STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER - JOONAS SUOTAMO INTERVIEW

Have you ever wondered what it might be like stepping one of Cinema’s most iconic characters? Well, wonder no longer! Joonas Suotamo spills the beans about what is has been like for him turning into one of Star Wars’ most beloved characters, Chewbacca.

Finnish actor Joonas Suotamo plays Chewbacca in the much anticipated Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, taking over the role for Peter Mayhew, first as a body double, with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, and later as the lead in Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017 and Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2018.

Suotamo started his acting career performing on stage in Finland. He later came to the USA to play basketball at Pennsylvania State University where he graduated in 2008 and went on to fulfill his Finnish conscription service. When he completed his service in the army, he ranked as a second lieutenant. Suotamo currently resides in Finland with his wife and son.

Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.

 The film stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, with Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams.

I had the opportunity to chat with Joonas Suotamo about playing Chewbacca and what he learned from his predecessor, Peter Mayhew. Check out our chat below:

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER OPENS ON DECEMBER 19TH