The Acolyte Shows Off New Wookiee Jedi Image, Joonas Suotamo Talks Differences With Chewbacca and Burryaga

Leslye Headland's The Acolyte will be introducing our first live-action Wookiee Jedi, Master Kelnacca, played by Joonas Suotamo. This much was announced a year ago at Star Wars Celebration, but with the show less than two months away, we're getting a few more details now -- along with a new behind-the-scenes image.



Suotamo was recently part of Empire Magazine's big coverage of the show, and discussed his participation in the series as well as a few details about the character. To him, playing a Jedi was a dream come true:

Suotamo is no stranger to the Star Wars franchise now, having played Chewbacca in the last two movies from the sequel trilogy, as well as Ron Howard's Solo: A Star Wars Story. But he sees Kelnacca as the antithesis of Chewbacca:

Jedi Master Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.



Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original trilogy and The Force Awakens, used to describe him as a mime, according to his successor in the suit:

Suotamo also addressed the Wookiee in the room, as there's another Jedi of this species present in High Republic-era stories, Burryaga. The athlete-turned-actor said that he wanted his character to feel different from Burryaga, adding that he hasn't read much about him:

Kelnacca is one of many characters in the vast ensemble of The Acolyte. Most of the cast is partaking in this big interview with Empire, and more details will be coming out over the next few days in the lead-up to the new issue's release, on Thursday, April 11.



The Acolyte is set to debut on Disney Plus on June 4, at 6pm PT / 9pm ET / June 5 2am BST.



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