UPDATE 16 September 11:52AM GMT
Contrary to our earlier information, it now turns out that it wasn't Kenny Baker, but indeed Jimmy Vee who has played all kinds of characters in the likes of Doctor Who. He also stars in the forthcoming Pan. Vee now seems a likely replacement for Kenny Baker and will no doubt be rocking (literally) the R2 unit. Funningly enough, Vee is not listed anywhere to be starring in Episode VIII, so whether or not he's a last minute stand in for Kenny Baker, is unknown.
Unfortunately, we're not on the ground in Portmagee (yet) and relied on a source for the information. At least they got the little person part right, but obviously it wasn't Baker.
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UPDATE 16 September 9:57AM GMT
We have a full list of shooting restrictions that have been given to Rian Johnson and his crew. Read all 15 here
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UPDATE 12:18AM GMT
We've now heard from a source that wishes to remain an anonymous that there are definitely droids on Skellig Michael.That'll explain Kenny Baker. The other droid???? Gotta be BB-8?
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UPDATE 9:32pm GMT
In reference to our little person comment, we now believe that the little person who came ashore this evening was indeedKenny Baker Jimmy Vee. Looks like Luke had some company on Skellig Michael!
To clarify. After some more emails that turned up, We went back to the original source again and got confirmation.Photogs had taken pics but wouldn't show our source when they were asked.
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The Irish weather brought no surprises yesterday as the first day of shooting for Star Wars Episode VIII was postponed due to bad weather. The seas were so rough around Skellig Michael, that the boats couldn't land. So for Rian Johnson and his crew, yesterday was literally a washout.
Today was far more eventful, with somewhat decent weather allowing the cast and crew gain access to the Island this evening. Mark Hamill was on site, reprising his role as Luke Skywalker and like the shoot for episode VII, his family were in tow, with his son Nathan, instagramming some wonderful pictures of the local scenery. We're also hearing Daisy Ridley along with her stunt double is also in the area and were also out on Skellig Michael this evening.
Not sure how we put this when it comes to political correctness, but we're also getting reports of a "little person" coming ashore this evening with the crew.No Ewok costumes were in sight, thankfully. We're informed it was most definitely not Kenny Baker and with no sign of an R2 prop in sight, we wonder just exactly what their role is.
The cast and crew are staying locally in Waterville and Portmagee and the rumour mill is also grinding that some are staying in a 5 Star hotel in Killarney.
The shoot is now scheduled to last until Friday, which is a bit shorter than what we originally reported. Whether or not an extension is granted for filming due to the bad weather is another thing, but at this stage, it's only a formality I reckon. Watch this space for further updates and follow us on twitter to get all the latest from Star Wars in Kerry @themoviebit
And on a final note our buddy from Radio Kerry, Owen O Shea, was also on site today in Portmagee and posted a number of images via Twitter.
Contrary to our earlier information, it now turns out that it wasn't Kenny Baker, but indeed Jimmy Vee who has played all kinds of characters in the likes of Doctor Who. He also stars in the forthcoming Pan. Vee now seems a likely replacement for Kenny Baker and will no doubt be rocking (literally) the R2 unit. Funningly enough, Vee is not listed anywhere to be starring in Episode VIII, so whether or not he's a last minute stand in for Kenny Baker, is unknown.
Unfortunately, we're not on the ground in Portmagee (yet) and relied on a source for the information. At least they got the little person part right, but obviously it wasn't Baker.
----
UPDATE 16 September 9:57AM GMT
We have a full list of shooting restrictions that have been given to Rian Johnson and his crew. Read all 15 here
----
UPDATE 12:18AM GMT
We've now heard from a source that wishes to remain an anonymous that there are definitely droids on Skellig Michael.
----
UPDATE 9:32pm GMT
In reference to our little person comment, we now believe that the little person who came ashore this evening was indeed
----
The Irish weather brought no surprises yesterday as the first day of shooting for Star Wars Episode VIII was postponed due to bad weather. The seas were so rough around Skellig Michael, that the boats couldn't land. So for Rian Johnson and his crew, yesterday was literally a washout.
Today was far more eventful, with somewhat decent weather allowing the cast and crew gain access to the Island this evening. Mark Hamill was on site, reprising his role as Luke Skywalker and like the shoot for episode VII, his family were in tow, with his son Nathan, instagramming some wonderful pictures of the local scenery. We're also hearing Daisy Ridley along with her stunt double is also in the area and were also out on Skellig Michael this evening.
Not sure how we put this when it comes to political correctness, but we're also getting reports of a "little person" coming ashore this evening with the crew.
The cast and crew are staying locally in Waterville and Portmagee and the rumour mill is also grinding that some are staying in a 5 Star hotel in Killarney.
The shoot is now scheduled to last until Friday, which is a bit shorter than what we originally reported. Whether or not an extension is granted for filming due to the bad weather is another thing, but at this stage, it's only a formality I reckon. Watch this space for further updates and follow us on twitter to get all the latest from Star Wars in Kerry @themoviebit
And on a final note our buddy from Radio Kerry, Owen O Shea, was also on site today in Portmagee and posted a number of images via Twitter.
Choppers back at base on Valentia Island after trips to Skellig. Mark Hamill aboard?? @radiokerrynews #starwars pic.twitter.com/ipGsyxz0Hn
— Owen O'Shea (@OwenOShea) September 15, 2015
Lots of mysterious vehicles with blacked out windows in south Kerry. Rumours a big star landed today #starwars pic.twitter.com/1dbUOGDqo2
— Owen O'Shea (@OwenOShea) September 14, 2015
