It’s almost time. Everyone is getting excited and waiting for May 25. They can’t wait to go see Solo for the first time. My son and hubby went to see it this week and they were so excited. While you wait why not get caught up on who Chewbacca is now and what Joonas Suotamo is like!
Photo Credit: Disney
My interview with Chewbacca Joonas Suotamo
This was one of my favorite interviews of the week. He’s so nice and down to earth. Here’s a bit about Chewbacca Joonas Suotamo!
First of all he comes in making the sound! You know what I mean the classic Chewie sound!
Interview Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca Photo Credit Louise Bishop MomStart.com
On what it was like meeting Harrison Ford:
JS: Harrison, oh boy, I was’t even alive when you were making the first Star Wars. I was able to overcome saying that to him.
On how he got the role:
JS: I got the role out of the blue sky came a call from the Finnish Basketball Assoc for someone who has blue eyes and is 7 feet tall. The cast was pretty desperate to find someone. I immediately said I was interested without ever knowing what the role was. I filmed a video of me playing a caveman in my high school gym just for them to see what I can do acting wise. It took 4 or 5 months before they told me I’d be playing Chewbacca.
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated Kids https://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2016/03/07/joonas-suotamo-turned-his-basketball-experience-role-lifetime
On did you have any trouble with playing Chewbacca:
JS: Basketball gifted me extra body awareness and I met so many wonderful people. I’ve always observed movement and people. I love the fact that we’re different as humans. I would often imitate my friends. That all secretly prepared me for this role. We, as Finns, have a rich sauna tradition so I was born to play the role (being hot in the suit!).
Challenges of wearing the suit?
JS: Everyday someone has to poke your eyes with makeup. Black make up to hide my eyes. The long hair on the suits get in your eyes. The biggest hurdle is respecting the legacy of Chewbacca. I want it to be so authentic that they see me as him. I don’t want them to see a difference. I consulted with Peter in a week long wookie boot camp and he taught me how to walk. Why he did it that way. It was so helpful. To hear from the master how and why he did those things helped me prepare for this role.
My question: What’s in Chewie’s bag? Do you have chocolates? Snacks? Your cell phone?
JS: I kept candy in there so for when kids visit sets. Sometimes kids can be scared of me. So this helped me break the ice. But mostly his bag is empty.
On what happened the first time you were on set?
Photo Credit Disney
JS: The first time I stepped on the Millinieum Falcon was when Harrison was on set. There were people crying. I was on my best behavoir and held the tears back. There’s the smell of a hardware store on set. There’s now a new MF and it has a mini bar and a cape closet. It just deepened my appreciation of the ship. I hope no one tarnishes that decor on the ship.
On how did you see the relationship with Han start?
JS: This movie happens when the Empire is expanding and Chewbacca is in a bad situation and is looking for a way out. He has a family, a tribe he’s committed too he walks around with worry on his shoulders because he doesn’t know where this road may take him. It was very interesting to do. We talked with Alden about the journey of the friendship between the two and see both the ups and the downs. It was very important to get it right. We all want to see how that relationship starts.
Before you go check my blog out on my facebook page and twitter here. Then grab my Solo Printables and check out how the trip would go here. Here’s my red carpet post, my General Hospital post in case you’re interested and my Solo review. Plus interviews with Ron Howard, Paul Bettany, Emilia Clark, and Alden Ehrenreich.So go get caught up on Solo!
SOLO FILM TRAILER AND RELEASE DATE
The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany. Before you go check out my Red Carpet post here!
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Visit the official SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY site: http://www.starwars.com/films/solo
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY opens in theaters everywhere on May 25th!
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