The galaxy has a new hero, and he's really tall and fluffy

Imagine, if you will, a universe where lightsabers buzz, spaceships zoom, and now, Wookiees wield the Force. Yes, you read that right - Wookiee Jedi.

It’s like finding extra fries at the bottom of your takeout bag but a million times cooler (and hairier).

Introducing Kelnacca: not your average walking carpet, but a lightsaber-swinging, Force-wielding Wookiee Jedi stepping into the spotlight in The Acolyte. This, my friends, is what dreams are made of, especially if you’re Joonas Suotamo, the towering talent who's donned the Chewbacca suit since picking up the reins from Peter Mayhew. In an exclusive interview with Empire, Joonas expesses how becoming a Jedi isn't just a role - it's a childhood fantasy come to life. Picture a five-year-old dreaming of space adventures, and now, give him a lightsaber. That's pure joy right there.

Joonas takes us on a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on his Chewbacca days and the wisdom passed down by Peter Mayhew. Chewie, known for his heart and roars, might not have been Jedi material, but he laid the groundwork for Joonas to bring Kelnacca to life. This new Wookiee Jedi isn't just another fuzzy face - he's got the calm, the grace, and, let's not forget, the lightsaber skills that make a Jedi.

But with less impulsiveness and more control, he's Chewbacca 2.0 with a Jedi twist.

Now, for the not-so-hardcore, Kelnacca isn't the first Wookiee to touch the Force. Remember Gungi from The Clone Wars and Burryaga from the High Republic era? Joonas does, and he’s keen on carving out Kelnacca's unique path in the Force, distinct from his predecessors. It's like he's baking a new kind of Wookiee pie, one that promises to be as intriguing as it is powerful.

As we gear up for The Acolyte streaming on Disney+ this June, the anticipation is as thick as a Wookiee's fur. With a cast that includes Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Carrie-Anne Moss, and more, it’s shaping up to be the most thrilling Star Wars adventure yet.

Prepare for a journey that promises new heroes, epic battles, and a Wookiee with a lightsaber. The Force is strong with this one.