Joonas Suotamo
December, 2019
The “Star Wars” Saga is easily one of the most influential film series and legacies in cinematic history, defining generations of film-goers for forty-two years. The new film, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which premiered on December 16th will mark the end of an era, by closing the last chapter of the Skywalker Saga.
Perhaps even, there might be no character more dear to the hearts of all Star Wars fans, as the beloved Chewbacca. Played for thirty-eight years by the renowned actor Peter Mayhew, the torch has been passed on to the young Finnish actor Joonas Suotamo, who took over as Mayhew’s body double in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) before starring as lead in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017) and the subsequent films.
You were born in Finland, yet attended college in Pennsylvania. What led you to decide to study in the US?
I was always into acting. I wanted to become an actor early on. I did some high school plays and received good feedback. While I was playing basketball, I thought maybe I could go to the States and study acting. But they told me I was too tall and so I chose Film studies. It was a good journey, I learned that you should never write anything off and always follow your dreams because they might come faster than you expect and surprise you.
You have played basketball, sold insurance, and were even in the Finnish Army. How did you first become interested in acting?
My acting interest probably came from movies. Just watching movies like “Good Will Hunting,” “Star Wars,” “Forrest Gump” and seeing that reaction, a well-told story, and an actor portraying a character who faces hardship and difficult choices—how that can impact people through the medium of storytelling and film. So I loved that idea.
I always wanted to portray different characters and be someone else, who I am not because I think I have lived through a very good childhood with relatively few hardships—a happy childhood—so I’ve always been interested in venturing out there, and trying my limits in other roles.
Before taking the lead as Chewbacca, you worked as Peter Mayhew’s body double in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015). How did you first come to learn of and assume the role as his body double?
When I was first approached to become Peter’s body double, I knew that my mission was to learn to portray Chewbacca in a seamless way. So I went back to the old “Star Wars” films, I watched them and I tried to assume the spirit of Peter Mayhew. I tried to move like Chewbacca did and inhabit the same kind of space and energy levels as he had and that all led to the good stuff—to me being cast as Peter’s body double and, subsequently, Chewbacca.
It was a very long process and something I was very comfortable doing because even in my basketball days, I’d always followed and studied movement, the way other athletes moved, and why they moved that way. It was always interesting to me what people’s style of movement tells you about their personality or background.
Peter Mayhew portrayed Chewbacca in five official “Star Wars” films and made countless appearances, throughout a 38-year time span before his retirement and subsequent passing in 2019. What feeling has been felt in filling his shoes, or in this case—his suit?
Well, the main feeling that I have after all this is gratitude. I’m so grateful for Peter, for his work; creating this memorable, unique character, that first of all has impacted me as a fan of “Star Wars.” Then after becoming the actor who portrays Chewbacca, I felt that gratitude a thousand-fold over.
It’s the fans of “Star Wars;” they’re all over the world. They’re so grateful that we keep bringing them these stories they love and they have been very supportive of me over these past few years.
Chewbacca is a Wookie and although he seems to understand English, he does not speak English. What has it been like to portray such an iconic character without any actual speaking parts?
Chewbacca’s lack of dialogue is actually pretty interesting because as a student of film and the history of film, it’s been great to try my feat at silent acting, or mime acting. Chewbacca is one of the greatest, most memorable characters, and to try that with him has been an interesting journey.
I’m always interested in how to hit the message home, or the intent of a scene without saying any word. It’s a challenge and it limits you in certain ways—it is harder than spoken words. So it’s a very interesting, unique kind of challenge.
“Star Wars” fans are known to be very loyal and similarly can be intensely critical of newcomers to the franchise. Can you speak more on the reception you have received by the “Star Wars” fan base community?
My face-to-face interaction with “Star Wars” fans has always been positive. I’m not sure where these critical “Star Wars” fans come might from. But there is a lot of anonymity on the internet and maybe they’re from there—maybe they’re not even “Star Wars” fans to begin with. All Star Wars fans I’ve met have been great people and have been nothing but nice. They’ve enjoyed the films and I’ve been very happy to have them support me in becoming a member of the family. I will not let them down.
Wonderful. What is the weirdest piece of advice or comment you’ve received from a “Star Wars” fan?
Like I said, it’s all been very positive. I don’t dwell on the negative stuff so I don’t remember any kind of negativity coming from there. Usually, kids come up to me and they tell their experiences with Chewbacca; how they love seeing Chewbacca fly the Millennium Falcon or something. So, those are always heartwarming stories. Chewbacca is a special character and kids enjoy seeing him very much, so I’m very happy that my goal is to keep bringing that into their lives.
“The Rise of Skywalker” is said to be the end of the Luke Skywalker Saga. Do you think there will be other chances to play Chewbacca on film, such as spin-off “Star Wars” stories? What are your feelings on this?
As for Chewbacca’s future, I’m very excited to see what will come next. But we’ll have to see the film, first of all, “The Rise of Skywalker,” before I can say anymore. But if there are some kinds of other stories coming, I’m very excited. I think the character definitely warrants more storytelling. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Chewbacca’s best friend, Hans Solo was tragically killed by his own son, Kylo Ren in “The Force Awakens”. In “The Rise of Skywalker,” will fans see Chewbacca get revenge for this heinous act?
December 20th, you’ll see.
What can we expect to see from Joonas Suotamo in the future?
From me, you’ll probably see me pursuing acting roles. I’m very much interested in acting, whether it’s in a suit or outside the suit.
As a storyteller, I wouldn’t mind trying my feat at being behind the camera or some other part but mostly I’m focusing now on continuing my journey of an actor and trying to see where it will take me.
Photographer ALEX CURRIE
Fashion Editor SHARON CHITRIT
Videographer MAX RETIK
Hair and Grooming MIRA CHAI HYDE
Interviewed by B.K. DELANEY
Text by ULYA ALIGULOVA
Editor TAYLOR FREEMAN
Assistant Editor CINDY NGUYEN
Stylist Assistant JULIANA BASSI
Special thanks to Scum and Villiany