross alien junk dealer Gha Nachkt (excellently voiced by genre favourite Ron Perlman), Artoo Detoo is now on his way to the dreaded clutches of General Grievous, intent on retrieving his sectrets of the Republic Army and the Jedi, during the fun and highly under-rated two-parter from The Clone Wars excellent opening season: Downfall of a Droid/ Duel of the Droids.

EPISODE III: READY FOR LANDING?

Anakin Skywalker's legendary piloting skills are certainly being put to a formidable test as the wrecked Invisible Hand prepares to crash-land on Coruscant, of which Artoo and the rescued Supreme Chancellor Palpatine are likely very stressed accompanying passengers, in this interesting screen combination from Episode III.

EPISODE I: 'WESA GOIN' HOME!'

A battle to liberate Naboo from its Trade Federation captors looms, but that doesn't mean Jar Jar Binks can't enjoy the notion of returning home, watched by an amused Anakin Skywalker and Artoo on Coruscant, in a great behind the scenes moment from Episode One.

EPISODE I: FRIENDS, WARRIORS AND HEROES!

The two Jedi heroes who'd excitingly kick off the Prequel Trilogy of 1999, and help cement a new legacy for worldwide fans and audiences of all ages alongside the existing Original Trilogy, pose for a great image with the iconic Artoo Detoo, taken within one of the Trade Federation vessel corridors at the UK's Leavesden Studios.

 A terrific shot from 1997 for Episode I, one of numerous character publicity images for magazine/media usage, taken by popular US lensman Matthew Rolston.

https://people.com/movies/liam-neeson-recalls-son-hugging-r2-d2-on-star-wars-set-as-2-year-old-it-was-really-touching/

'THE FORCE AWAKENS' AT 10: DESTINATION: JEDI!

The mythical Luke Skywalker revealed.

Having resided in isolation and contemplation on the mysterious Ach-To, home to the first unique Jedi Temple, after a terrible experience with his former disciple Kylo Ren that has now left the galaxy in pieces and open to attack and invasion with the arrival of the dreaded First Order, Luke Skywalker has finally been found by the Resistance, of which Jedi-to-be Rey has boldly gone to the mostly water world to recruit his help back in the fight against good and evil..

But will he accept both the return of his father's lightsaber, previously thought lost forever, and newcomer Rey's request for help?  

It's both a story, and a momentous decision, that will be continued in another film...

Great posed shots of Mark Hamill taken at Skellig Island.

Will Luke accept the return of his lightsaber and call to help from Rey and the Resistance?

J.J. Abrams and company film Luke's finale reveal.

Filming the earlier flashback of Luke's sorrow at the destruction of his new Jedi Order.

'THE FORCE AWAKENS' AT 10: DROID TALK!

The oh-so endearing BB-8 may be the new droid on the franchise block, but let's not forget the original robotic duo who started it all, the mis-matched but delightful friends on screen that are C-3PO (Anthony Daniels, long past icon status and needing a new word to represent his long-time contributions to Star Wars) and R2-D2, reunited at the Resistance base as the clues to the location of the missing Luke Skywalker are soon put together...

The new Threepio costume, with the none-too subtle red arm that annoyed Daniels during filming.

Old and new legends meet.

The droids whom we'll never forget.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THAT STRANGE REALM OF DAGOBAH!

Now arrived on the bog planet of Dagobah, Luke and Artoo's journey of discovery there has so far been wet, grimy and unpleasant, as the duo survey their surroundings in this memorable image from The Empire Strikes Back.

 

"It gets very lonely when you're acting with only a piece of machinery. Kenny does play Artoo, but it's sort of a misnomer because there were so many Artoo units and they all look the same. I remember several times saying hello to the radio-controlled robot and then noticing Kenny over in the corner sitting there with a newspaper, drinking a tea."

Mark Hamill - Questor magazine - 1980

CLASSIC IMAGE: 'WE'VE STOPPED!'

Their dingy plight in the Jawa Sandcrawler was surely unpleasant, but there may now be light at the end of the tunnel for our hero droids Threepio and Artoo as the vehicle stops at an unknown destination, in this scene from the original Star Wars. Note that Anthony Daniels only wears the top half of his Threepio costume in order to sit down, with clever onscreen placement of junk in front of the camera during filming on 6th July, 1976. (By the middle of studio filming onwards, the crew would do everything they can, at Daniels request, to not have the actor fully in the uncomfortable metal suit unless absolutely required.) According to the call sheet of the day's filming, Kenny Baker was ultimately not called to the studio that PM for this scene, so it is unknown who operated the two-legged version here.

The Chief Jawa for the scene was Rusty Goffe, whilst others in attendance on the set as the tiny scrap merchants included Peter Diamond's two children, Frazer (as the Jawa holding the restraining gun) and Warwick. Jack Purvis, in a filming scene change/swap with Goffe, would play the famous Gonk droid instead of a Jawa.

With thanks to Frazer Diamond for supplying key behind the scenes information. 

'JEDI' AT 40: NEW EMPLOYMENT!

Now finding themselves employed to Jabba the Hutt's cruel services, Threepio and Artoo are soon herded by Gamorrean Guards to the palace's doom-laden droid dungeon, where, amongst the litter and carnage of destroyed and tortured protocol droids and astro units, they encounter the menacing droid master EV-9D9, who swiftly assigns Threepio to ongoing duties as an interpreter droid. Meanwhile, Artoo heads to Jabba's unique sail barge for a role that it will prove well suited for...

Lovely production painting art by Ralph McQuarrie used within his later Return of the Jedi portfolio, as well as numerous types of promotion linked to the film by 1983.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE PRINCESS EMERGES!

Out from the shadows, Princess Leia fights back!

Custodian of the stolen plans that will restore freedom to the galaxy, Rebel hero Princess Leia Organa fights a hopeless situation as her diplomatic vessel is now boarded by Imperial forces. Thankfully, a little astro droid is at hand to continue her vital mission imperative, during the now eternally classic beginning to the original Star Wars of 1977...

This sequence was part of a busy filming period at the London Elstree Studios, on what was called the 'Rebel Starfighter' interior in the call sheets, located on Stage 9, during the 9th and 12th July, 1976. The deep core set seen here cleverly re-used existing props prior used for the Death Star interiors, as well as floor plating from the Millennium Falcon hold interior. 

Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia comes out fighting...

... but soon finds her gun isn't working properly, in an unused behind the scenes take.

Importantly needing a close-up of Leia transferring the Death Star schematics data card into Artoo, ILM production assistant Penny McCarthy became Carrie Fisher/Leia's hand double for a later shot insert.

'JEDI' AT 40: DELIVERING MASTER LUKE'S MESSAGE!

As an impatient Jabba the Hutt and his monstrous entourage looks towards them, Threepio has Artoo play the special message to the crime lord from Luke Skywalker - Jedi Knight and friend to Captain Solo. Jabba is surprised to see a Jedi Knight, but is ultimately not impressed with him, refusing to give up his favourite wall decoration in Solo's carbonite form. On a more shocking note, Threepio discovers that Master Luke has given him and Artoo away to Jabba as an offered gift of service!

Luke's hologram message was filmed at then end of shooting at Elstree Studios. For some reason, the footage was shown in flipped form-note Mark Hamill's reversed hair style.

Conceptual art by Joe Johnston for Luke's hologram message scene at Jabba's Palace.

The sequence as captured in the film's Marvel Comics adaptation - art by Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon.

A busy time between scenes on the palace throne room set at Elstree.

On a packed set full of technicians and industry related visitors, the message scene is filmed with multiple cameras - January, 1982.

Alec Mills handles the cinematography as several stills photographers take images from floor level.

'JEDI' AT 40: THE DROIDS MEET JABBA!

Now before the great Jabba the Hutt himself, our droid heroes present themselves within a throne room menagerie of grossly diverse and ruthless alien life forms, from bounty hunters to slavers and drug smugglers, all congregated in debauched celebration towards the great crime boss himself.

Ralph McQuarrie thumbnail art of the droids meeting Jabba.

Threepio bows to the almighty Jabba the Hutt!

Threepio confers with Oola (Femi Taylor) in either a posed publicity image or potential deleted scene moment?

Artoo prepares to send the message to Jabba.

Toby Lofthouse and John Birkinshaw make adjustments to Threepio on set.

ROGUE ONE: DROIDS TO SCARIF!

"We're going to Scarif?!"

Sometimes not finding out what dangerous mission you're going on with your Rebel Alliance owners can be an enormous worry, especially if you're a protocol droid like C-3PO, back with his ever-faithful sidekick R2-D2. A lovely cameo return for the characters, and actor Anthony Daniels, at the Yavin IV base in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. But how come Threepio doesn't ultimately remember being there for A New Hope?

Back in the suit and behind the scenes.

CLASSIC ART: 'MELTDOWN ON HOTH'!

It's an incident referred to at the start of The Empire Strikes Back but sadly one never seen onscreen- as an angry Threepio berates his comrade Artoo for an earlier 'accident' in the Hoth hidden Rebel base - the thermal heater melting of ice within Princess Leia's quarters and the subsequent water damage done to her clothing. A fine moment for humour linked to the classic duo and Leia thankfully brought to life by that excellent artist Chris Trevas a few years back.

'JEDI' AT 40: THE 'MAJOR DOMO' MEETS THE DROIDS!

The scary visage of Bib Fortuna arrives to, at first, make a friendly interrogation of the newly arrived droids.

At first playful with Artoo, then aggressive with the little droid's clear stubbornness to talk, Bib Fortuna leads the droid pair through the dark passages of the palace towards Jabba's Throne Room.

Fresh from gory make-up work on such British horror films as American Werewolf in London and the eventually released Michael Mann cult classic The Keep, young actor Michael Carter was cast to play Jabba's unique 'Major Domo', his head encased within a challenging prosthetic that would be brought to life by the very young and talented make-up technician Nick Dudman at Elstree Studios.

For the next five weeks of mid-January onwards filming (also quoted in some sources as being eight weeks), Michael Carter would be in the make-up room daily to become Bib Fortuna. The actor’s routine would be to go into the studio early, have a cup of coffee, have his eyes examined by the studio’s resident optician (who, funnily enough, was called Richard Glass!) prior to his wearing red

contact lenses over his eyeballs. Then, a lengthy sit in a dentist's chair whilst Nick Dudman starts to apply the make-up. The period it takes to put on the appliances would be timed every day. By the last day of the shoot, Dudman had streamlined the make up appliances process down to 58 minutes. Removing the make-up takes a further 25 minutes. 

With the make-up and costume, Carter recalled the transformation into an alien to Star Wars Insider: “Once I got it all on and looked in the mirror it had an immediate effect. Those red, glowing eyes. It had a feminine look, I think. I would wait until the make-up was on and then kind of meditate for a moment. The make-up dictates your performance.” To help himself develop a precise style for Fortuna, Michael actually found it useful to try to actually think like the character. “I don’t think Bib Fortuna was particularly evil. I felt he was someone who knew that he could never be number one, but was very attracted to the idea of power. He obeyed Jabba the Hutt and felt a kindred spirit with the great slug.”

 

Fortuna is soon angry with Artoo's stubbornness to deliver his message to Jabba personally.

Recalling his first days of filming, Carter would tell EMPIRE film magazine: “The first line (in the Huttese language created for the film) I had was, “Die wanna wanga.” But I had my contact lenses in, so they nailed a piece of wood to the floor-when my foot hit it, I knew I was in the right position. But I hit it too hard and so as I fell I shouted, “Te wanna wangaaaa!”

Various behind the scenes images.
 

A very Ray Harryhausen-esque early full length maquette idea for Fortuna, and the familiar figure we'd soon see onscreen.

The approved maquette for Fortuna.

Late 1981 at London's Elstree Studio, and Nick Dudman creates a head sculpt based on the approved ILM maquette of Bib Fortuna.

Michael Carter in 1981.

Putting the heavy head and protuberances on Michael Carter first.

As seen in The Making of The Return of the Jedi book from 1984. Image: via Star Wars Archives website.

A long time in the make-up chair.

Putting on the facial layerings.

Nearing the final look.

January 1982 on set posed make-up/costume reference images.

Continuity Polaroid by Pamela Mann.