The forthcoming Star Wars project, The Acolyte, is poised to thrust audiences into new terrains of the galaxy far, far away that have not been explored in previous live-action Star Wars productions. Set a hundred years prior to the incidents of The Phantom Menace, the series is primed to introduce a fresh ensemble of intergalactic characters that audiences haven’t encountered before. An intriguing twist in the narrative sees the return of Joonas Suotamo, familiar to fans for his portrayal of the beloved Wookiee, Chewbacca. However, this time, Suotamo dons an entirely new avatar.
Kelnacca: Wookiee, Jedi, and Suotamo’s Dream Role
In an exclusive interview with The Dagobah Dispatch (via Entertainment Weekly), Suotamo brimmed with enthusiasm as he discussed his new role in The Acolyte. He will be embodying the character of Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi. Suotamo shared,
“Kelnacca is a Wookiee Jedi. He brings his own his own energy and he is taught in the ways of the Force, which has been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid. To get to play a character that can wield the Force is beyond any of my dreams.”
Suotamo underscored the critical distinction between Kelnacca and Chewbacca, the previous Wookiee character he played. Despite their shared Wookiee heritage, the two characters have fundamentally different identities. Han Solo’s (Harrison Ford) loyal sidekick, Chewbacca, was a friendly smuggler, while Kelnacca represents a dignified member of the Jedi Order.
Suotamo said, “I’m really happy for everyone to get to know (Kelnacca) because I purposely tried to differentiate him from Chewbacca. Being a Jedi, there’s more to that. And that was the challenge. It entailed all the training and getting ready with my castmates. We had such a fun time preparing for these roles, and there was a lot of time to think how to approach each situation and moment.”
Suotamo’s Evolution in Star Wars Universe
Star Wars enthusiasts first saw Suotamo as Chewbacca in The Force Awakens, where he served as a body double for Peter Mayhew, primarily due to Mayhew’s health-related challenges. Suotamo transitioned into a full-time Chewbacca in The Last Jedi, demonstrating his loyalty by constantly aiding Rey (Daisy Ridley) on her journey. From extricating Rey from perilous situations to combating TIE Fighters and maneuvering the Millennium Falcon to essential locations, Chewbacca consistently proved his reliability, a trait first established when he debuted in 1977.
Deciphering the Enigma of The Acolyte
The Acolyte, the much-anticipated Star Wars series, is hinged on an ominous mystery that could potentially send tremors across the galaxy. It necessitates valiant individuals to illuminate the truth before sinister forces seize the day. Amandla Stenberg will portray a former Jedi Padawan who deserted her teachings due to philosophical conflicts. However, when her past mentor approaches her with grave concerns about the galaxy’s security, she is compelled to intervene before the cosmic status quo is irreversibly disrupted.
Conclusion
As the unveiling of The Acolyte looms closer, the anticipation and excitement among fans are palpable. The fresh narratives, intriguing characters, and the enticing mystery promise an enthralling adventure. The return of Joonas Suotamo, albeit in a different avatar, adds to the excitement. His portrayal of Kelnacca, the Wookiee Jedi, is bound to captivate audiences and add a new layer to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe. It remains to be seen how the series will unfurl and what revelations will emerge in the unraveling of the Acolyte’s mysteries.
