r2-d2 (phonetically spelled artoo-detoo, and called "r2" for short), is a fictional character in the star wars universe. an astromech droid, r2-d2 is a major character throughout all seven star wars films. along with his droid companion c-3po, he joins or supports anakin skywalker, luke skywalker, and obi-wan kenobi in various points in the saga. r2-d2 was played by kenny baker.