Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has a surprising voice actor cameo in the newly introduced droid character named D-O. While many droid characters only make electronic noises and beeps to express themselves, like R2-D2 and BB-8, there are some that can speak, such as C-3PO, who is a protocol droid, as well as the battle droids from the Clone Wars.
Star Wars movies, TV shows, and video games have the tendency to introduce new droids in the franchise, with one of the latest additions being BD-1, a small droid that appears in the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order game. BB-8 has undoubtedly been the biggest new droid addition to the Star Wars franchise when he debuted in J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Appearing in that film as well as Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, BB-8 had become crucial to the Resistance's efforts in defeating the First Order. But now, he's not alone.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker introduces another small droid, D-O, who plays a small but integral role in the Resistance taking on the First Order and Emperor Palpatine. At least, with regards to reaching them in the first place. Interestingly, D-O was originally owned by a Sith loyalist named Ochi.
D-O's Origins In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
D-O was found by BB-8 aboard Ochi's ship on the planet of Pasaana. The droid was shut down when found, but BB-8 was able to reactivate him. The droid’s features include a single wheel, which it uses as a means of transportation, a cone-shaped head with several small antenna, and white/green coloring. D-O has the ability to speak in a very basic sense, and oftentimes his speech comes out in a glitch-like stutter. His personality is very timid at first; Rey even makes a comment that his last owner must have mistreated him for him to be this way. After being discovered, D-O joined the resistance heroes on their journey to the planet of Kijimi. Here, Rey fixed the droid further by greasing his squeaky wheel.
JJ Abrams Voices D-O In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
D-O is voiced by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker director J.J. Abrams. Originally, Abrams voice was only supposed to be used temporarily while other actors were being considered. However, screenwriter Chris Terrio won the argument to keep Abrams as the voice of tiny droid because it fit perfectly. While Abrams is known for being a director, every now and then he earns himself an actor credit. Abrams has made several cameos throughout his career, most recently as himself in the film The Disaster Artist and as an uncredited alien on a TV monitor in Men in Black: International. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker being the final film of the sequel trilogy and the Skywalker saga, it was nice to see the director get a nod (or give himself a nod) for his contribution to the acclaimed franchise.