View source for C-3PO

{{short description|Robot character from the Star Wars universe}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2024|talk=Assertion of notability}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox character
| name = C-3PO
| image = C-3PO droid.png
| first = ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977)
| last = 
| series = [[Star Wars]]
| creator = [[George Lucas]]
| class = [[Protocol droid]]
| lbl21 = Creator
| data21 = [[Darth Vader|Anakin Skywalker]]
| affiliation = {{Plainlist|
* [[Galactic Republic]]
* [[Rebel Alliance]]
* [[New Republic (Star Wars)|New Republic]]
* [[Resistance (Star Wars)|Resistance]]
}}
| portrayer = [[Anthony Daniels]] (1977–present)
| voice = {{Plainlist|
* [[Anthony Daniels]] (1977–present)
* [[Tom Kane]] ([[Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars]] and [[Kinect Star Wars]])
* [[Tony Pope]]
* [[Simon Pegg]]
}}
| lbl1 = Performed by
| data1 = Michael Lynch
}}
'''C-3PO''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|s|iː|ˈ|θ|r|iː|p|i|oʊ}}) or '''See-Threepio''' is a humanoid robot character in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise. He is a protocol [[droid (Star Wars)|droid]] designed to assist in etiquette and translation, and is fluent in over six million forms of communication.<ref name="SWCEC3PO">{{cite book |title=Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded |publisher=DK Publishing |year=2016 |isbn=978-5-0010-1452-2 |editor-last=Fentiman |editor-first=David |location=New York |page=38}}</ref>{{Sfn|Hidalgo|Sansweet|2008|p=102}} The character appears in all nine films of the [[Skywalker Saga]]—which includes the [[Star Wars original trilogy|original trilogy]], the [[Star Wars prequel trilogy|prequel trilogy]] and the [[Star Wars sequel trilogy|sequel trilogy]]. [[Anthony Daniels]] portrays {{nowrap|C-3PO}} in all the Skywalker Saga films and the standalone film ''[[Rogue One]],'' and he voices the droid in the animated series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]''.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 Announces First Celebrity Guests |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-celebration-anaheim-2022-guest-announce-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214123418/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-celebration-anaheim-2022-guest-announce-1 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite web |last=Gilbey |first=Ryan |date=3 September 2015 |title='The secrecy has been ludicrous': Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels on the new film and his life as {{nowrap|C-3PO}} |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/03/the-secrecy-has-been-ludicrous-star-wars-actor-anthony-daniels-on-the-new-film-and-his-life-as-c-3po |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221135722/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/03/the-secrecy-has-been-ludicrous-star-wars-actor-anthony-daniels-on-the-new-film-and-his-life-as-c-3po |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> In addition to films, {{nowrap|C-3PO}} appears in television series, novels, comics, and video games. Daniels' memoirs, ''I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story'' was released by [[Dorling Kindersley]] on 5 November 2019. The book detailed how [[George Lucas]]' ideas, Ralph McQuarrie's paintings, Liz Moore's character designs and the art department's work led to the creation of C-3PO - as well as Daniels' experience and portrayal of the character from 1977's ''Star Wars'' to 2019's ''The Rise of Skywalker''.{{sfn|Daniels|2019}}

== Creation and development ==
[[Ralph McQuarrie]], a concept artist for the original 1977 ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' film,{{Efn|The film was originally titled ''Star Wars'', then was later retitled ''Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope''.}} based the initial design for {{nowrap|C-3PO}} on the [[Maschinenmensch|female robot]] from the [[Fritz Lang]] film ''[[Metropolis (1927 film)|Metropolis]]'' (1927).{{sfn|Daniels|2019}}{{Sfn|Rinzler|2007|p=103}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Eisner |first=Lotte |title=Fritz Lang |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1977 |isbn=0-306-80271-6}}</ref> When Anthony Daniels saw one of McQuarrie's paintings of {{nowrap|C-3PO}}, he was struck by the vulnerability in the droid's face, and he wanted the role.<ref name="Dreams">
* {{harvnb|Daniels|2019}}; 
* {{cite AV media |title=[[Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy]] |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |year=2004}}
</ref><ref name="Daniels">{{cite web |title=Biography: Anthony Daniels |url=https://www.starwars.com/bio/anthonydaniels.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111180214/http://www.starwars.com/bio/anthonydaniels.html |archive-date=November 11, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2006 |website=[[StarWars.com]]}}</ref> George Lucas, who created the ''Star Wars'' franchise and directed ''Star Wars'', selected Daniels for the physical performance. He was planning to hire another actor for the droid's voice, because he was hesitant to give the character Daniels's British accent.<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine |last=Scanlon |first=Paul |date=25 August 1977 |title=George Lucas: The Wizard of 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/george-lucas-the-wizard-of-star-wars-2-232011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403172550/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/george-lucas-the-wizard-of-star-wars-2-232011/ |archive-date=3 April 2019 |access-date=13 February 2019 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> According to Daniels, Lucas wanted {{nowrap|C-3PO}} to have a "sleazy New York second-hand car dealer" type of voice.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Mackenzie |first=Steven |date=December 17, 2019 |title=We meet Anthony Daniels: the man behind C-3PO |url=https://www.bigissue.com/interviews/we-meet-anthony-daniels-the-man-behind-c-3po/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817131633/https://www.bigissue.com/interviews/we-meet-anthony-daniels-the-man-behind-c-3po/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2024 |website=Big Issue}}</ref> Daniels recalled that thirty well-established actors auditioned for the voice role—including [[Richard Dreyfuss]] and [[Mel Blanc]]—but Daniels ultimately received the part after one of the actors suggested the idea to Lucas.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McCluskey |first=Megan |date=December 18, 2017 |title=20 Actors You Never Knew Were Almost Cast in Star Wars |url=https://time.com/4936666/star-wars-actors-almost-cast-leonardo-dicaprio/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726070207/https://time.com/4936666/star-wars-actors-almost-cast-leonardo-dicaprio/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Dreams" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Steven |date=20 August 2015 |title=Actors Who Almost Appeared in Star Wars |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/actors-who-almost-appeared-in-star-wars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108134137/https://www.starwars.com/news/actors-who-almost-appeared-in-star-wars |archive-date=8 November 2020 |access-date=23 April 2019 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref> With Daniels voicing him, {{nowrap|C-3PO}}'s persona transformed from oily used-car salesman to neurotic English butler.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="Guardian" /><ref name="Independent">{{cite web |author1=Louis Chilton |date=1 November 2019 |title=Sidelined, suffocated, and nearly baked alive: The story of the man who didn't want to play C-3PO |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/anthony-daniels-star-wars-c3po-memoir-book-inside-story-a9178096.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210020611/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/anthony-daniels-star-wars-c3po-memoir-book-inside-story-a9178096.html |archive-date=10 February 2021 |access-date=1 January 2021 |website=The Independent |publisher=}}</ref>}}

For the second film, ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'' (1980), Lucas wanted to create audience sympathy for {{nowrap|C-3PO}} by having him get dismantled.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=132}} He considered having the villain Darth Vader destroy the droid's heart or "turn it into an alarm clock".{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=133}} In the finished film, {{nowrap|C-3PO}} is blasted into pieces by an offscreen foe, then rescued from a scrap pile by Chewbacca.{{Efn|''The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia'' reveals that the droid's assailant is an Imperial stormtrooper.{{Sfn|Hidalgo|Sansweet|2008|p=102}}}} Because both {{nowrap|C-3PO}} and Chewbacca were likeable characters—and disliked one another—Lucas wanted them to have a bonding experience. Towards this end, the [[Wookiee]] carries and then repairs the dismantled droid.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=133}}

== Portrayals & Reception ==

=== Portrayal ===
[[File:Anthony Daniels03 cropped.jpg|thumb|Anthony Daniels has played C-3PO since 1977.]]{{Main article|Anthony Daniels}}Among all the characters in ''Star Wars'', C-3PO stands apart as actor [[Anthony Daniels]] is the only performer to have played the same role—both inside the suit and behind the microphone— in ten live-action films (all nine [[Skywalker Saga]] films and ''[[Rogue One]]''){{sfn|Daniels|2019|p=7|loc=Foreword}} and one [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|animated film]].<ref name=":3" /> He both physically portrays the character and provides the voice in all of these films except for ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]''. For that film, a {{nowrap|C-3PO}} puppet was operated by Michael Lynch, with Daniels providing the voice.{{sfn|Daniels|2019}} 

Ironically, Daniels wasn’t drawn to the role at first. He reportedly disliked the early design until he came across [[Ralph McQuarrie]]’s concept art. The painting, which gave the droid a fragile, almost human vulnerability, changed his mind <ref>{{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=Jonathan W. |url=https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1971712334778329884 |title=The making of Star wars : the definitive story behind the original film : based on the lost interviews from the official Lucasfilm archives |date=2013 |publisher=Aurum}}</ref>. Although ''Star Wars'' was immensely successful, Daniels was initially hesitant to return for the first sequel, ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]''. According to Daniels, the publicists for ''Star Wars'' wanted to give the impression that C-3PO was portrayed by a real robot, and not an actor in a costume.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=278}} Although Daniels felt his acting was undervalued,{{sfn|Daniels|2019}} he eventually agreed to return for a higher salary.{{Sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=695}}

Shooting ''[[Star Wars (film)|A New Hope]]'' in 1977 proved rough for Daniels. In his memoir ''I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story'', Daniels described the first fiberglass costume as “claustrophobic and painful” <ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Brooks |first=Dan |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Star_Wars_Encyclopedia.html?id=m2j2EAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description |title=Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy |last2=Crouse |first2=Megan |last3=Richau |first3=Amy |last4=Ratcliffe |first4=Amy |last5=Wainerdi |first5=Brandon |last6=Zehr |first6=Dan |last7=Knox |first7=Kelly |last8=Windham |first8=Ryder |last9=Barr |first9=Tricia |date=2024-11-19 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-593-96054-7 |language=en}}</ref>. The thing barely moved, cracked easily, and had no ventilation. He overheated, scraped himself up, and could hardly see where he was going <ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-01 |title=Sidelined, suffocated, and nearly baked alive: The story of the man who didn’t want to play C-3PO |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/anthony-daniels-star-wars-c3po-memoir-book-inside-story-a9178096.html |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>. Oddly enough, those limits became part of the character: the stiff stance, the nervous hand motions, the fussy tone. Over time, Daniels shaped C-3PO’s voice into something between a fretful butler and a refined gentleman perpetually on edge <ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilbey |first=Ryan |date=2015-09-03 |title='The secrecy has been ludicrous': Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels on the new film and his life as C-3PO |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/03/the-secrecy-has-been-ludicrous-star-wars-actor-anthony-daniels-on-the-new-film-and-his-life-as-c-3po |access-date=2025-11-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>.

Daniels portrays C-3PO in the television series ''[[Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV series)|Obi-Wan Kenobi]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: Ahsoka|Ahsoka]]'', and voices the droid in the animated film ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|The Clone Wars]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Saavedra |first=John |date=27 May 2022 |title=Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi Cast: Meet the New Characters |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-wars-obi-wan-kenobi-cast-new-characters/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Den of Geek}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Evan |date=2023-09-27 |title=Anthony Daniels Shows Up As C-3PO in Ahsoka for Some Human-Cyborg Relations |url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a45344961/ahsoka-anthony-daniels-c3po-cameo/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Men's Health |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> He also voices the character in the ''[[Star Wars Holiday Special]]'',''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=William |last2=Freer |first2=Ian |date=3 December 2015 |title=The Star Wars Holiday Special: may the farce be with you |url=http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-holiday-special/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226094229/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-holiday-special/ |archive-date=26 December 2016 |access-date=1 January 2017 |website=Empire}}</ref>'' the [[Star Wars (radio series)|radio drama adaptations]] of the original trilogy,<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Derek |date=May 4, 2022 |title=On May the 4th, let's remember the time NPR had a 'Star Wars' radio drama |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/04/1096555142/may-the-4th-star-wars-day-npr-drama |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=NPR}}</ref> various ''Lego Star Wars'' series and specials, and the series ''[[Star Wars: Droids|Droids]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series)|Clone Wars]]'', ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'', ''[[Star Wars Forces of Destiny|Forces of Destiny]]'', ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'' and ''[[Star Wars Resistance]]''.{{sfn|Daniels|2019}}<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Anthony Daniels (visual voices guide) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Anthony-Daniels/ |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> In video games, C-3PO is voiced by Daniels, [[Tom Kane]] and [[Tony Pope]].<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Tom Kane (visual voices guide) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Tom-Kane/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Rebel Assault |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Star-Wars-Rebel-Assault/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609024106/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Star-Wars-Rebel-Assault/ |archive-date=9 June 2022 |access-date=11 May 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> [[Simon Pegg]] voices the character in a [[Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars|''Star Wars''-themed episode]] of the animated television series ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars (2014 TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Phineas-and-Ferb-Star-Wars/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref>

=== Critical Reception and Cultural Analysis ===
When ''Star Wars'' debuted in 1977, reviewers mostly saw C-3PO as a technical marvel and a bit of comic relief <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Scanlon |first=Paul |date=1977-08-25 |title=George Lucas: The Wizard of 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/george-lucas-the-wizard-of-star-wars-2-232011/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>. ''Rolling Stone'' called the droids “two minor miracles of technology,” noting C-3PO’s “considerable urbanity” <ref name=":4" />. The golden worrywart quickly became essential to the films’ rhythm—a polished, anxious foil to the impulsive humans around him.<ref name=":0" />

In later years, critics and scholars began reading more into him. Some argued that C-3PO mirrors systems of servitude and hierarchy within the saga’s universe <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=9780345477637 - The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia by Sansweet, Stephen J ; Hidalgo, Pablo; Vitas, Bob; Wallace, Daniel - AbeBooks |url=https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/isbn/9780345477637/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=www.abebooks.com |language=en}}</ref>. Built to obey, he’s anxious, deferential, and almost entirely without agency—a “cosmic eunuch,” as one critic put it, or even a symbol of enslavement.<ref name=":7" /> His unshakable manners and fear of confrontation throw the rebellion’s defiance into sharper relief, hinting that ''Star Wars'' has always carried a quiet commentary on class, control, and the uneasy status of sentient machines treated as property.<ref name=":7" />

== Appearances ==

=== Original trilogy ===
{{Main|Star Wars original trilogy}}

C-3PO first appears in ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977) aboard a [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel]] ship that is boarded by the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Empire]]. [[Princess Leia]] hides C-3PO and his companion droid [[R2-D2]] in an escape pod, which she jettisons over the planet [[Tatooine]]. There, the droids are captured by [[Jawas]], who sell them to [[Owen Lars]]. While cleaning R2-D2, Lars's nephew [[Luke Skywalker]] discovers a message in the droid that Leia recorded for [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]]. After [[Imperial stormtrooper]]s destroy the Lars homestead, C-3PO and R2-D2 go along with Luke and Obi-Wan on a mission to rescue Leia, transported by the smugglers [[Han Solo]] and [[Chewbacca]] on board the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]''. While on the [[Death Star]], C-3PO and R2-D2 shut down the space station's trash compactor to save the lives of their companions. The group then escapes the station and joins the Rebels at their base. When R2-D2 is damaged during the [[Battle of Yavin]], a grief-stricken C-3PO offers to donate his own parts to repair his counterpart.

In ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980), C-3PO identifies an Imperial probe droid, which gives the Rebels advance warning of an Imperial attack on their base on [[Hoth]]. C-3PO escapes the planet with Han, Chewbacca and Leia on the ''Millennium Falcon.'' They eventually arrive in [[Bespin|Cloud City]], where C-3PO is blasted apart by a stormtrooper.{{sfn|Beecroft|2021|p=49}} After searching for the protocol droid, Chewbacca finds him dismantled on a conveyor belt. The Wookiee later tries to rebuild C-3PO, but puts his head on backwards. Chewbacca carries the partially-rebuilt droid on his back during Han's encasement in [[Carbonite (Star Wars)|carbonite]]. With the help of [[Lando Calrissian]], C-3PO and his friends escape from Darth Vader. On board the ''Falcon'', R2-D2 successfully repairs C-3PO.

At the beginning of ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'' (1983), Luke sends C-3PO and R2-D2 to the palace of the crime lord [[Jabba the Hutt]], who has purchased the frozen Han from the [[bounty hunter]] [[Boba Fett]]. To C-3PO's dismay, R2-D2 plays a recorded message in which Luke offers the droids as a goodwill gift to Jabba. Now in the service of the crime lord, C-3PO acts as a translator as Leia, Chewbacca, Lando and Luke arrive at the palace to liberate Han. Jabba foils the plan, but Luke leads a successful escape attempt and the group departs the planet. On [[Endor (Star Wars)|Endor]], C-3PO and his companions are captured by [[Ewok]]s, but are released after they perceive C-3PO to be a deity.{{sfn|Beecroft|2021|p=49}} Later that night, C-3PO narrates the history of the Rebellion's fight against the Empire to the Ewok tribe, which convinces them to help the Rebels. After the second Death Star is destroyed, C-3PO and his friends celebrate the fall of the Empire.

=== Prequel trilogy ===
{{Main|Star Wars prequel trilogy}}

[[File:Star Wars. Where Science Meets Imagination, C-3PO 2007.jpg|thumb|right|C-3PO featured on a 2007 Star Wars poster]]
C-3PO returns in ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]'' (1999), the first film of the prequel trilogy. The film reveals that C-3PO was built on Tatooine by the nine-year-old slave boy [[Anakin Skywalker]]. The protocol droid meets his future companion, R2-D2, along with [[Jedi Master]] [[Qui-Gon Jinn]], Queen [[Padmé Amidala]] of [[Naboo]] and the [[Gungan]] [[Jar Jar Binks]]. C-3PO and R2-D2 help improve Anakin's podracer for the [[Boonta Eve Classic]] race, and C-3PO becomes part of Anakin's pit crew. C-3PO and Anakin part ways when Qui-Gon frees the boy from slavery and takes him off-planet. Before leaving, Anakin assures the droid that his mother Shmi will not sell him.

''[[Episode II – Attack of the Clones|Attack of the Clones]]'' (2002) is set ten years after ''The Phantom Menace''. Shmi is kidnapped by a group of [[Tusken Raiders]]. Sensing that his mother is in danger, Anakin travels with Padmé to Tatooine, where they reunite with C-3PO. He presents Anakin and Padmé to Anakin's stepfamily: [[Owen Lars]], [[Cliegg Lars]] and [[Beru Whitesun]]. When Anakin returns with his mother's body, C-3PO attends her funeral. When Anakin and Padmé depart Tatooine, C-3PO accompanies them to the planet [[Geonosis]] to rescue Obi-Wan from the [[Sith|Sith Lord]] [[Count Dooku]]. Shortly afterward, he follows R2-D2 into a droid-construction factory, where his head is exchanged with that of a [[battle droid]]. Influenced by the battle droid's programming, C-3PO reluctantly participates in the film's climactic battle scene. After being restored by R2-D2, he leaves Geonosis with his companions. At the end of the film, he is a witness to Padmé and Anakin's marriage on Naboo.

In ''[[Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'' (2005), C-3PO is aware of Padmé's pregnancy. After Anakin falls to the dark side of the Force and becomes the Sith Lord Darth Vader, he takes C-3PO and R2-D2 with him as he massacres the Jedi. C-3PO rationalizes Vader's behavior by saying he has been under a great deal of stress. The protocol droid accompanies Padmé to [[Mustafar]], where he witnesses Vader strangle her into unconsciousness. C-3PO and R2-D2 then take her to safety. When Obi-Wan returns to their spaceship following his duel with Vader, C-3PO pilots it to [[Polis Massa]] and witnesses Padmé give birth to the Skywalker twins, Luke and Leia. C-3PO and R2-D2 become the property of Captain [[Raymus Antilles]], who orders C-3PO's memory erased to protect the Skywalker children from their father and the newly created [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]].

=== Sequel trilogy ===
{{Main|Star Wars sequel trilogy}}

C-3PO appears in ''[[The Force Awakens]]'' (2015), the first installment of the sequel trilogy. He has a red left arm at one point, and is now fluent in seven million forms of communication. He is first seen with Leia and a [[Resistance (Star Wars)|Resistance]] team picking up Han, Chewbacca, [[Finn (Star Wars)|Finn]], [[Rey (Star Wars)|Rey]], and [[BB-8]] on the planet Takodana. During their adventures, C-3PO is reunited with R2-D2, who is reactivated after being shut off for years. In ''[[The Last Jedi]]'' (2017), C-3PO serves as an assistant to Leia and the Resistance pilot [[Poe Dameron]]. Daniels complained that his character was a "table decoration" in this film, and that C-3PO is "worth more than that".<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2019 |title=Star Wars: Anthony Daniels Promises 'Weird Stuff' From C-3PO in the Rise of Skywalker |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/star-wars-anthony-daniels-promises-weird-stuff-from-c-3po-in-the-rise-of-skywalker/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128222144/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/star-wars-anthony-daniels-promises-weird-stuff-from-c-3po-in-the-rise-of-skywalker/ |archive-date=28 November 2019 |access-date=30 November 2019 |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]}}</ref>

In ''[[The Rise of Skywalker]]'' (2019), the droid and his companions travel to Passana, where they search for a clue to the location of a Sith wayfinder. With the help of Lando, they locate the clue—a dagger with inscriptions in the Sith language. C-3PO is able to translate the runes, but his programming prevents him from sharing the translation with his friends. The group travels to [[Kijimi]], where a black-market droid-smith extracts the message from C-3PO, erasing his memory in the process. When C-3PO returns to the Resistance camp, R2-D2 is able to restore his memory.

===Standalone films===
In ''[[Rogue One]]'' (2016), C-3PO makes a [[cameo appearance]] alongside R2-D2.<ref>{{cite web|first=Huw|last=Fullerton|title=11 of the best Star Wars Easter Eggs in Rogue One|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-18/11-of-the-best-star-wars-easter-eggs-in-rogue-one|website=radiotimes.com|publisher=RadioTimes|access-date=December 18, 2016|date=December 18, 2016|archive-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218231504/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-18/11-of-the-best-star-wars-easter-eggs-in-rogue-one|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Series ===
C-3PO appears in the live action series ''Obi-Wan Kenobi'' (2022) and ''Ahsoka'' (2023), and the animated series ''The Clone Wars'' (2008–2020), ''Forces of Destiny'' (2017–2018) ''Star Wars Rebels'' (2014–2018) and ''Star Wars Resistance'' (2018–2020). He is also featured in the [[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|film version]] of ''The Clone Wars'' (2008).

=== Other ===
C-3PO appears in the comics ''[[Star Wars Rebels|Star Wars]]'' (2015–present), ''[[Star Wars: Shattered Empire|Shattered Empire]]'' (2015), ''[[Star Wars: C-3PO]]'' (2016) and ''[[Star Wars: Poe Dameron]]'' (2016–2018), as well as the novel [[Star Wars: Bloodline|''Bloodline'']] (2016).<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars Special: C-3PO (2016) |url=http://marvel.com/comics/issue/52988/star_wars_special_c-3po_2016_1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319042206/http://marvel.com/comics/issue/52988/star_wars_special_c-3po_2016_1 |archive-date=19 March 2018 |access-date=3 September 2017 |website=Marvel}}</ref> He also appears in the [[Star Wars (radio series)|radio adaptations]] of the original film trilogy (1981, 1983, and 1996).

== ''Star Wars Legends'' ==
{{See also|Star Wars in other media}}
Following the acquisition of [[Lucasfilm]] by [[The Walt Disney Company]] in 2012, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' novels and comics produced between 1977 and 2014 were rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and declared non-canon to the franchise. The ''Legends'' works comprise a separate narrative universe.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref name="THR Legends2">{{cite news |last=McMilian |first=Graeme |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429022447/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |archive-date=April 29, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name="SW Legends2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=The Legendary ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Turns a New Page |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |website=[[StarWars.com]]}}</ref><ref name="SW Adult2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |publisher=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2023-05-04 |title=The Star Wars Canon: The Definitive Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-star-wars-canon-the-definitive-guide |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>}}

=== Novels ===
In ''[[The Truce at Bakura]]'' (1994), C-3PO translates Ssi-ruuvi, the language of the Ssi-ruuk, to aid the Alliance.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tyers |first=Kathy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1vkOAQAAMAAJ |title=The Truce at Bakura |date=1994 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=978-0-553-09541-8 |language=en}}</ref> C-3PO and [[R2-D2]] are members of the Senate Planetary Intelligence Network (SPIN) in ''[[The Glove of Darth Vader]]'' (1992), and are disguised as Kessel droids so they can infiltrate a gathering of Imperials.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Davids |first1=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nBMc3pIpcboC |title=The Glove of Darth Vader |last2=Davids |first2=Hollace |date=1992 |publisher=Bantam Skylark |isbn=978-0-553-15887-8 |language=en}}</ref> In ''[[The Courtship of Princess Leia]]'' (1994), C-3PO is led to believe that [[Han Solo|Han]] is ancestrally the King of [[Corellia]] during Han's competition with Prince Isolder for [[Princess Leia|Leia]]'s hand in marriage. C-3PO agrees to assist Han as a counselor droid, but is shocked when Han kidnaps Leia and takes her to [[Dathomir]]. He later discovers that Han's ancestor was merely a pretender to the throne.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wolverton |first=Dave |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rPkOAQAAMAAJ |title=The Courtship of Princess Leia |date=1994 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=978-0-553-08928-8 |language=en}}</ref> Following Han and Leia's marriage, C-3PO travels with them to [[Tatooine]] in ''[[Tatooine Ghost]]'' (2003). He helps them search for an Alderaanian moss painting storing a valuable code. He also reunites with Kitster Banai and Wald, childhood friends of [[Anakin Skywalker]]. With their help, C-3PO discovers [[Shmi Skywalker]]'s diary.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Denning |first=Troy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D4BaAAAAMAAJ |title=Tatooine Ghost |date=2003 |publisher=Ballantine Books |isbn=978-0-345-45668-7 |language=en}}</ref>

In ''[[Heir to the Empire]]'' (1991), [[Lando Calrissian|Lando]] reprograms C-3PO to sound like Leia in order to hide from Imperials on Nkllon. The [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Empire]], led by [[Grand Admiral Thrawn]], sees through the deception.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zahn |first=Timothy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gmGyzQEACAAJ |title=Heir to the Empire |date=1991 |publisher=Random House Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-553-07340-9 |language=en}}</ref> In ''[[Dark Force Rising]]'' (1992), C-3PO goes to Honoghr with Leia during the [[Thrawn campaign|Thrawn Crisis]] to discover what caused the plight of the [[List of Star Wars races (K–O)#Noghri|Noghri]]. He is forced to hide with Leia and [[Chewbacca]] when Imperial forces arrive, but later returns to [[Coruscant]], where Leia gives birth to [[Jaina Solo|Jaina]] and [[Jacen Solo]]. He cares for the twins, and later [[Anakin Solo]] as well.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zahn |first=Timothy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SYzYAAAACAAJ |title=Dark Force Rising |date=1992 |publisher=Bantam |isbn=978-0-593-02515-4 |language=en}}</ref> C-3PO accompanies Han, Lando, R2-D2, [[Luke Skywalker|Luke]], Chewbacca, and [[Mara Jade]] to Wayland in ''[[The Last Command (novel)|The Last Command]]'' (1993).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zahn |first=Timothy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qmbKPwAACAAJ |title=The Last Command |date=1993 |publisher=Bantam |isbn=978-0-593-02518-5 |language=en}}</ref> The party recruits aid from the local population and destroys the Mount Tantiss storehouse.

In ''[[Dark Apprentice]]'' (1994), the Solo twins elude Chewbacca and C-3PO during a trip to a Coruscant zoo, and arrive in the planet's sub-levels. C-3PO frantically searches for them, but they are found by King Onibald Daykim and reunited with their parents.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anderson |first=Kevin J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0T6RuJWzAY4C |title=Dark Apprentice |date=1994 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=978-0-553-29799-7 |language=en}}</ref> C-3PO and R2-D2 accompany Leia on a diplomatic mission to Nam Chorios in ''[[Planet of Twilight]]'' (1997).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hambly |first=Barbara |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fadaAAAAMAAJ |title=Planet of Twilight |date=1997 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=978-0-553-09540-1 |language=en}}</ref> They are unable to prevent her kidnapping and fail to stop the Death Seed plague unleashed by Seti Ashgad and Dzym. Eventually rescued by Han and Lando, the two droids convey their message for help. In ''[[The Crystal Star]]'' (1994), C-3PO accompanies Luke and Han to Crseih Station to investigate the possible existence of Jedi trainees, but instead find Waru, a creature from another dimension. They learn of Waru's alliance with Lord [[The Crystal Star|Hethrir]] and of the kidnapping of the Solo children. Hethrir is destroyed following a confrontation with Leia, Han, and Luke.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Vonda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dy3TCwAAQBAJ |title=The Crystal Star: Star Wars Legends |date=1995-11-01 |publisher=Random House Worlds |isbn=978-0-553-57174-5 |language=en}}</ref>

In ''[[The Black Fleet Crisis]]'' trilogy, C-3PO accompanies Lando, R2-D2, and Lando's associate [[Lobot]] to investigate the runaway alien ship ''[[:Category:Star Wars vehicles|Teljkon Vagabond]]''. They eventually discover that the ship contains the last vestiges of the [[Quella]] civilization. In ''[[The New Rebellion]]'' (1997), C-3PO and several companions are instrumental in stopping Kueller from regaining power by disabling explosive devices he had placed in a large number of droids.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rusch |first=Kristine Kathryn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5SXqEN0BAcYC |title=The New Rebellion: Star Wars Legends |date=1997-09-02 |publisher=Random House Worlds |isbn=978-0-553-57414-2 |language=en}}</ref> During the outbreak of the First Corellian Insurrection in ''[[Ambush at Corellia]]'' (1995), C-3PO and Chewbacca retrieve Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin from the burning Corona House.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Allen |first=Roger MacBride |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=67XVxb6tz7YC |title=Ambush at Corellia: Star Wars Legends (The Corellian Trilogy) |date=1995-02-02 |publisher=Random House Worlds |isbn=978-0-553-29803-1 |language=en}}</ref> In ''[[Showdown at Centerpoint]]'' (1995), the protocol droid accompanies Luke, Lando, Gaeriel Captison and Belindi Kalenda to Centerpoint Station. He informs them that the temperature inside Hollowtown has increased to dangerously high levels.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Allen |first=Roger MacBride |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Yx9AAAACAAJ |title=Showdown at Centerpoint |date=1995 |publisher=Turtleback |isbn=978-0-613-70710-7}}</ref> He serves as a translator for [[Talon Karrde]]'s expedition to the Kathol Sector in ''[[Vision of the Future]]'' (1998).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zahn |first=Timothy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hIVbAAAAMAAJ&q=Vision%20of%20the%20Future |title=Vision of the Future |date=1998 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=978-0-553-10035-8 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Comics ===
According to the [[Star Wars comic strip|''Star Wars'' comic strip]], {{nowrap|C-3PO}} was activated on the planet Affa hundreds of years before the events of the original ''Star Wars'' film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=John |date=2014-10-26 |title='Star Wars' flashback: 'The Constancia Affair,' 'The Kashyyyk Depths,' 'Planet of Kadril' and unpublished newspaper strips (1979-80) (Comic book reviews) |url=http://coldbananas.com/2014/10/comic-books/star-wars-flashback-the-constancia-affair-the-kashyyyk-depths-planet-of-kadril-1979-80/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115160708/https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/10/comic-books/star-wars-flashback-the-constancia-affair-the-kashyyyk-depths-planet-of-kadril-1979-80/ |archive-date=15 January 2023 |access-date=2020-12-09 |website=Cold Bananas Movie & TV Reviews |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[A Guide to the Star Wars Universe]]'' states his activation date as 112 years before ''Star Wars''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Slavicsek |first=Bill |url=https://archive.org/details/guidetostarwarsu00slav/page/ |title=A Guide to the Star Wars Universe |publisher=Del Rey |year=1994 |isbn=0-345-38625-6 |edition=2nd |page=[https://archive.org/details/guidetostarwarsu00slav/page/ xviii] |url-access=registration}}</ref> In the ''[[Star Wars Tales]]'' story "[[Star Wars Tales Volume 2#Thank the Maker|Thank the Maker]]", Vader remembers finding the defunct droid in [[Watto]]'s junk heap and guessing it was several decades old.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Windham |first=Ryder |author-link=Ryder Windham |title=Star Wars Tales #6 |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |year=2000 |location=Milwaukee, OR |pages=51–53}}</ref> In the ''[[Star Wars: Republic]]'' story "The New Face of War", [[Jedi Exile|Queen Jamillia]] appoints C-3PO to serve as a liaison to the Jedi. In 1994, [[Dark Horse Comics]] serialized a story titled ''Droids,<ref>{{cite web|title=Star Wars: Droids Special|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/94-548/Star-Wars-Droids-Special|access-date=November 11, 2018|website=Dark Horse Comics|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612070138/https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/94-548/Star-Wars-Droids-Special|url-status=live}}</ref>'' which led to a 14-issue comic series continuing the adventures of {{nowrap|C-3PO}} and {{nowrap|R2-D2}} before the events of ''Star Wars''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/everything-youd-ever-want-to-know-about-star-wars-droids|title=Everything You'd Ever Want To Know About Star Wars: Droids|last=Greene|first=Jamie|website=[[Syfy Wire]]|date=January 18, 2018|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120050018/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/everything-youd-ever-want-to-know-about-star-wars-droids|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Thorsland|first=Dan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZDKFDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR6|title=Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 5|date=2019-03-26|publisher=Marvel Entertainment|isbn=978-1-302-51077-0|pages=6|access-date=12 June 2020|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115160705/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZDKFDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR6|url-status=live}}</ref> Lucasfilm did not require this series to align narratively with the animated series ''Droids''.<ref name="omnibus">{{Cite book|last=Windham|first=Ryder|title=Star Wars Omnibus: Droids|publisher=Marvel|year=2015|location=New York|pages=i–ii|author-link=Ryder Windham}}</ref> Anthony Daniels and [[Ryder Windham]] also co-wrote a 1997 one-shot comic titled ''The Protocol Offensive''.<ref name="omnibus" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dietsch|first=TJ|date=September 19, 2017|title=Star Wars Spotlight: Droids – The Protocol Offensive|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/star-wars-spotlight-droids-the-protocol-offensive|access-date=2020-06-13|website=Marvel Entertainment|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613071949/https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/star-wars-spotlight-droids-the-protocol-offensive|url-status=live}}</ref>

In ''[[Empire's End]]'' (1997), C-3PO and R2-D2 are nearly destroyed after they spot an Imperial installing a homing beacon on the'' Millennium Falcon'', but are saved by Han and Chewbacca.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Veitch |first1=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HNcCPQAACAAJ |title=Empire's End |last2=Baikie |first2=Jim |date=1997 |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |isbn=978-1-56971-306-8 |language=en}}</ref> The resurrected Palpatine and his fleet discover the Alliance's existence, leading C-3PO and the others to flee to Iziz, a city on the planet of Onderon. Palpatine eventually finds them, but is mortally wounded by Han and destroyed when [[List of Star Wars characters|Empatojayos Brand]] sacrifices himself to save Anakin Solo. C-3PO is found partially destroyed and abandoned by two slave boys, Otalp and Remoh, in the ''[[Star Wars Tales]]'' story ''[[Star Wars Tales Volume 5#Storyteller|Storyteller]]'', which takes place after the original film trilogy. The droid tells them stories of Luke's adventures, and they imagine the stories played out by members of their own alien race. As he is finishing his tale, a Vindar slavedriver appears, blasts C-3PO's head off, and kills Otalp. Later, Remoh finds hope for his people's freedom when he discovers a lightsaber in the remains of C-3PO's body.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Various |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8bTdBQAAQBAJ |title=Star Wars Tales Vol. 5 |date=2015-01-22 |publisher=Marvel Entertainment |isbn=978-1-302-46200-0 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Animated series ===
In addition to novels and comics, some animated series are part of ''Star Wars'' ''Legends.'' In ''[[Star Wars: Droids|Droids]]'' (1985), which takes place between ''[[Revenge of the Sith]]'' and ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'', C-3PO and R2-D2 are traded among various masters. In ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series)|Clone Wars]]'' (2003), C-3PO's outer plating is upgraded during his tenure as Padmé's servant.<ref name="Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 1">''Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 1''</ref><ref>''Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 21''</ref> He is a reluctant participant in many of her adventures, including a hazardous mission during the Battle of Ilum.<ref name="Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 15">''Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 15''</ref> On this mission, he helps [[Yoda]] rescue the Jedi Master [[Luminara Unduli]] and the [[Padawan (Star Wars)|Padawan]] [[Barriss Offee]].<ref name="Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 16">''Star Wars: Clone Wars Chapter 16''</ref>

== Other appearances ==
Outside of the official canon and the ''Legends'' universe, C-3PO appears in the ''Star Wars Holiday Special'' (1978), ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', The Stars of Star Wars (1980),<ref>{{cite web |author1=Tyler Aquilina |author2=Devan Coggan |author3=Lauren Morgan |title=How to build the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational Muppet Show episode |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-muppet-show-how-to-build-perfect-episode/ |website=ew.com |publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=28 October 2025 |date=19 February 2021 |quote=Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker takes control of the Swinetrek along with C-3PO and R2-D2 on a rescue mission to find Chewbacca.}}</ref>{{sfn|Daniels|2019}} ''[[Sesame Street]]'' (1980),{{sfn|Daniels|2019}} ''[[The Lego Movie]]'' (2014),{{sfn|Daniels|2019}} ''[[Lego Star Wars: The Resistance Rises]]'' (2016),{{sfn|Daniels|2019}} ''[[The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special]]'' (2020), [[Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation|''Lego Star Wars Summer Vacation'']] (2022), the animated short ''How NOT to Draw R2-D2'' (2024),<ref>{{cite web |author1=Baver |first=Kristin |date=4 May 2024 |title=In How NOT to Draw R2-D2, C-3PO is Caught Up by Jawas and Madness |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/how-not-to-draw-r2-d2-interview |access-date=6 June 2024 |website=StarWars.com |quote=}}</ref> ''[[Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy]]'' (2024-2025)<ref>{{cite web |author1=Amy Richau |title=Meet the Cast and Creators Mixing Things Up with LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy - Part 1 |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/lego-star-wars-rebuild-the-galaxy-interview |website=starwars.com |publisher=StarWars.com |access-date=22 October 2025 |date=12 September 2024 |quote=Anthony Daniels channeled his dark side to play a bounty Hunter version of C-3PO.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=StarWars.com Team |title=A Giant Chewbacca Joins the Fight in New LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy - Pieces of the Past Trailer |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/lego-rebuild-the-galaxy-pieces-of-the-past-trailer |website=starwars.com |publisher=StarWars.com |access-date=22 October 2025 |date=14 August 2025 |quote=Anthony Daniels as C-3PO}}</ref> and various video games. The character also appears in a 2014 ''Star Wars''-themed episode of the animated television series ''[[Phineas and Ferb]].''

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==

=== Citations ===
{{reflist|30em}}

=== Works cited ===
{{Refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
* {{Cite book |last=Beecroft |first=Simon |author-link=Simon Beecroft |title=Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded Edition |year=2021 |publisher=[[DK (publisher)|DK]] |isbn=9780241531624}}
* {{Cite book |last=Brooks |first=Dan |title=Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy |year=2024 |publisher=DK |isbn=9780241661628}}
* {{Cite book |last=Daniels |first=Anthony| author-link=Anthony Daniels |title=I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=9781465492562 |edition=eBook 1st}}
* {{Cite book |editor-last=Fentiman |editor-first=David |title=Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=9785001014522 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hidalgo |first1=Pablo |author-link=Pablo Hidalgo |title=The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia |last2=Sansweet |first2=Stephen |publisher=Del Rey |year=2008 |isbn=9780345477637 |edition=First |volume=I |location=New York}}
* {{cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W | author-link=J.W. Rinzler |title=The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith |date=2005 |publisher=Ebury Press |isbn=9780091897376}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film |publisher=Del Rey |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-345-54286-1 |edition=eBook v3.1 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of The Empire Strikes Back |publisher=Del Rey |year=2010 |isbn=9780345543363 |edition=eBook v3.1 |location=London}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rinzler |first=J.W. |title=The Making of Return of the Jedi |publisher=Aurum |year=2013 |isbn=9781781310762}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.starwars.com/databank/c-3po C-3PO] in the ''StarWars.com'' Databank

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