Richard Marquand directed Return of the Jedi, the final installment in George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy. However, he sadly passed away less than four years after the film’s release. A new unpublished interview conducted with Marquand before his passing was later released on the eve of the film’s 30th anniversary.
During the interview, Marquand spoke about the experience of directing a Star Wars movie. At the same time, the director also revealed the character he had the hardest time working with, and it was none other than the fan-favorite droid R2-D2. Here is what Marquand had to say about directing the droid in Return of the Jedi and why it was challenging.
Return of the Jedi Director Richard Marquand Talks Working With R2-D2
Return of the Jedi marks the final entry in the original trilogy of Star Wars films created by George Lucas. It was directed by Richard Marquand and proved to be a major critical and commercial success, grossing $252,601,637 in its initial run at the global box office.
During an interview, Marquand was asked about the challenges of working with robots, aliens, and masked characters in the film, which are a staple of the galaxy far, far away. He revealed that it was particularly challenging to film the scenes involving the droid R2-D2.
When R2-D2 is running just on his electronics, he’s a beast. He’s the most rude and ill-behaved actor you’ve ever worked with in your whole life.
Marquand made the above statement (via Den of Geek) regarding the challenges he faced while directing the character.
He added that because R2-D2 does not speak, it was difficult to nail the tonality of the character’s actions in the film. However, Marquand noted that it was easier to direct R2-D2 when there was an actor inside, praising actor Kenny Baker, who operated the R2-D2 unit for the original trilogy.
Richard Marquand Reveals How It Felt to Direct Return of the Jedi
During the same interview, Marquand was also asked about directing the final installment in Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy. He revealed that he was a great admirer of Lucas’ work. At the same time, the director also admitted to being a massive Star Wars fan.
I know the story means an enormous love to me. I love the characters.
Marquand made the above statement explaining how elated he was to work with Lucas on a Star Wars film because of his previous admiration for the filmmaker and the classic 1977 film.
However, he also admitted to being slightly scared of the task of ending the original trilogy. Marquand suffered a stroke at his home in Penshurst on August 30, 1987, and died five days later in a hospital on September 4, 1987, at the age of 49. His final directorial venture, the Bob Dylan-led musical drama film Hearts of Fire, was released posthumously.
Return of the Jedi and other Star Wars films are streaming on Disney+.
