Alan Tudyk visits Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, reuniting with key figures from the Star Wars universe for an exclusive tour on Monday, June 1st. Accompanied by his two sons, Tudyk was joined by Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy and supervising sound editor Margit Pfeiffer as the group explored the storied Presidio campus, uncovering memorable moments and insights from their iconic creations.
A Joyful Return for Alan Tudyk
This San Francisco visit marked Alan Tudyk’s first return to Lucasfilm’s headquarters since his role as K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The excitement of the occasion was reflected in his words:
“This is the coolest day ever,”
beamed Tudyk, delighted to share the experience with his children. The atmosphere was one of nostalgia and enthusiasm, bridging past achievements with ongoing creative endeavors.
Guided by Pablo Hidalgo and Tony Gilroy
The tour was led by Pablo Hidalgo of the Lucasfilm Story Group, providing Tudyk and Tony Gilroy an in-depth exploration through emblematic Star Wars locations on the campus. Gilroy and Hidalgo displayed the camaraderie that has characterized their collaboration, evident as Gilroy jested,
“Do you get sick of me talking about you?”
Gilroy added,
“I talk about you all the time.”
Paramount to their teamwork were creative discussions that allowed legendary settings like Yavin 4 to feature in Andor’s second season and clarified pivotal narratives, including the “Tarkin Massacre” on Ghorman.
Iconic Landmarks: Yoda Fountain and Behind-the-Scenes Humor
No Lucasfilm visit is complete without seeing the Yoda Fountain, with its statue sculpted by the noted Lawrence Noble. The group’s playful curiosity was sparked by Gilroy’s question,
“We couldn’t get a B2EMO statue?”
while Tudyk lightheartedly remarked,
“Is this actual imported swamp water?”
after observing the fountain. These moments blended Star Wars’ mythos with real-world connections on the grounds of Lucasfilm’s San Francisco campus.
Rediscovering B2EMO and the Droid Department
As the group moved deeper into the facility, they sought out the beloved B2EMO droid. Upon sighting the prop, Gilroy greeted it with, “Hello darling!” The B2EMO, designed by the same droid department responsible for the originals, has found a place as a mascot among the San Francisco staff, encapsulating the franchise’s enduring spirit. Gilroy also wondered aloud,
“Is there a funk shop where you guys just decide on how to get ‘funk’ on everything?”
This remark highlighted the creative process behind the distinctive, well-worn aesthetic seen throughout the Star Wars universe.
Homage to Artistic Vision and Prop Legacy
The tour concluded in front of a towering Death Trooper statue, referencing these memorable villains from Rogue One. Hidalgo illuminated their origins:
“They were initially designed to match the work of Ralph McQuarrie’s original stormtroopers. He would draw them tall and skinny, just because that was his art style. So they tried to mimic that in Rogue One.”
This connection underscored the legacy of the saga’s artistic contributors like Ralph McQuarrie and the creativity of the current team.
Parting Gifts and Celebrating Star Wars Lore
In a gesture underscoring the scholarly roots of the franchise, Hidalgo gifted Gilroy a copy of
“Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire”
by Chris Kempshall. Hidalgo explained,
“We made a book written by a real-world historian, charged by the real-world history of Star Wars.”
The thoughtful present reflected the ongoing dialogue between Star Wars as fiction and its real-world influences. Not to be outdone, Tudyk added levity to the farewell, quipping,
“I saw an Emmy in a case back there, I’ll just go grab that.”
The Lasting Impact of a Day at Lucasfilm
Throughout their visit, Alan Tudyk, Tony Gilroy, Pablo Hidalgo, and Margit Pfeiffer revitalized the connections among creators, stories, and the historic headquarters of Lucasfilm. Their candid interactions celebrated the artistry, history, and personal bonds central to the continuing evolution of the Star Wars saga. For fans and future creators alike, the visit was a testament to the magic and legacy that reside within Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, ensuring that every artifact and anecdote resonates across generations of Star Wars enthusiasts.
