Sad news has spread over Star Wars fan community. Professor Tony Dyson, the builder of the original R2-D2 was found dead on the Maltese island of Gozo, as reported by the BBC. He is thought to have died of natural causes.
He was commissioned to build eight R2-D2 units for the filming of the original Star Wars series. His creation remains until today, one of the most popular and iconic Star Wars characters. R2-D2 was a character with its own personality. He was devoted, brave, and at times a bit stubborn. If we take a look at the fact we are talking about a robot with plenty physical similarities to an ordinary bucket, the fact he became such a well developed character and a loving icon of the movie serves as a great credit both to the director, but also to its maker, Mr. Tony Dyson. Rest in Peace.
Tony Dyson, photo BBC
In an unrelated news, according to Mr. Lizo Mzimba of the BBC, Daisy Ridley will not be appearing in Dubrovnik part of Star Wars Episode VIII filming, much to the dismay of local masses, myself including.