‘Star Wars’ BB-8 gets an evil twin?

Just in time for Force Friday II, when merch for the upcoming Star Wars film comes out, Disney together with Sphero unveiled new droids we’ve definitely been looking for. One is a tiny incarnation of R2-D2 (at least that’s what it looks like to us based on the video) and another is what Hollywood Reporter calls the evil twin trope incarnation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens’s BB-8. Called BB-9E (or if Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson had his way, BB-H8), the new droid will be debuting in the Dec. 15 film as part of the Astromech unit of the First Order. BB-9E helps keep the starships and machinery running. The toy itself is being called a “rolling menace” and you see it toppling a Jenga tower in the video above.

The BB-9E is almost identical to BB-8, down to the markings on the body, but this time it comes in black and gray and has a more angular head and a red-eye, making it look similar to Darth Vader with his helmet on. The BB-9E will be available for US$149.99 (around CA$190), while if you’re more interested in R2-D2, the iconic droid goes for US$179.99 (around CA$220).

Source: Variety

R2-D2's actor Kenny Baker passed away

British actor Kenny Baker, who has played one of the most iconic robot roles as Star Wars' R2-D2, has passed away on Saturday. He was 81 years old and succumbed to a long illness. He first got the role because of his height (he stands at three feet, eight inches). And he's been playing the beloved robot for most of the Star Wars films, he was even credited as "R2-D2 Consultant" in The Force Awakens. He was supposed to attend the premiere for said movie but was told he was too ill to travel. He's had problems with his lungs and was often in sitting in a wheelchair, according to his niece Abigail Shield.

Shield told The Guardian: "It was expected, but it's sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we'll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We're all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime."