The Unlikely Cameo: John Wayne in Star Wars h4l3i

John Wayne, the quintessential iconic “Star Wars” series surfaced​. 155gl

When the film’s success, and even some of the filmmakers and cast had modest expectations. However, against all odds, “A New Hope” broke box-office records, redefining the blockbuster movie genre and launching one of the most successful franchises in the history of media entertainment. Interestingly, it also became the last film in which John Wayne was, technically, involved​​.

The revelation of Wayne’s involvement came decades later from Ben Burtt, the sound designer for “Star Wars.” During a discussion at the 2007 Star Wars Celebration, Burtt explained that he had been tasked with creating a unique sound for an alien character in the film. The character, resembling a large mosquito, required a distinct modulated buzzing sound. It was only much later that Burtt realized the true origin of this sound​​.

We had that character that looked kind of like a mosquito from the first Star Wars that we found we needed a sound for,” Burtt recalled. He had created an electronic buzzing noise using a synthesizer, triggered by a human voice. Upon revisiting his notes and tapes, he discovered that the buzzing sound was triggered by loop lines he had salvaged from discarded studio recordings. To his surprise, the voice behind the buzzing sound was none other than John Wayne himself, uttering dialogue lines such as “all right, what are you doin’ in this town?” or something to that effect​​.

Despite never setting foot on the Imperial Spy of Tatooine in the Star Wars universe​​.

As audiences continue to enjoy the Star Wars saga, they can now listen a little closer, knowing that the voice of one of the greatest stars of classic Hollywood cinema subtly buzzes in the background, further enriching the tapestry of this beloved franchise.

Via collider