TheStar Warsuniverse has lost an important figure today, one who helped bring the franchise’s most beloved droid to life.BBCis reporting thatTony Dyson, who built the original R2-D2 robots for the 1977 sci-fi classicStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, haspassed awayat the age of 68. He passed away from natural causes, but an autopsy is being performed to determine the official cause of death.
Tony Dysonowned the The White Horse Toy Company, and in the late 1970s, he was commissioned to buildR2-D2robots for the 1977 classicStar Wars: A New Hope. He ended up building two robots equipped with a seat for actorKenny Bakerto sit in, along with two more “throw away” units that were used in a bog scene in the 1980 sequelStar Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. He ended up creating eight R2-D2 robots in total, along with master moulds and an additional head.
Beloved concept art specialistRalph McQuarrieprovided the actual design for R2-D2, but it wasTony Dysonwho actually built the robots. It isn’t known ifTony Dysonhelped worked on the new R2-D2 unit that was seen in the box office blockbusterStar Wars: The Force Awakens, but the beloved robot did play an integral role in the story. WhileTony Dysonis best known for his work in theStar Warsuniverse, he did work on a number of other projects.
Dyson also worked onSuperman IIandMoonraker, and was nominated for an Emmy for his film special effects supervision. He created 36 model spacemen complete with backpacks, laser guns and space suits for the space scene inMoonraker. He also helped bring the evil robot Hector to life in the 1980 sci-fi film Saturn 3, starringKirk Douglas, Farrah Fawcett andHarvey Keitel.
He also created and designed 35 feet of latex human intestines in a dream sequence for the 1980 cult classic Altered States, starringWilliam Hurt, and he also worked on the giant robot dragon in the 1981 movie Dragon Slayer. In addition to his film work,Tony Dysonhelped design and build robots for electronics companies such as Sony, Phillips, Toshiba, and robots for several TV commercials and amusement parks. Will you be watching one of theStar Warsmovies today to celebrate the life ofTony Dysonafter his untimelydeath? Let us know what you think below.
