George Lucas Contemplated Replacing Anthony Daniels as C-3PO's Voice
It turns out that while George Lucas was developing the first Star Wars movie he wasn’t really happy with Anthony Daniels’ voice as C-3PO. Daniels, the actor behind the golden protocol droid, was at risk of losing out on providing the distinctive voice that has become synonymous with the character.
Daniels, hired for the role in the original 1977 Star Wars, has been a constant presence in the franchise. He has graced the screen in nine Star Wars movies and contributed to various spin-offs, animated series, video games, theme park rides, and radio dramas, solidifying his place as one of the most enduring figures in the franchise.
In the 2018 documentary The Director and the Jedi, it was revealed that Lucas, struck by a creative whim, contemplated replacing Daniels' voice. Lucas, known for his visionary approach, felt that while Daniels' physical performance was commendable, he thought that a new voice might enhance the character. This decision mirrored Lucas's earlier move when he replaced David Prowse's voice with James Earl Jones for the character of Darth Vader in post-production.
Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the movie, recalled Lucas's unexpected decision and the subsequent audition process. According to Hamill, Lucas wasn’t happy with Daniels' "proper British" voice for the droid. Hamill explained:
"Not telling tales out of school, George got back and looked at all the footage, and didn't like C-3PO's voice. And so, he saw over 100 actors, voiceover guys, to come in and audition for the role of Threepio's voice. Mind you, it's all been filmed. And we're so used to Tony, [Imitates C-3PO] 'Oh, yes, how's that, sir?' All of that. I mean, it was all part and parcel of the organic character. He's almost like the droid equivalent of 'Upstairs, Downstairs.' He's much more comfortable in the drawing room serving champagne. That was the humor of Threepio."
The auditions aimed to find a replacement who would offer a different take on C-3PO, moving away from the "butler" persona. Early versions of the "Star Wars" script indicated Lucas's desire for a voice more akin to a fast-talking used car salesman, possibly considering an American actor for the role.
While the roster of auditioning voice actors remains unknown, the 2004 documentary Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy revealed an important moment for Lucas and Daniels. One of the American actors auditioning suggested that Daniels' voice already suited the character perfectly. Lucas, taking this advice to heart, decided to retain Daniels as the voice of C-3PO, which was the smart choice.
Via: CBR