Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker star teases reason for C-3PO's red eyes

It looks like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will finally see the usually useless protocol droid C-3PO get involved in the action.

Following the release of Episode 9's latest trailer, one of the biggest questions on fans' minds – despite us getting a glimpse of Darth Rey – is why does Threepio have red eyes?

Well, according to the man behind the golden shell, Anthony Daniels, this reveal is part of a surprising and "magnificent piece of storytelling" that places the character "front and centre" of the film.

Speaking on The Star Wars Show, Daniels revealed: "That was so weird, because they had rigged me up with a special thing, and to look at myself in the mirror, it was scary! It's a magnificent piece of storytelling that really took me by surprise."

Despite the protocol droid appearing in every single Star Wars film (bar Solo) he's never done much more than flap around, panic in dangerous situations and give pessimistically inaccurate odds to whoever happens to be flying a ship at the time – but for his final appearance in The Rise of Skywalker, Daniels claims he'll have a far more significant role.

"I'm front and centre in this one for a lot of it, and that made me feel very happy and very excited. Because the stuff we do is magic, the inventiveness, superb," he told The AP at the D23 Expo (via ET Canada). "And so, for me, and for Threepio, this is a very good bye-bye moment. Enjoy."

On saying an emotional goodbye to the space opera series after 40 years, the actor recently told Variety: "It was difficult not to tear up a bit. Partly because JJ [Abrams] said some really nice things and all the crew were listening and watching.

"I have to admit it was an emotional moment, but I knew it was coming. It wasn't even a scene in which I said anything. For once, Threepio was in a scene without butting in.

"But I felt it's such a terrific movie that I thought it was okay to say goodbye. I feel satisfied with this one. I have something to be proud of, you know, as I say goodbye."

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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be released on Thursday, December 19 in the UK and Friday, December 20 in the US.

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Chris Edwards

Chris Edwards is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy.