Feb. 15 (UPI) — Scottish actor Jimmy Vee will portray R2-D2 in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
The 57-year-old star was confirmed to play the lovable droid in the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” sequel in the wake of Kenny Baker’s death.
Baker, who portrayed R2-D2 in “Star Wars’ (1977) and subsequent films, died at age 81 in August. Vee worked with the English actor on “The Force Awakens,” but went uncredited, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“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 honor,” the star said in a press release for Oh So Small productions.
“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,” he added.
“The Last Jedi” co-stars Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, and will feature late actress Carrie Fisher. The movie is directed by Rian Johnson (Looper), and opens in theaters Dec. 15.
Vee is known for playing a number of characters on “Doctor Who,” including Moxx of Balhoon. He also appeared on the “Doctor Who” spinoff “The Sarah Jane Adventures,” and in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
