A Reluctant Host

Host Anthony Carboni playfully laments the inevitability of facing his next guest, claiming he was “forced into it” [00:13]. He introduces Anthony Daniels to the Star Wars Celebration LIVE! stage, jokingly referring to him as someone who “says yes to portraying C-3PO in literally anything” [00:20]. Daniels arrives, bringing a chaotic and comedic energy to the stage.

Why C-3PO Matters

Carboni reveals that C-3PO is his favorite Star Wars character of all time, even admitting to having a “small 3PO shrine” in his home [04:05]. He explains that as a nervous, rule-following kid, he related deeply to the protocol droid [04:33]. “I think for a lot of people who are particularly neurodivergent in some ways as I am, we recognize a lot of ourselves in droids and in their particular idiosyncrasies,” Carboni explains [05:09]. He notes that while other characters yelled at 3PO or made fun of him, he understood that the droid was just trying to look out for his friends and keep them safe.

Daniels is genuinely touched by the sentiment, abandoning his comedic banter for a moment to say, “Normally you talk a load of rubbish but today you’re talking sense” [05:59]. He agrees, sharing that fans often tell him that 3PO was a comforting, heroic figure for kids who felt misunderstood.

Balancing Act

Reflecting on the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, Daniels recounts one of his least favorite memories from filming [07:16]. During a scene in the Millennium Falcon where 3PO is in pieces, Daniels had to physically stand on one leg inside the heavy suit while holding the prop leg behind his thigh [07:32]. He pulls Carboni up to act as a wall to demonstrate the difficult balancing act, playfully shouting, “I’m standing here in pieces and you’re having delusions of grandeur!” [08:54].

Meet the New Generation

Carboni introduces Daniels to “Gill,” a small, boxy, remote-controlled droid operated by someone off-stage, claiming Gill is getting his start in Star Wars [09:30]. Daniels engages with the little droid, eventually asking, “Are you the replacement for Anthony Carboni here, the Next Generation Carboni?” [10:26]. Gill beeps affirmatively, leading Carboni to dramatically cry out, “Betrayal! Betrayed by my own son!” [10:37].

The Droid Expert

Later in the interview, Carboni brings up Daniels’ work on The Rise of Skywalker, where he was essentially the “expert” training other actors on how to move and behave like droids [23:18]. Daniels humbly deflects, saying, “I wouldn’t claim to be an expert, it was just I was there at the time, I was available” [23:59]. However, he notes that his extensive experience in the C-3PO suit made him a highly empathetic teacher. Because he understood the claustrophobia and limitations, he knew exactly what the new actors were going through and how to help them [26:16].

The Best Part of the Suit

When Carboni asks if there is a favorite or least favorite part of wearing the C-3PO suit now that technology has improved, Daniels answers quickly: “The favorite thing about wearing the suit is taking it off” [25:30]. Carboni mentions reading Daniels’ book, I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story, and being shocked by the intense support system required to keep Daniels functional in the suit, such as the leaning board used between takes [25:53].

As the segment wraps up, Carboni drops the jokes and sincerely thanks Daniels for being a massive hero and presence in his life [27:10].