Star Wars: Actor’s Awkward Harrison Ford Meeting
- Taking on the role of Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" saga is no small feat.
- Suotamo's first encounter with Harrison Ford, the legendary Han Solo, was less than stellar.Speaking to The Bragging Mommy, Suotamo recounted his nervousness and the comment he blurted out...
- Suotamo said, "I think I was so nervous that I told — my first thing when I saw Harrison was, Harrison, 'Oh, boy, I wasn't even born when...
Joonas Suotamo, teh actor behind Chewbacca, shares a hilariously awkward first meeting with Harrison Ford. Find out the cringe-worthy comment Suotamo made that instantly bombed with the Star Wars icon. Discover how the actor’s opening line referenced Ford’s long history in the franchise, and why it landed so poorly. this isn’t just a tale of a fan getting tongue-tied; its a glimpse into the real-life dynamic behind one of cinema’s most beloved pairings.News Directory 3 provides details on how Suotamo navigated the initial awkwardness to become a key figure in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and beyond. Explore the full story and find out what might have been going through Ford’s head. Discover what’s next for the legacy of Chewbacca and the franchise.
Joonas Suotamo’s Awkward First Encounter with Harrison Ford
Updated Jan. 03, 2024
Taking on the role of Chewbacca in the “Star Wars” saga is no small feat. The Wookiee, initially inspired by George Lucas’ dog, became a pivotal character. When Peter Mayhew, the original Chewbacca, could no longer perform the role full-time, Joonas Suotamo, a Finnish basketball player, stepped in.
Suotamo’s first encounter with Harrison Ford, the legendary Han Solo, was less than stellar.Speaking to The Bragging Mommy, Suotamo recounted his nervousness and the comment he blurted out upon meeting Ford.
Suotamo said, “I think I was so nervous that I told — my first thing when I saw Harrison was, Harrison, ‘Oh, boy, I wasn’t even born when you guys made these films’. And he did not like that very much. But we were able to climb over that hurdle and start again.”

Ford’s reaction is not surprising, given his reputation for disliking overly excited “Star Wars” fans. Despite the initial awkwardness, Suotamo went on to play Chewbacca in the sequel trilogy and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
What’s next
While Suotamo’s time as Chewbacca may be over, he has cemented his place in “star Wars” history. Fans can look forward to future “Star Wars” projects and the continued legacy of Chewbacca.
