Star Wars: The Acolyte sneak peek shows Wookie Jedi Kelnacca in lightsaber action sequence 

In the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Acolyte, viewers will be introduced to a groundbreaking character, Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi portrayed by Joonas Suotamo. Scheduled for release on June 4, 2024, on Disney+, the series consists of eight episodes.

It promises to delve into a galaxy of shadowy secrets during the final days of the High Republic era. Kelnacca's role as a lightsaber-wielding Jedi marks a significant departure from the traditional portrayal of Wookiees like Chewbacca, adding a new dimension to the Star Wars universe.

This innovative concept in Star Wars: The Acolyte - where a Wookiee Jedi wielding a lightsaber is iconic as it challenges the established norms of Wookiee characters, blending the fierce warrior nature of the species with the noble and disciplined traits associated with Jedi knights.

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Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca wields a lightsaber in Star Wars: The Acolyte

In a recent sneak peek of Star Wars: The Acolyte, fans got a first look at Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi played by Joonas Suotamo, using a lightsaber. This exciting character is making his first appearance in the highly anticipated show. The show digs into the last days of the High Republic era, which hasn't been covered in Star Wars live-action versions before.

Kelnacca is shaking things up as a Wookiee Jedi with a lightsaber - different from the usual Wookiee image we're used to. Wookiees, like Chewbacca, are loved for being strong, loyal, and fierce warriors. Fans have always been drawn to their one-of-a-kind traits.

Joonas Suotamo, the actor who plays Kelnacca in Star Wars: The Acolyte, mentioned this to Empire magazine last month:

“Ever since [I was] five years old, I've been fantasising about being a Jedi, like every kid. When the word ‘Jedi’ was first mentioned [in talks for Star Wars: The Acolyte], I felt really excited – like a little kid who finally gets his favourite toy on his birthday.”

But Kelnacca being shown as a Jedi brings a twist to the species, mixing their natural warrior vibe with the traits of disciplined and noble Jedi knights.

The actor added,

“Kelnacca being a Jedi, that sets certain expectations to how you carry yourself in the line of duty.”

When he wields a lightsaber, it not only shows off his fighting abilities but also represents his dedication to the Jedi path and the struggle he might have in finding a balance between his Wookiee instincts and Jedi teachings.

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Chewbacca and other Wookiee Jedi characters before Star Wars: The Acolyte

Kelnacca is different from the typical Wookiee, like Chewbacca, because he's good with a lightsaber. Wookiees are usually known for being loyal, brave, and great with a bowcaster. The idea of a Wookiee Jedi isn't new in the Star Wars world. The Clone Wars show had Gungi, a young Wookiee Jedi in training, and the High Republic stories had Burryaga, a Wookiee who can use the Force.

Referencing Chewbacca, actor Suotamo told Empire,

“There are certain assumptions that can be made as to whether he lets his emotions take control of him to the extent that Chewbacca would, for example. It was very interesting to bake that into the character and try to personify that on screen.”

Having Wookiee Jedi characters like Kelnacca in Star Wars adds to the galaxy's diversity and shows how varied the Jedi Order can be in terms of culture and species. Even though everyone loves Chewbacca for being Han Solo's trusty co-pilot and buddy, the addition of Kelnacca and other Wookiee Jedi characters gives us a fresh look at how Wookiees can also be skilled and honorable Jedi.

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For those who find themselves interested in watching Star Wars: The Acolyte, you'll need a Disney+ subscription.