Lucas Films has confirmed that Jimmy Vee will be the man inside the droid as the Scottish-born actor assumes the role of R2D2 for the next chapter in the "Skywalker Saga", STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Vee has inherited the role in the wake of long-time Artoo actor Kenny Baker's passing. Those who keep their ears to the ground regarding Star War-related news will find this casting announcement as no surprise, particularly when some UK tabloids have been whispering about it since December of 2015.
Along with the confirmation, Vee's representatives posted this tweet on Monday afternoon as their way of enthusiastically relaying the news:
When remarking on the incredible opportunity to be a part the Star Wars universe as the legendary droid, Jimmy offered these words,
It's been an absolute pleasure to have worked alongside the legendary Kenny Baker. 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 honour. 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.
Being no stranger to the screen, Vee has been enjoyed a hell of a career while participating in some truly geekttacular film and television-related projects like having multiple roles in both DOCTOR WHO and its spin-off, the SARAH JANE ADVENTURES. He's also tallied a fair bit of coin while playing a Gringotts goblin in HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE – a character he reprised again for the Harry Potter theme park ride located at Universal Studios Orlando. With Vee joining the cast, we're now one step closer to having another installment of George Lucas' space opera to enjoy for the ages!
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI will arrive in theaters on December 15, 2017!