The official “Star Wars” website released the video in the early morning today in order to introduce us to Chopper. Chopper is a surly astromech droid described as the moody cat to Artoo’s loyal dog.
Yesterday, news broke that a German television site had released a video that gave us a new look at the new “Star Wars” show, “Rebels,” which is coming out in the fall. It’s curious why all of this news for “Star Wars” on TV is coming through Germany first and then here to the United States, but that’s neither here nor there.
From the official website:
In Star Wars, droids are always eager to help out their human masters, drop whatever it is they’re doing when called upon, and sometimes even sacrifice themselves to save others. Right?
Not quite. Introducing Chopper, a lazy, cranky (if ultimately goodhearted) astromech droid, and the latest character revealed from the highly anticipated Star Wars Rebels animated series. “If Artoo is the family dog,” said Dave Filoni, executive producer of the show, “Chopper is the cat.” Chopper is an essential crew member of the Ghost, tasked with keeping the starship running and operable for its band of heroes. In reality, thanks to his many “unique” upgrades and customizations, no other alien, human, or droid could handle the job.
The design of Chopper, a.k.a. C1-10P, takes cues from early Ralph McQuarrie concept art for R2-D2, especially the expressive arms that fold out of his head. As Star Wars Rebels takes place four years prior to the events of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Chopper’s retro look creates an aesthetic continuity with droids of the original trilogy.
“Rebels” hits the small screen this fall with a one-hour special on the Disney Channel, and then regular episodes will appear on Disney XD.