New Actor Takes Over R2-D2 Role in The Last Jedi

He replaces the late Kenny Baker.

By Jim Vejvoda

Actor Jimmy Vee succeeds the late Kenny Baker in the role of droid R2-D2 in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Vee announced in a statement today.

Variety reports that Vee actually performed some of R2-D2's scenes in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, although final credit went to Baker, who had played the beloved droid in the previous six Star Wars films. Baker died in August 2016.

Today's official statement confirms reports of Vee's involvement in The Last Jedi that go all the way back to September 2015.

Vee said in a statement released via his agency, Oh So Small: "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."

Vee's previous credits include various appearances on Doctor Who and its spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures. He also appeared in several Harry Potter projects as well as the Hugh Jackman movie Pan.

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