ST Jimmy Vee replacing Kenny Baker as R2-D2 in Ep VIII

I'm actually somewhat surprised they didn't just credit Kenny Baler as R2 in the cast, as opposed to crediting him as "R2 consultant" as they did in the film. Although I could be mistaken, my understanding is that he didn't really have much of a role in ROTS, but he still was provided the credit? Regardless of Episode III, I would have gave him the credit for TFA.

 

It dumb thing that I think might have to do with the Actor's union and regulations on how credit does get made on films.

 

don't you mean different? #DroidRights

 

Mark. He's an awsome character actor.

 

I'm trying not 2 sound mean but with today's tech. Can't R2 be a full robot?

 

Honestly surprised they even need someone to play R2 for some parts still.. Hm..

 

I think its mostly the rocking back and forth and such. Also tradition, I guess.

 

Two sides to it.
The fans like to idolize the man in the suit.
We seem to like that familiarity with the behind the scenes. Of course it doesn't matter who rattles the tin and twists the head. But you'd still like their autograph.

Secondly, from Jimmy Vee's, and his management's, perspective there's a dollar to be made from this. Appearances, interviews, work in other movies. So, it makes sense to play it up.

 

it does matter. the actors inside create the character's motion and look. just like mayhew teaches the new chewie the nuances and physicality of the character so kenny teach jimmy vee.

Actor Jimmy Vee named as new R2-D2 | Film | The Guardian

 

The two-legged droids in TFA were completely robotic. The wobbling effect was achieved with motors and piston. Since R2's screen time in TFA was relatively limited, this was considered adequate. The droid team for TFA noted that the the two-legged droid did not have the same range of expression that would be required for more screen time.

 

I'm all for maintaining human jobs whenever possible. LFL can afford to hire an actor to play R2 (which ultimately may be cheaper than a full-on robot), so why not?