MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Characters from two of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises may look very different, but their appeal comes down to something familiar: connection.
Joonas Suotamo, who plays Chewbacca in the Star Wars saga, believes the Wookiee’s ability to convey personality without speaking is a key part of his appeal.
“He's sort of like a space dog, and everybody loves dogs,” Suotamo told Aletihad during an interview at the Middle East Film & Comic Con being held in Abu Dhabi.
He said audiences can read Chewbacca through his movements and behaviour, recognising qualities that feel familiar. “We recognise the human qualities in Chewbacca,” he explained. “And that's why we fall in love with him, because he's so recognisable and we can relate to him.”
Suotamo recalled the first day he filmed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", when he met Harrison Ford aboard the Millennium Falcon.
He said he heard Ford’s boots coming up behind him and saw people with tears in their eyes after seeing Chewbacca and Han Solo together again, decades after the original films.
“That was very surreal, very unforgettable first day on the job,” he said.
Years after that first day on the Millennium Falcon, Suotamo saw that same emotional connection among Star Wars fans in Abu Dhabi. “I was completely surprised. I didn't know what to expect,” he said. “I'm so grateful for the love that people have shown us.”
For Jacob Romero, who plays Usopp in Netflix’s live-action One Piece, the connection between characters and audiences is rooted in family and friendship.
“I think finding your family, finding people that you can rely on and trust is a big motif in this show,” Romero told Aletihad in an interview.
The story’s message of standing up for those who cannot protect themselves is also part of its universal appeal, he said. “It’s about sticking up for the less fortunate, for people that can't protect themselves,” Romero said.
Romero said the global One Piece community had responded warmly to the live action adaptation, including fans he met in Abu Dhabi.
“The One Piece community is global,” he said. “And it has been nothing but love.”
His first visit to Abu Dhabi also left him wanting to spend more time in the city. Asked to describe Abu Dhabi in three words, Romero replied: “Need more time.”
“I want to spend more time here,” he said. “It’s beautiful. I’m really enjoying myself and everyone is so sweet and so kind. So, it’s a pleasure to be here.”
The 14th edition of Middle East Film & Comic Con ran from September 11 to 13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together international stars, comic creators and fans across film, television, anime, gaming and cosplay.
Alongside Suotamo and Romero, this year’s celebrity line-up included John Cena, Simu Liu, Mackenyu, Pom Klementieff, Charithra Chandran, Arden Cho, and Shameik Moore.