Why R2-D2 Was Played by a Human, According to Lucas

When I first learned that R2-D2 wasn’t purely a robot, my mind was blown. Turns out, back in the ’70s, technology wasn’t reliable enough to make R2 fully robotic. Instead, Kenny Baker, an actor, actually got inside the droid to make those iconic moves.

I can’t imagine the tight squeeze, but it totally worked! I found this deep dive into why they chose a human over a robot, and it’s pretty cool.

1. Lucas wanted R2 to feel alive, almost like he had a little soul

First off, we have to give credit to George Lucas—the mastermind behind Star Wars. He wanted R2-D2 to feel alive, like he had his own little personality rather than just being another droid.

That’s where Kenny Baker came in. He wasn’t just inside the suit—he was the reason R2 felt so expressive. With him in the droid, R2 could rock back and forth, wiggle, and react to what was happening around him, making him feel like a real character instead of just a prop.

Kenny even talked about this in an interview:

“By R2’s extension leg. When they were using that, they swapped R2. I can tell when I am in it because I know the way I move. For others, it is hard to tell. The R2 I use is the two-legged one, the one that reacts to dialogue. When it is moving, chasing, or rolling; no way my R2 can do that! That one has the third leg, the motor, and the steering device.

George knew exactly what he wanted. He told me where to look, what to do. Richard Marquand hardly ever used me—he said he was going to, but he didn’t. George told him that when I was in R2, R2 came to life. Still, Richard never used me a lot.”

Back in the 1970s, practical effects were everything. Having a real person inside R2-D2 made his movements feel more natural, especially when interacting with other characters. It was also cheaper and easier than relying on the limited robotics of the time.

But more than that, Kenny gave R2-D2 something special—charm, personality, and that little spark that made him one of the most beloved droids in Star Wars.

2. Technological Limitations

Back in the 1970s, technology wasn’t anywhere near what we have today. Robots and remote controls were pretty basic and, honestly, not very reliable.

Now, imagine filming in the hot deserts of Tunisia, and the droid you’re trying to shoot a scene with keeps breaking down. That’s exactly what the crew had to deal with.

We might think of droids as advanced and durable, but back then, they were anything but. They broke down constantly, especially in tough filming conditions.

That’s why they brought in Kenny Baker—having a real person inside R2-D2 meant they didn’t have to worry about technical failures ruining a scene. It was a simple, practical solution to a very real problem.

Sure, they still used remote-controlled R2-D2s for some shots, but when it came to delicate movements and expressive moments, they relied on Kenny to bring R2 to life.

3. Multiple R2-D2 Models

Did you know there were multiple R2-D2 models used during filming? Yup, it’s true! They had different versions for different tasks. 

When R2-D2 needed to zip around quickly, they used a remote-controlled model. But for those close-up scenes where R2-D2 needed to show a bit more personality, Kenny Baker was inside, doing his magic.

Here’s a fun little tidbit: Kenny Baker, inside the R2-D2 suit, couldn’t turn his head too much because the wires inside would wrap around his neck. Talk about a tight squeeze!