R2-D2: Beneath the Dome is a mockumentary from 2001 that presents the "life story" of the astromech droid R2-D2 through fabricated interviews, simulated archival images, movie excerpts, and behind-the-scenes material. Don Bies (an ILM model maker and the head of the R2 production unit) and his colleagues conceived the concept for this film, which was produced by the cast and crew of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
The film adopts a humorous and lighthearted narrative style to chronicle the highs and lows of Artoo's existence, beginning with his modest origins in Bollux, England, and culminating in his prosperous career as a performer. This mockumentary employs interviews with individuals who purportedly "know" him, including George Lucas, Ewan McGregor, Francis Ford Coppola, Richard Dreyfuss, Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Steven Spielberg, and others. We are also acquainted with his human "family," which includes a brother and sister. It is revealed that Artoo's birth name was "Reginald Dillingham," but it was altered for professional reasons. The film also discloses that the Star Wars films were not his initial acting endeavors, as he had previously played leading roles in various plays and movies both before and after the original trilogy. He was even Coppola's original choice for Michael Corleone in The Godfather and Spielberg's for Indiana Jones. Artoo is portrayed as a charismatic figure who attracts the attention of numerous women, as evidenced by the presence of bikini-clad individuals in his limousine. Following a successful career in the film and theater industries, a scarcity of fresh opportunities leads him into a profound state of despair. In an attempt to demonstrate his value, he engages in a bungee jump, nearly resulting in his demise when he neglects to utilize the cord. Subsequently, his career experiences a resurgence when George Lucas invites him to participate in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Ultimately, with his life and career experiencing an upswing, his human girlfriend discloses the possibility of her pregnancy.
A promotional trailer for R2-D2: Beneath the Dome was shown during the US Thanksgiving airing of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Starting on November 25, 2001, it was then broadcast in three weekly parts on the US television network FOX. These segments were simultaneously made available as three online featurettes on StarWars.com. The trailer was subsequently included as a bonus feature on the DVD release of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
On December 26, 2002, the film was released on DVD in Region 1. It featured all three episodes that had previously aired on US television and been made available on StarWars.com, along with the end credits and an easter egg consisting of images of R2-D2 on the Star Wars movie sets. The DVD was exclusively offered for sale at Best Buy and Musicland stores, including SunCoast Motion Picture Company, MediaPlay, and Sam Goody locations.
- Fox Previews R2-D2: Beneath the Dome on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- R2-D2 on TV Guide on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Beneath the Dome - Part One on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Beneath the Dome - Part Two on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Beneath the Dome - Part Three on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Beneath the Dome - Television Promotion on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Beneath the Dome - Credits on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- R2-D2: Beneath the Dome DVD on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
- "R2's Wild Ride" — But What I'd Really Like to Do is… — Don Bies's StarWars.com Blog (content now obsolete; backup link)
- Galactic Renaissance Man: Model Maker and Droid Maestro Don Bies Talks Artoo, Becoming Boba Fett, and More on StarWars.com (backup link)