Actor, Jimmy Vee, is confirmed to take over the role of the iconic Star Wars droid, R2-D2.
He initially participated for the role in The Force Awakens (2015), though all the credit went to original R2-D2 actor, Kenny Baker. Vee is now officially stepping into the role in the wake of Baker’s death.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to have worked alongside the legendary Kenny Baker,” said Vee in a statement released by Oh So Small production agency. “Kenny was a fantastic actor and taught me all the ‘tricks’ on how he brought R2-D2 to life which I will continue to portray in his honor”.
Baker played the sassy little robot since the franchise’s first installment, A New Hope (1977), and passed away last year at 81 years old. He will be greatly missed, but fans also turn to Vee with great expectations in accordance with the prominence of the franchise.
Vee’s name will be in the credits for the upcoming eighth installment, The Last Jedi, which is expected to make its debut on the big screen this December.
“I’m so excited to be a part of the Star Wars universe and can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working so hard on for the last year,” gushed the 57 year old actor.
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Domhnall Gleeson will return to the 2017 film. Notably, this film will also be one of Carrie Fisher’s final film appearances, as she had been a part of production up until five months before the completion of filming, when she passed away from cardiac arrest.
#Peace.Love.JimmyVee
