Sideshow Collectibles

You've got questions? We've got answers - especially about the Life-size droids!

Since their debut at Star Wars Celebration 4, the Life-size C3PO and R2-D2 figures have undergone some intricate revisions and improvements. We are pleased to announce that production is under way, and they will begin shipping later this year! The Sideshow Development Team has been kind enough to answer a few questions explaining the changes that have been made to the original prototype and give a few details as to what collectors can expect once these beauties begin arriving on their doorsteps in just a few months...

Life-Size R2-D2 and C-3PO Questions Answered - 06/12/08

Is the material used, metal or fiberglass that is painted and distressed to resemble metal?

The material used for both R2-D2 and C-3PO dome is fiberglass with a metallic paint effect.

Will the age effect paint application be done by hand to each unit, so that some will come out more distressed than others? If so, what might be the range of difference in the paint effects from one R2 to the next?

Talented artists at the factory apply the age effect paint by hand. This paint application will be closely supervised and monitored to be sure that the effect is neither too heavy nor too light, and that the dirt/grime effect is within a range deemed acceptable by both Sideshow and Lucasfilm. Sideshow is responsible for the manufacturing of C-3PO and R2-D2, and quality control is a top priority.

Do the sound effects for both droids play in a track order, or are they played in a random order? Do they start with the same sound effect each time the droid is activated?

The droid sound effects will play in a track order, and they will begin with the same sound effect each time they are activated. The droid sound and light features are optional, so you can display the droids with lights activated without sound if you prefer.

Do the lights and sound activate automatically when someone passes by them?

The light and sound functions will be activated by pushing a well-hidden button, located on the head of each character. One press will activate the lights, a second press will activate the light and sound functions and a third press will turn the lights and sound off. The choice is yours!

Will 3PO's hand be able to rest on R2's dome when their bases are placed right next to one another?

No, the bases do create separation between C3PO and R2-D2 where it is not possible for C3PO to touch R2's head.

Are the droids attached to their bases, or can they be displayed directly on the floor?

R2-D2 can be displayed directly on the floor without the base. C-3PO cannot stand unassisted and does require the base.

Will R2's center leg be retractable, and will he be able to be tilted to the vertical position?

No, the center leg is not retractable. For stability, it is locked in a fixed position.

When were the still images currently posted on the Sideshow website taken for these products? Do they reflect an early prototype, or are they more recent, reflecting the production run?

The images currently on the website show a near-final version of the droids, but the images will be updated once the final and approved production pieces are available for photography. [R2-D2 Imagery] [C-3PO Imagery]

Thanks, guys! Keep an eye on future newsletters and homepage posts for updates on these Life-size R2-D2 and C-3PO droid replicas.

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