New Actors Taking Over Iconic Star Wars Roles

Whether due to age, injury, or ultimately, death, new actors have been needed to carry on the mantle of a few iconic Star Wars characters for the movies now in the works. Following in the footsteps of OT actor Dave Prowse and stuntman Bob Anderson, among others, Actor Spencer Wilding became the latest actor to portray Darth Vader for Rogue One. During filming on The Force Awakens, actors Jimmy Vee and Joonas Suotoma studied under Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), respectively, taking over the roles when needed. With Baker's death last year, Jimmy Vee officially takes over the role for this December's The Last Jedi;

We're thrilled to announce that #OhSoSmall actor @RealJimmyVee is the new #R2D2!

Full story here: https://t.co/eR2OKAdDR4#StarWars pic.twitter.com/FT1IAWno8I

— Oh So Small (@OhSoSmall) February 13, 2017

and, with production now underway on the Han Solo standalone film, actor Joonas Suotoma has posted ths;

I'm ecstatic. It's official. And here is my statement to this terrific piece of news https://t.co/a1DPsNDb2P pic.twitter.com/r4EUZ2r17V

— Joonas Suotamo (@JoonasSuotamo) February 21, 2017