Star Wars The Force Awakens isn’t even out yet, but filming has begun on the next instalment, Episode VIII, and it seems R2-D2 is being played by a new actor.

Scottish actor Jimmy Vee has joined the cast of the eighth part of the space opera as the lovable droid which first appeared in the original Star Wars movie in 1977, then played by Kenny Baker.

Vee, who is 3ft 8in, was spotted during secret filming with Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) in Ireland’s remote island, Skellig Michael – a location also used for Star Wars The Force Awakens. Hamill also entertained nearby residents by serving beer in a local pub.



It isn’t clear if Kenny Baker has completely given up the role but given the remoteness of that particular shoot, it’s perhaps understandable that the 81-year-old had a replacement.


Vee is well known to Doctor Who fans having played creatures and aliens in a number of episodes since 2005 including a starring role alongside David Tennant and Kylie Minogue in the 2007 Doctor Who Christmas Special, Voyage of the Damned.

Jimmy was recently seen in the much-panned Pan as Lofty and will also be seen in the upcoming US version of the television show Release the Hounds with horror movie maestro Eli Roth.

Kenny Baker plays R2-D2 in the new Star Wars film Episode VII: The Force Awakens but has stiff competition for newcomer BB-8, who has already proved to be a hit worldwide with his curves and positive can-do attitude.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is released in the UK on Dec 17

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