R2D2 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars saga. He has always been a part of all the major story-lines and has appeared in all the seven movies, including the latest in the franchise, "Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens."
One of the many reasons why Star Wars fans love R2D2 is that despite being a cute, harmless-looking droid, R2D2 has always helped all the lead characters in their difficult times. Whether it is keeping Leia's message a secret, saving Han's life, or accompanying Luke on his missions, R2D2 has always been there.
Though the adorable droid won the heart of many on-screen, it was Kenny Baker who put the life in the machine. Born on Aug. 24, 1934, Baker did most of the movements and gestures of the droid and was the man inside the droid. Unfortunately, 81-year-old Baker died on Aug. 13, 2016, due to extended illness and left all the devoted Star Wars fans grieving.
As the world remembers Baker's unforgettable contributions to the Star Wars franchise, here are some of the best R2D2 moments from the movies:
Safeguarding Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi
During a raid by the Empire in "Episode IV," Princess Leia was almost on the verge of getting caught. However, just moment before her capture, she inserted a memory chip in her faithful droid, R2D2, which contained a distress message for the Jedi legend Obi-Wan Kenobi. Though the ship was invaded by Darth Vader himself, R2D2 managed to escape and delivered the message.
Taking care of the Imperial troops
When a group of Storm Troopers trapped R2D2 in "Episode III," it spill oil on the floor and set fire to it, instantly incinerating the soldiers. He also managed to save the lead characters and helped them in escaping the claws of the Empire.
Fixing the hyper-drive
In "Episode V," when Luke and Leia realised that they can't escape the Cloud City with the broken hyper-drive, R2D2 tried his best and fixed the hyper-drive as soon as it could have done. Unfortunately, Han was caught and was imprisoned in a carbonate slab by Vader.
Encounter with Jabba the Hutt
While battling Jabba the Hutt in Episode VI, Luke lost his lightsaber. Just when Jabba was about to strike him down, R2D2 shot Luke's lightsaber to him and he had a narrow escape. This was perhaps one of the best R2D2 moments as if he had been late even for a second, Luke would have been dead and the fans would have got to see a very different version of Star Wars.
Saves the life of C3PO
When a monkey-lizard attacked C3PO and pulled out one of his eyes, R2D2 went to the rescue and kicked the ugly-looking creature's a--. Though C3PO mostly resents r2D2's presence, even he was thankful to him for saving his life. Afterwards, the two continued being best friends forever.
