Star Wars 9: C-3PO Anthony Daniels reveals his 'DISAPPOINTMENT' with the new films

There has been a huge disturbance in the Force. Not since the dodgy days of a certain Gungan has the fandom been so divided or angry. Huge numbers protested the divisive plotlines and ending of The Last Jedi. Major stars like Luke Hamill are popularly believed to be equally unhappy. Express Online sat down with Anthony Daniels to chat about his new book I Am C-3PO. We had to ask him about the backlash – and what he thinks of The Last Jedi.

The actor says: “Well, yes. I do understand why the fans are unhappy… It speaks to a devotion that they care so much that they mind if someone messes with it. I understand people being critical of the films.”

He has remained fairly silent until now, while stars like Mark Hamill have dropped loaded comments online and in interviews.

Daniels says: “I know it has been particularly difficult for him (Hamill) lately because the new movies haven’t given him much to do. I certainly recognise that and can relate to it.

“In these new movies, I have felt like a table decoration. And that is difficult because I recognise this character (C-3PO) is worth so much more. But I understand it is a whole film, not a feature about C-3PO.

“That is just my personal disappointment. I get paid whether or not he does anything but it would be nice for him to have a purpose.”

The actor also confesses to not being too thrilled with his time working on the divisive Prequel Trilogy: “It was certainly a bit weird in the prequels. But I accepted the storylines were very different. I was very glad to be there although they weren’t that much fun to do.”

There have been major hints the golden droid will finally play a much larger role in The Rise of Skywalker – and the red-eyed trailer scene hints he may perhaps even sacrifice himself or turn evil.

Daniels obviously can not give much away but he teases: “C-3PO has a major arc. 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.”

Many fans have threatened to boycott the final film in the Skywalker saga. Daniels has a message for them.  

STAR WARS 9: ‘ONLY THIS CHARACTER CAN KILL PALPATINE’ 

“People should be respectfully critical. The toxicity was so shocking and unpleasant. And often wrong. To be venomous and cruel is against the ethos of a story about goodness. 

“I get tweets from people saying they will never watch another Star Wars film again. Well, I bet they do. Everybody needs to see how it ends.

“And I hope they do because, from everything I have seen so far, it is really rather good.”

All will be revealed in December. Before that, fans can read Daniels’ extraordinary eyewitness account of making every Star Wars movie since the beginning, the only actor to have done so.

 I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels is published by DK (£18.99). Also on audio.