J.J. Abrams Claims C-3PO is 'Very Center' to The Rise of Skywalker

In the previous Episode IX trailers, C-3PO is seen with red eyes which sparked multiple fan theories. In addition, the final trailer for The Rise of Skywalker also included an emotional scene where the droid said he will be taking his "one last look" at his friends. It looks like C-3PO's character will be an essential part of the story, and director J.J. Abrams teases just how big of a role the droid has in the movie.

Abrams recently spoke with Uproxx regarding some details about the movie, including Emperor Palpatine's return. The topic of 3PO's "huge role" was also brought up, and the director revealed that the droid is, indeed, "very center" to the story. "And truly wonderful in it," he added.

"Anthony [Daniels] gets to do some things," Abrams teased. The interviewer then asked whether the actor was excited upon learning that he'll be much more involved in the film, to which Abrams responded, "He was." The director admitted that they were times Daniels was "bemoaning having to do something."

"I was like, listen, man, you wanted this!" the director added. He claims Daniels was "wonderful" in the film and that he doesn't think "he's ever been better."

Abrams was also asked regarding the difficulty of making C-3PO's character integral before, in the prequel, and the last two movies. "Obviously, you do the best you can," the director said. He admits that they didn't "strategize" for 3PO to be in more scenes. Instead, the story turned out to be "best served using a character that has been underused." And since the story unexpectedly added that factor, Star Wars fans will get to see a "new side" of C-3PO.

Are you excited to see more of 3PO's adventures in Episode IX? Tell us in the comments below!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20.

Also Read: J.J. Abrams Reveals the First Word Spoken in The Rise of Skywalker