Star Wars actor Joonas Suotamo reveals a less than glamorous side of movie making

Joonas Suotamo who took over Chewbacca for Peter Mayhew in Star Wars: The Force Awakens took to Instagram to explain just how it is filming in the Chewbacca costume.

Joonas Suotam, who plays Chewbacca in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and Solo, gives an inside look at movie making — a look that says it is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Much like any actor who faces day to day challenges on a movie set, Suotamo had the added feature of a furry, hot suit and he let us know just what it is like inside of it on those challenging day.

Warm.

Make that hot according to the actor who hails from Finland.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHk_9JnA5i/?utm_source=ig_embed

In typical Star Wars fans reaction they lent support to the actor who is playing a legendary character, telling him that he is doing a great job as the beloved Chewbacca. Suotamo has made a seamless transition from Peter Mayhew who had to bow out due to age and poor health.

Joonas endured a grueling process in becoming Chewbacca. He spent hours in makeup and having a team help him in and out of the costume and mask, plus he filming in the sun. Star Wars: Episode IX  will be  Suotamo’s fourth time playing the classic Wookiee. He donned the costume in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, Solo and the upcoming Episode IX.

It seems that Disney has found its Chewbacca for as long as they keep the character around. There is no movie that can make a costume less itchy, hot or generally uncomfortable. It takes a special actor to grin and bare it. Fans get to see the finished product.  It is nice to get a behind the scenes first-hand account from time to time.

Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled to release worldwide on December 20.