Director J.J. Abrams and the cast and crew of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" discuss the evolution and performance of BB-8 in this new featurette.

"There was a feeling as a kid, when I saw 'Star Wars' for the first time, that it was all practical and real," Abrams recalls. "And seeing C-3PO and Artoo, there was no doubt -- it was this physical, tangible, real thing. You knew it when you saw the movie. So, I felt it was really important that we make BB-8 as real as possible."

The features behind-the-scenes footage of BB-8, concept art and even Abrams' initial sketch for the character on a napkin.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens Friday across North America.