The problem is that we need C-3PO in Episode II because he sets up what is going on with R2 on Geonosis. You may or may not remember that the ship lands, Anakin and Padme exit, and C-3PO starts arguing with R2. R2 leaves and C-3PO stays, ending with “Have you no sense at all?” Then, when Padme is stuck in the pot, R2 pops up unexpectedly and saves the day (without flying). Without the previous sequence, this would make no sense to the viewer, and I don’t want to have to cut that part of the droid factory sequence. I have to have the R2/C3PO scene to set it up, because it’s even more necessary after we’ve cut the flying (which establishes his presence). He just shows up on the pathway.
Also to clarify, in SOTDS, C3PO never enters the factory, he never loses his head, he never shows up at the arena, etc. R2 also does not show up at the arena. He just has his traditional heroic moment (in the droid factory), then disappears into the woodwork until the wedding.
This is why turning TC-14 in Ep. I into C-3PO would probably not work in this scenario. C3PO in Episode II has to be the real thing. Unless, of course, we turned C3PO in Episode II into a different droid, which doesn’t really appeal to me much. With that in mind, we need to figure out why Anakin picks him up if he’s Owen’s droid.
---------------------------------
Here’s an idea I’m sure you didn’t expect from me- Redub Uncle Owen. He only has two or three lines anyway; they would hardly be difficult to remove. Also, his voice doesn’t sound anything like Owen from Ep. IV anyway, and it’d hardly be a loss as he was no great actor. I also want to point out that the following is very convenient because we have a lot of footage that would otherwise be cut out and unused (like Owen’s babbling about stepbrothers and girlfriends)…
C3PO: I am See-Threepio, human/cyborg relations. At your service. So pleased to meet you, sir. I need not take the liberty to inform you that…(or some other typical 3PO ramble).
Anakin: I’m here to find my mother- Shmi Skywalker.
C3PO: Your mother! Well, the proper procedure is ….etc. etc. (blah blah blah- establishing him as a very annoying character from the get go).
Anakin: Just take me to your master.
C3PO: Oh, yes. I see. My master. Follow me, please.
CUT to EXT: Owen’s place.
Anakin: I’m Anakin Skywalker.
Lars: Owen Lars.
Anakin: It took awhile for your droid to take us here.
Owen: Don’t even get me started on the robot. He’s a protocol droid and he can’t even speak Bocce. The Jawa traders dumped him on me last month. (pause). I’ll give you 500 credits if you take him.
Anakin: Is my mother here?
Cliegg arrives and gives his little talk. “We have a lot to talk about.” He turns. We hear the sound of footsteps as they walk away.
It begins to sink in for C3PO. CLOSE-UP (CFSS)
C3PO: Sir, sir! There must be some mistake!
CUT to Beru serving drinks in next scene.
========================
The movie continues from there, except for the following: After Anakin and Padme decide to leave Tatooine, instead of “I’m not worried, R2. It’s just that I’ve never flown before,” C3PO says, “What did I do to deserve this?”
Anthony Daniels has recorded so much 3PO dialogue between the OT films, the radio dramas, the specials, and so on that that wouldn’t be a problem. And best of all, I believe that it would introduce C3PO in a much better way than it was done in Episode I, when Anakin built him. The fact that Owen paid Anakin to take him is some real humor, which might also be good for the movie at this point (we’ve removed a lot of the lame stuff and it could use a lift). Also, it perfectly sets up 3POs and R2’s first meeting and argument.
Also, I think that the new Owen lines link his character much more closely with Ep. IV, which was a weak point there had never been a way to fix- until now.
All we need is an Uncle Owen impersonator that has the time and the means to dub six short sentences. I’m not going to pull a Lucas and insist that this was part of my “original vision”, but I really like this idea that came to me today. I’ve checked the widescreen and full-screen discs, and the outline above will actually work. Please comment

Sorry for the late response!
-TM
P.S.- Hi Musicman! The overall look of these is going to be a LOT different. At least for SOTDS, the colors and the lighting are being reworked exhaustively to be more realistic and film-like. Also, the cinematography is being largely redone to improve the compositions. This will all contribute to a much older look, which is what the original point of this was. I'm really glad when I hear comments from people that will really appreciate the aesthetic changes. Rather than updating the OT, age the prequels. That was always the motto for me
