The most-anticipated movie in the history of the world is Star Wars: The Force Awakens . It's not even a debate, really. The movie has absolutely destroyed the records for trailer views and pre-sale tickets, and I know why. It's because everyone needs to know: Who is BB-8 in Star Wars? But what do fans know about the little guy so far? For one, he's probably the cutest robot of all time. Mark Hamill, AKA Luke Skywalker, told Yahoo! Movies, "They never cease to amaze me with what they’re able to come up with, you know?I said, 'How are you ever gonna top R2-D2, the most adorable droid in movie history?' And then they have [BB-8]." But beyond the undeniable fact that the little droid is the cutest thing ever, not that much is known about BB-8. So where did the rolling robot come from?
BB-8 actually got his start as a sketch on a napkin from The Force Awakens ' director J.J. Abrams. From that initial snowman-like drawing of one circle on top of another with a dot for an eye, a beloved new character sprung forth that has already captured the hearts and minds of many Star Wars fans. Ever since those humble beginnings, a few more details have been revealed about BB-8, so here's everything that's known so far.
He Was Almost A She
J.J. Abrams and the robot's designed team initially conceived of the droid as having a female personality, as opposed to existing male droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. But during the robot's construction, everyone began calling BB-8 "he" and the droid's personality evolved and became male, according to chief designer Neal Scanlan. So it sounds like fans were this close to having a female droid playing a major role, but hey, at least there's still Rey.
He's Real
When spotted in the first teaser for the film, basically everyone assumed BB-8 was a CGI creation. After all, how could anyone make a robot that rolls around like a soccer ball? But BB-8 is 100 percent real, and required a ton of innovative new technology on from the Pinewood Studios creature shop. The results were undoubtedly worth the effort.
He Belongs To Poe Dameron
BB-8 belongs to Oscar Isaac's Resistance fighter pilot in the film, but he's been in the company of Daisy Ridley's Rey for practically all of his appearances so far. It isn't known how or why the two end up in each other's company, so that's just one of the mystery's fans will have to wait until Dec. 18 to find out. Either way though, he's definitely a good guy.
He's an Astromech Droid
Like R2-D2 before him, BB-8 is a droid that's meant to work on starships. The trailer shows him in the back seat of an X-Wing, so he should perform functions similar to R2 when it comes to aiding pilots. He is also said to have many other tools at his disposal, including at least a grappling hook and a taser probe.
You Can Own Him
Well, you can buy a miniature version of him anyway. Sphero, the company that aided in the actual robot's design, has created a toy version of BB-8 that's controlled by a smartphone app. It will likely find its way under many a Christmas tree this year, which is no small feat considering it's lofty $150 price tag. But look how cute!
BB-8 might be the most anticipated movie character ever, so it makes sense that he should be in the most anticipated movie ever. The little droid is too cute for words, and he might even play a major role in the film's plot, making this rolling robot far more than a pretty face.
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Images: Disney/Lucasfilm; giphy
