Chewbacca has been one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars franchise ever since the Wookie debuted in the original 1977 film. Now, Joonas Suotamo, the latest actor the portray Chewie on screen, has delivered a special message for fans to celebrate May the 4th.
Chewbacca was introduced to audiences in George Lucas' original Star Wars film as the Wookie co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, the Corellian YT-1300f light freighter captained by the smuggler Han Solo. Since then, Chewbacca has appeared in all but three of the live-action Star Wars films to date, with the late Peter Mayhew portraying the character in most instances so far.
However, starting with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mayhew shared the role with Finnish actor Suotamo, who also donned the Wookie suit due to his predecessor's age and worsening health. Starting with The Last Jedi, Suotamo assumed the part of Chewbacca full-time while Mayhew took on a consulting role before his death in 2019. Now, Suotamo has taken time to reflect on his experience playing Chewbacca in an Instagram post celebrating May the 4th. After noting that the franchise has always been about family and friends, not to mention the fans, Suotamo reflected on the fact that he's met many incredible people, married his wife, and raised two children during his time bringing Chewbacca to the silver screen. In the final line of his message, Suotamo looks forward to many more Star Wars Day celebrations in the future.
While Chewbacca was sidelined in the Star Wars sequels, arguably, Suotamo was able to play a substantial role as the character in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The second installment of Disney's Star Wars anthology films, Solo chronicled one of the early adventures of the eponymous rogue, with Alden Ehrenreich taking over the role from Harrison Ford. In the film's first act, audiences are finally able to witness the first meeting between Han Solo and Chewbacca, which marked the beginning of a friendship that endured until the former met his untimely death in The Force Awakens.
Star Wars Day is hardly the only time Suotamo can be seen appreciating his experience playing Chewbacca. Though he doesn't post often, a visit to his Instagram page will show that the actor frequently shares images featuring the beloved Wookie in some form.
Considering Chewbacca is one of the most popular characters in the Star Wars franchise, fans are likely thrilled to see Suotamo carrying the role into the future. Mayhew left big shoes to fill, but at a staggering 6 ft 11 inches, Suotamo has more than risen to the occasion.
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Source: Joonas Suotamo/Instagram