There is little doubt that Chopper is the breakout star of Ahsoka (sorry, Sabine Wren), especially since his crazy antics are even more hilarious in the live-action series. But how does the grumpy little droid compare to Star Wars' other famous astromech? Executive producer Dave Filoni has weighed in on what sets Chopper apart from Artoo.
Chopper, originally created for the animated series Star Wars Rebels, rapidly became known for his cantankerous personality and knack for stirring up chaos aboard the Ghost. While R2-D2 shares an unwavering loyalty with Chopper, their approach to their duties diverges significantly. Unlike R2's boundless enthusiasm, Chopper undertakes his assignments with considerably less zest, occasionally even complicating matters for his companions. While both droids remain steadfast allies to their respective crews, Chopper's irritable demeanor and mischievious ways set him apart, making him a memorable and endearing addition to the Star Wars droid ensemble.
But how is Chopper different from Artoo? Dave Filoni had an interesting explanation in a special video about the droid.
"The easiest way to sum up Chopper that we took to on the writing team is that if R2's your favorite dog, Chopper's a cat," he said.
It certainly makes sense to call Chopper a cat. He's dependable and has a deep attachment to his owner, Hera Syndulla. On the other hand, his attitude isn't exactly the best, especially if you're Zeb or Ezra. He's a total jerk. But then again, he's the Ghost's beloved jerk who has racked up an astounding body count throughout Rebels' four seasons.
Chopper's live-action debut in Ahsoka also made it clear that he's eager to make a few more additions to his kill list. While Hera tried to chase after Morgan Elsbeth's ship, the droid demanded that they should destroy frigates without any care for the civilian population below. Luckily (and as always), Hera didn't listen to him and the people of Corellia live to see another day.
See more of Chopper in Ahsoka Episode 3, which is set to premiere on Disney+ on August 29, 2023.
