Anthony Daniels has opened up about how he was initially not interested in auditioning for his iconic role in “Star Wars” when he was first approached. The actor subsequently went on to portray the droid C-3PO in every mainline entry in the franchise as well as several spin-offs, but has recently revealed that he had to be convinced to take part in filming by director and writer George Lucas.
Anthony Daniels Had No Interest in ‘Star Wars’ Role When First Approached
Speaking on the Nacelle Company series “Icons Unearthed: Unplugged,” Daniels explained that he showed no interest in “Star Wars” when he was first approached to audition for the role of C-3PO some two years before the 1977 film “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” was released in cinemas.
“My experience with Star Wars started in a really weird way,” he revealed. According to Daniels, he was told that Lucas was creating what he was told was a “low-budget sci-fi movie” and that they wanted the actor to play the part of the robot character.
“I said no,” said Daniels, who then told his agent he didn’t want to audition for the role. This was largely due to the fact that he preferred more serious parts after his classical training at Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance. He continued, “Nothing but Shakespeare probably. Pretentious? Yes.”
Eventually, the agent was able to convince Daniels to meet with Lucas and this proved to be a pivotal moment in his career as the young filmmaker “was exactly the opposite” of what he had expected from a Hollywood director.
“He was George, small, kind of diminutive, gentle, shy. Wearing one of the worst checked shirts I had ever seen. And it kind of took off the edge of any nervousness I might have had,” said Daniels.
The Actor Was Convinced After Reading the Script and Seeing Concept Art of His Character
Although he was charmed by Lucas, the thing that really changed his mind was seeing concept art of C-3PO and other elements of the film by artist Ralph McQuarrie. According to Daniels, he became interested in the “uniqueness and loneliness” that the character seemed to possess.
The actor has previously spoken about how it was the artwork that McQuarrie produced that ultimately changed his mind.
“He had painted a face and a figure that had a very wistful, rather yearning, rather bereft quality, which I found very appealing,” explained Daniels.
Despite not fully understanding everything in the movie’s script, Daniels also connected with C-3PO, saying that “this character touched me.”
At a second meeting with Lucas, Daniels then asked if he could have the part that has ultimately become his most famous role.
