On today’s episode of The Star Wars Show, we got to meet the newest cast member of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. C2-B5 is a black-plated astromech droid that will play a role in the upcoming film. Check out the reveal beginning around 2:08:
C2-B5 isn’t the only droid in the cast of Rogue One. Voice actor Alan Tudyk will bring to life K-2SO, a haughty enforcer droid that joins the Rebel Alliance. Could K-2SO and C2-B5 be the new C-3PO and R2-D2? Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
What Makes C2-B5 Special?
C2-B5 is an astromech droid in the service of the Galactic Empire. The Empire relies on astromechs for an array of maintenance duties, particularly aboard the Death Star. However, Imperial technicians keep their astromech droids in line by subjecting them to routine memory wipes, whereas the Rebel Alliance allows its droids more individuality.
Memory wipes are a common practice, since they prevent a droid from surpassing its memory limits. Still, R2-D2 never had a major memory wipe throughout his decades of service — partly thanks to one of his early owners, Anakin Skywalker. On the other hand, protocol droid C-3PO underwent a memory wipe during Revenge of the Sith, to prevent him from blabbing about the Skywalker twins. Perhaps C2-B5 knows something that’s worth hiding, maybe regarding the elusive Death Star plans.
There’s also the matter of who’s providing C2-B5’s voice. Lucasfilm has a tradition of keeping its astromech droids’ voice actors under wraps. The exception, of course, is the late Kenny Baker, who brought R2-D2 to life. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until the release of The Force Awakens that Lucasfilm revealed the complex vocal team behind BB-8. As for Chopper from Star Wars Rebels, his voice actor is still a secret.
So, who’s voicing C2-B5? We’ll just have to wait until Rogue One is released to find out. Look for the film on December 16, 2016 at a theater near you.