R2-D2 is going postal, in a good way

updated 3:26 p.m. ET March 21, 2007

WASHINGTON - Thirty years ago, in theaters near and far, far away, a movie opened the imaginations of millions, combining the magic of mythology and special effects to launch the “Star Wars” phenomenon.

A star of these films — the brave little droid R2-D2 — is about to take a turn collecting mail as the Postal Service and Lucasfilm Ltd. commemorate the launch of the first “Star Wars” movie.

The post office is wrapping mail collection boxes in some 200 cities nationwide in a special covering to look like R2-D2.

It’s part of a promotion for a new stamp to be announced March 28, said Anita Bizzotto, the post office’s chief marketing officer.

“It’s a little teaser for the upcoming announcement, and we decided to have a little fun with it,” she said.

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About 400 mailboxes will be covered to look like the stout droid. “When you look at a mailbox, the resemblance to R2-D2 is too good to pass up,” Bizzotto said.

While postal officials would like people to look for these mailboxes and maybe even drop in a letter, Bizzotto urged people not to tamper with them. It's a crime — and the Force would not be with its perpetrator.

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