C-3PO might not appear in ‘Star Wars’ for ‘a very, very long time’

We might not see C-3PO in a new “Star Wars” project for a decent amount of time, according to “Star Wars” legend Anthony Daniels.

What’s going on?

Daniels recently told CinemaBlend he doesn’t expect to be included in a “Star Wars” film or project for “a very, very long time” now that the “Star Wars” films are taking a backseat to other projects.

• “No, I’m never going to retire,” Daniels confirmed. “They’re going to have to throw me out the door. ... Life is not over, the films, may be taking a back seat for ‘3PO,’ for a very very long time, I would think. But there’s all sorts of other media, particularly now with digital formats, that I’m so happy, and grateful and proud to be part of. And I do want to go on looking after ‘3PO’ because he needs looking after.”

Flashback:

Daniels tweeted an emotional note about the end of C-3PO’s run in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which many took as a hint that the character might have an emotional goodbye in the film, according to Mashable.

• “Today was 3PO’s last on ‘Episode IX,’” Daniels wrote. “He’s sad — so am I. But we’re so proud to have worked with such a lovely, talented cast & crew lead by J.J. & Kathy.”
• “I’ll miss everyone but I’m glad to know that we’ve been making something exceptional together, to share with the waiting world,” he continued. 

The bigger picture:

• C-3PO has been a major character in the Skywalker Saga. He was even built by Anakin Skywalker. So it’s unlikely he’ll show up in any projects unless they are tied to the Skywalker family. That said, he did make a cameo on “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”