While Star Wars is a beloved property that has always enamored moviegoers, a new generation was opened up to the galaxy far, far away once Disney acquired it. This all started with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with J.J. Abrams creating a slew of new characters to interact with fan favorites like Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Leia Organa. There were also a ton of cameos in the film, many of which weren't revealed until months after it hit theaters. Parks & Recreation actor Ben Schwartz famously worked alongside Bill Hader to create BB-8's dialogue in The Force Awakens, but it turns out that Schwartz also another role to play. He actually donned the Stormtrooper gear for a cameo in the movie. Check out Schwartz' post revealing this below, complete with a photo from the set.
It looks like Ben Schwartz truly appreciates his tenure in the galaxy far, far away. And in addition to help crafting the cutest damn droid this side of Jakku, he was also thrilled to get a walk on role as a Stormtrooper. Now the question is: which scene is he in?
Ben Schwartz' Twitter post shows the comedian decked out in full Stormtrooper attire- sans helmet. He seems to be utterly thrilled be in the galaxy far, far away, although he doesn't want to make BB-8 jealous with his two timing roles in the franchise.
Before Star Wars: The Force Awakens even hit theaters, BB-8 was already stealing hearts. The robotic merchandise opportunity certainly didn't disappoint once the movie finally arrived. Poe's little droid joined Rey and Finn for a wild adventure across the galaxy, giving thumbs up and plenty of sass along the way. BB-8's beeps were extremely expressive, allowing it to engage in dialogue with the human characters.
After The Force Awakens arrived, it was revealed than Ben Schwartz and Saturday Night Live alum Bill Hader joined forces to help the new droid find its voice. Schwartz reportedly would respond to lines from Rey and Finn, and then his dialogue would be eventually turned into the robotic sounds heard in the final film.
As an actor, Ben Schwartz is best known for his recurring role as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein in NBC's Parks & Recreation. The oft singing and always ridiculous character ended up becoming more and more important as the show's tenure continued on. Despite not ever being a series regular, Schwartz was able to make his supporting character a fan favorite.
When news broke that Ben Schwartz had helped voice BB-8 in The Force Awakens, Parks & Recreation fans quickly made endless memes and videos about the subject. Like this little wonder below,
While BB-8 is already delightful and beloved, putting Jean-Ralphio into George Lucas' beloved franchise is too good to pass up. Now that The Last Jedi is available for home release, hopefully someone will make another one of these videos for the droid's second appearance in the franchise.
The next installment in the galaxy far, far away is Solo: A Star Wars Story on May 25, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
