In an amusing twist of fate during the filming of the original “Star Wars” movie, R2D2, the iconic robot, found itself in an unexpected setting!
The Star Wars set, located in the deserts of Tunisia for the Tattooine scenes, was coincidentally near the set of Franco Zeffirelli’s “Jesus of Nazareth.”
The much-loved droid, operated by remote control, was meant to exit a scene by moving behind a sand dune. However, due to a malfunction in the remote control, R2D2 kept going and ended up on the set of “Jesus of Nazareth.” Actress Koo Stark recalls the incident, noting how the robot “wandered onto the set of Jesus of Nazareth,” according to IMBd.
This mishap is a lighthearted reminder of the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. Imagine shepherds and kings from the Biblical times being greeted by a visitor from a galaxy far, far away! While this encounter didn’t make it into either film, it remains a delightful anecdote shared among fans and casts of both productions.
George Lucas and Franco Zeffirelli, both directing their respective epic films in close proximity, experienced this unique crossover. Thankfully, this incident didn’t cause any harm to either set. It’s a charming story that adds a touch of whimsy to the behind-the-scenes world of these cinematic classics!
Editorial credit: fotoearl / Shutterstock.com | Text credit: Jesus of Nazareth via IMDb
