R5-D4: The Complete History Of Din Djarin's Ally In The Mandalorian Explained

Filled with Easter eggs and other references, the Disney+ "Star Wars" shows have been a platter of nostalgia for fans of the galaxy far, far away. Specifically, "The Mandalorian" has been a feast of nearly forgotten characters while filling in many holes of the beloved franchise. In "Chapter 18" of the series, entitled "The Mines of Mandalore," the creators gave one of "Star Wars" most unsung heroes a chance at redemption when the "built for adventure" R5-D4 droid accompanied Din Djarin and Grogu in their journey to Mandalore.

Sharp-eyed "Star Wars" fans will be quick to recognize R5-D4. The timid, red and white droid has been a part of the franchise since the very beginning. Notably, R5 nearly became the wingman to Luke Skywalker in "A New Hope" before the droid malfunctioned, forcing Skywalker's uncle to settle on an R2 unit instead. Whether by tampering, destiny, or sacrifice, R5-D4's head exploding in the first "Star Wars" movie was something of a catalyst for the entire galaxy being saved.

But Red, as Skywalker refers to the droid, arriving years later at Peli Motto's shop does present some questions. For one, the droid's malfunction in "Episode IV" would seemingly imply that R5-D4 was on the verge of being scrapped for parts, or at the very least destroyed in the Stormtrooper assault that killed its Jawa captors. Keep reading to discover how Red survived while R2-D2 and C-3PO were flying across the galaxy and learn how this R5 unit might just be one of the most important droids in the galaxy.

Not much is known about R5-D4's history before coming into the hands of the Jawas. The droid with a reputation for malfunctioning exchanged hands many times and is commonly connected to the desert planet on the Outer Rim, Tatooine. However, there is some suggestion that the droid took part in the early rebellion against the Galactic Empire that took place after the Clone Wars. Somehow, years before the Battle of Yavin that took place in "A New Hope," R5-D4 came into the possession of the Jawas, who wiped his memory clean.

According to "Galaxy Guide 1: A New Hope" for the "Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game," Red became depressed and neglected under the ownership of his abusive Jawa captors. Jealous of droids with purpose, R5 was difficult to work with and often angry. By suggestion of another droid, Red started to cooperate with the Jawas in hopes of being sold to better owners. Finally, hours before the arrival of an R2 unit, R5-D4 was deemed ready for sale and was cleaned up for potential sale to the Lars family moisture farm.

Surprisingly, there is much more to the story of R5's malfunction than is captured in the original "Star Wars" film. In 2017, an anthology collection of short stories about the galaxy far, far away was released called "From a Certain Point of View." The 40 stories, each written by a different author, shared a unique perspective from side characters from "Star Wars: A New Hope." One of these canon tales included R5-D4 and his ill-fated interaction with R2-D2.

"The Red One" tells how R5 was awoken in the night when R2-D2 was attempting to sabotage his circuitry. After protesting, the blue droid explains his mission and how it is vital that it find its master or the entire galaxy will be doomed. Still, R2 promises to no longer tamper with Red and the other droids. The next morning, R5's dreams come true when it is finally purchased by Owen Lars alongside C-3PO to work a steady job on the moisture farm. However, when a defeated R2-D2 exclaims that it is the galaxy's only hope, R5 has second thoughts. Red deliberately malfunctions, forcing the Jawas to offer R2 in place. In their final interaction, the blue droid thanks R5-D4 for his sacrifice. Subsequently, Red is inspired by R2-D2 and finds a new purpose in wanting to join the Rebellion.

R5-D4's non-canonical epilogue continues further in a short story called "Across the Burning Sands of Tatooine," which first appeared in the "Galaxy Guide" and was later reprinted in "The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook." Following the droid's capture by Macemillian, R5 was sold to a Rebel historian and spy known as Voren Na'al. Originally, disgruntled that he was sold a droid with a faulty motivator, Na'al changed his tune when he discovered that Red was present when C-3PO and R2-D2 were sold to Owen Lars.

Upon learning everything he could from the droid, Na'al then gave R5 new life with a refurbishing and the installation of "intelligence gathering software." Subsequently, Red was sold to the Imperial Perfect's administrative assistant in Mos Eisley, where the droid gathered valuable intel as a Rebellion spy through the destruction of the Empire in "Return of the Jedi." R5 found purpose in its new role, letting go of the low self-confidence and jealousy of other droids.

The "Star Wars" prequels, episodes one through three, have a plethora of Easter eggs and references to the original three films. It is almost tradition that any new "Star Wars" content feature some acknowledgement of the original trilogy that started it all. Case in point, R5-D4, who was by all intentions a one-off droid with a minor role in "A New Hope," but can be spotted in the 2002 film "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones."

Long before Red was a beaten-down droid blowing his own lid, it was a bright and shiny bot rolling the streets of Mos Espa. Eagle-eyed fans spotted R5-D4 in a scene when Anakin Skywalker has returned to his old home in search of his mother. Blink and you might miss the robot, as Red is only rolling by momentarily and isn't acknowledged and doesn't even have any 'beeping' lines. However, it does confirm that the Astromech has been on Tatooine for longer than fans expected.

Finally, after decades spent as a side character and screen filler, "The Mandalorian" has refurbished R5-D4 and given the droid a new purpose. Still serving Peli Motto at the beginning of season 3 in "The Mines of Mandalore," Din Djarin comes to the mechanic in hopes of fixing up a different droid: the IG-11 bounty hunter with a memorable death in Season 1. But when those hopes are dashed, Peli offers a handy, yet awkwardly "fragile" alternative: R5-D4. Despite Mando's former distaste for droids and R5's apprehension of danger, the bot joins Din and Grogu for their mission in Mandalore.

Hilariously, Peli calls R5 "built for adventure;" however, this is a significant pilgrimage for the Astromech. In every other appearance of Red, audiences have never seen the droid anywhere other than Tatooine. It is assumed that R5-D4 has never left the desert planet, which makes his fear of leaving with Mando understandable. But the little forgotten droid from "A New Hope" proves a worthy Astromech, scanning the alien world's atmosphere for breathable air — despite a minor setback.

Unsung hero. Forgotten and unwanted droid. A Jedi robot. Call R5-D4 what you will; the red and white bot with a faulty motivator is a well-established character within "Star Wars" history, and his greatest adventures may be yet to come. With appearances in games, comic books, and a Christmas-themed studio album, Skippy can pop up anywhere. It is safe to say that audiences have not seen the last of the little droid who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of restoring order to the galaxy.

Unfortunately, R5 failed to appear in the most recent "Star Wars" trilogy, as even R2-D2 and C-3PO were treated like ancient relics of the past. So, it is assumed that Red meets an end somewhere along the expanding "Star Wars" timeline. Thankfully, Disney+ shows like "Andor" and the upcoming "Ahsoka" exist in a period where R5 can find further relevance. Meanwhile, joining "The Mandalorian" on his ongoing quest could bode well for the Force-sensitive droid. Who knows, perhaps Red will earn some Beskar armor and become a bounty hunter himself.