Star Wars is an American epic space opera franchise conceived by George Lucas. The first film in the franchise was originally released on 25 May 1977, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, spawning two immediate sequels, released at three-year intervals. Sixteen years after the release of the trilogy"s final film, the first in a new prequel trilogy of films was released, again released at three-year intervals, with the final film released on 19 May 2005. R2-D2, is an astromech droid and colleague of C-3PO in the fictional Star Wars universe, created not long before 32 BBY. R2-D2 was played by Kenny Baker in all six Star Wars films, with many scenes filmed using mechanical versions of the character. R2 is the only character (despite being a non-living droid) to appear in all six Star Wars films, without changes to appearance or speech, unlike his colleague C-3PO, Obi-Wan Kenobi, or Darth Vader. Along with his resourcefulness, R2 had many tool-tipped appendages that allowed him to be a great starship mechanic and computer interface specialist. A light droid, R2 would often enter dangerous situations without second thought. This adventurous streak saved the day on numerous occasions, often turning the tide of galactic history. R2 is barrel-like in shape, with a rotating dome which functions as his head, complete with a single robotic eye. He has three appendages, which enable him to walk, and on each appendage there are wheels he uses for locomotion. Unlike his Protocol droid Counterpart C-3PO, R2-D2 cannot speak but communicates with a series of beeps, whistles, and warbles.