Star Wars: The Last Jedi unveils BB-8’s Dark Side twin, BB-9E
By Buckie Wells
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will add another member of the First Order to its ranks by introducing BB-9E, a Dark Side BB unit serving under Kylo Ren.
Remember how Poe Dameron described BB-8 in Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Poe says he’s a “BB unit. Orange and white. One of a kind.” Of course, this automatically tells us that there are other roller droids out there. But since BB-8’s popularity rivaled that of R2-D2’s, I’m surprised (though not really) that Star Wars is willing to introduce another droid to the mix. And for those of us who love the mischievous and emo side of things, Lucasfilm’s putting BB-8’s twin in all black, giving him a new name, and calling it a day.
For those reasons, I automatically love him more than both BB-8 and the obvious merchandising cash-grab known as Porgs.
Known formally as BB-9E, this droid is the First Order’s answer when it comes to droids that are both irresistible and functional. While its name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue quite like BB-8, I’m sure we’ll come up with a more clever nickname in due time. Like, how long did it take before we all collectively just called them Artoo and Threepio?
Additionally, in honor of Force Friday II, Sphero has already put together a Sphero BB-9E. Thanks to the power of smartphones and technology, you’ll be able to control (at least a portion) of the Dark Side of the Force.
Check it out:
While it’s unclear what exactly BB-9E does or where he was during The Force Awakens, Star Wars LEGO kits pair him with Kylo Ren. And you know, if Kylo Ren gets a sidekick or something as cute as a BB unit, he’s probably on his way to a pitiful redemption arc.
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I mean, you can’t have luscious locks and a BB-9(e) and expect us to truly believe you’re rotten to the core. Especially when you’re trying to emulate someone who ultimately joined the Force anyway.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters on Dec. 15.