During Star Wars Celebration in London, Lucasfilm confirmed that Joonas Suotamo will be returning to the Star Wars universe to portray a new character in Disney+’s upcoming series The Acolyte. Suotamo, who first starred as Chewbacca in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and in Solo: A Star Wars Story, has been tapped to play a Wookiee Jedi named Kel Naka.
The series stars Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give), Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix), alongside previously announced cast members Manny Jacinto, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Charlie Barnett.
The Acolyte is described as a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers that will be set within the final days of the High Republic era. Further details about its characters haven’t been revealed yet, but the project title references a Sith in the beginning stages of their training under an experienced Sith Lord.
The Disney+ series is being written and executive produced by Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), who will also be serving as the showrunner. In addition to The Acolyte, Lucasfilm is also currently developing a number of Star Wars projects, including Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and more. The Acolyte is expected to debut in 2024.