There has been a split in the force following Rian Johnson’s Last Jedi. Some fans have lost faith in Disney and Lucasfilm. In a refreshingly honest interview, Daniels spoke to Express Online about the shock backlash and what fans can expect from Episode 9. He was in town to promote his eye-opening new book, I Am C-3PO, which details his experiences on set (and off) making the nine Skywalker Saga films and spin-off Rogue One.
Apart from Mark Hamill, most Star Wars actors have carefully toed the party line.
Daniels is candid, which also lends more credence to what he says about The Rise of Skywalker.
He says he understands why some fans were so unhappy and also speaks about his and Mark Hamill’s own issues with the first two films of the Sequel Trilogy, commenting, “In these new movies I have felt like a table decoration.”
Daniels says: “I get tweets from people saying they will never catch another Star Wars film again. Well, I bet they do. Everybody needs to see how it ends. And I hope they do…”
STAR WARS: READ ANTHONY DANIELS’ FULL COMMENTS ABOUT THE FAN BACKLASH AND HIS AND MARK HAMILL’S DISAPPOINTMENTS WITH THE NEW FILMS HERE
Daniels adds: “I adored working on this film. I had tons of work to do and I felt so much part of it. C-3PO has a major arc. You are going to enjoy him because he’s had very little do until now, but in this one (writer) Chris Terrio has sunk himself into the ethos of Star Wars with (director) JJ Abrams. They enjoy every character including C-3PO.”
We have to ask if this refers to the shock trailer footage of the golden droid with red eyes.
Is he turning evil? Will he sacrifice himself? Especially after the ominous moment he emotionally says he is “Taking one last look, sir… at my friends.”
So, what can Daniels tell us: “Very little, I’m afraid.”
It’s not unexpected. However, he still has wonderful news for fans: “I am very satisfied with what I had to do in this movie and I am very satisfied with everything I know about this movie.
“I can promise. You will feel so many emotions during this film… From everything I have seen so far, it is really rather good.”
From this restrained and quiet man, this is the highest praise. Time for fans to get very excited…
I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels is published by DK (£18.99). Also on audio.