'Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ will have BB-8’s evil counterpart

In “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” audiences got their first view of the lovable spherical droid known as BB -8. This December, moviegoers and “Star Wars” fans will get to see a new droid in “The Last Jedi” but be warned, this one appears to be BB-8’s evil twin.

The new droid is called the BB-9E and it mostly resembles the BB-8 except for the head. The BB-9E has a flat head rather than a spherical one and mostly it is black in color.

This evil Droid also has an ominous red eye.

It is described as the First Order’s menacing Astromech droid. Like its predecessor, this new "Star Wars" droid is expected to be the breakout character when “The Last Jedi” finally comes to the theater this December.

Take a look at BB-9E and BB-8 side by side below

The Hollywood Reporter said that “BB-9E represents a moment of genius in the character creation department” of the "Star Wars" franchise. By introducing an evil counterpart to a character that quickly became a favorite in the last film, the franchise offers fans the chance to see an alternate side to their beloved BB-8.”

Force Friday II

The BB-9E was unveiled by Disney and the toy maker Sphero as part of the kickoff of the global Force Friday II. This an event where toy stores open at midnight for fans who want to get new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” collectible products.

Sphero describes BB-9E as the "droid you are not looking for but the droid looking for you."

A Disney executive told Variety, “Star Wars” consumer products have been a critical part of the fan experience and help introduce new audiences to the franchise’s rich stories and characters.

Droids in the 'Star Wars' universe

Droids had been integral parts of the “Star Wars” universe since audiences were first introduced to R2D2 and C3PO in “A New Hope.” They became dependable companions to the film’s main heroes like in the case of Luke Skywalker and R2D2 as well as Princess Leia and C3P0.

In "The Force Awakens," BB-8 also followed the similar story arc with R2 as it was entrusted with a secret that could help locate Luke Skywalker.

BB-8 also became Rey's companion droid.

R2D2 and C3P0 became cultural icons as part of the original “Star Wars” trilogies, which shaped the image of a generation. BB-8 and the soon to be introduced BB-9E are still far off the level of popularity that R2D2 and C3P0 achieved, but these two droids will surely have their marks on the new and younger generations of fans without alienating the original and diehard followers of the galaxy “far far away.”