Luke Skywalker: 3PO, tell them if they don’t do as you wish, you’ll become angry and use your magic.
C-3PO: But, Master Luke, what magic? I couldn’t possibly.
Luke Skywalker: Just tell them.
C-3PO: (C-3PO speaks to Ewoks…) You see, Master Luke? They didn’t believe me, just as I said they wouldn’t. (Luke makes C-3PO float) Wait, wait. Put me down! Help! Somebody! Somebody, help! Master Luke! R2, R2, quickly! Thank goodness.
Luke Skywalker: Thanks, 3PO.
C-3PO: I never knew I had it in me.
Where does this quote come from? (Source)
This quote is from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), also known as Episode VI. Produced by Lucasfilm, the film is a part of the Star Wars universe.
- Movie: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Movie Number: Episode VI
- Production: Lucasfilm
Why we collected this quote
This scene is one of the funniest and most charming in all three films – a great example of Luke’s quiet Jedi authority and 3PO’s complete lack of self-awareness. The moment when 3PO is levitated and then discovers he “had it in him” all along is a classic bit of comedic character writing that fans love.
What does this quote mean? (Meaning & Context)
The heroes are captured by Ewoks on Endor, and the tribe worships C-3PO as a golden deity. Luke sees an opportunity and instructs 3PO to threaten the Ewoks with his “magic.” 3PO – completely sincere – protests he has no magic. Luke uses the Force to levitate 3PO’s throne, sending him into a panic. The Ewoks, suitably terrified, free the prisoners.
Fun facts & Trivia
Behind the scenes: George Lucas originally had Wookiees as the indigenous warriors in this scene, but switched to Ewoks to make the point that a primitive society could defeat a technologically advanced empire. C-3PO’s accidental deity status was a last-minute creative addition that gave the character one of his best scenes in the trilogy.
