When considering the character of Chewbacca today, one might not realize that initially, George Lucas did not plan for him to have a substantial role. Reflecting on his bond with actor Peter Mayhew in 2019, Lucas disclosed that his original concept of the Wookiee was much more fearsome: “I envisioned Chewie as some big ferocious beast, but Peter’s Chewie wasn’t really ferocious. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t ferocious. He would be your best friend until he got angry, then stand back.”
Lucas has been scrutinized by some of the fanbase regarding Chewbacca’s lack of recognition in the form of a medal at the end of “A New Hope.” While Han Solo was celebrated for his part in demolishing the Death Star, Chewbacca did not receive the same honor. Addressing these concerns, Lucas explained in a 1977 interview that Wookiees do not hold medals in high esteem, stating, “Medals don’t really mean much to Wookiees. They don’t really put too much credence in them. They have different kinds of ceremonies.”
Despite the medal controversy, Chewbacca remains an indelible part of the “Star Wars” legacy. The beloved Wookiee hero has endured through two galactic wars and has been featured in seven of the nine principal “Star Wars” Saga films. Chewbacca not only made it past the early stages of “A New Hope” production but has also secured a place in the hearts of fans across the universe.
FAQ about Chewbacca in Star Wars
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Was Chewbacca originally supposed to have a big role in Star Wars?
No, Chewbacca was not initially intended to play a significant role in the original “Star Wars” script.
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How did Peter Mayhew’s portrayal of Chewbacca differ from George Lucas’s original vision?
Peter Mayhew played Chewbacca as a less ferocious, more amiable character than George Lucas’s original vision of a fearsome beast. Mayhew’s interpretation made Chewie into a loyal friend rather than a purely ferocious character.
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Why didn’t Chewbacca receive a medal at the end of “A New Hope”?
George Lucas explained that medals hold little importance to Wookiees, who have alternative forms of ceremony. Therefore, Chewbacca did not receive a medal at the end of the movie.
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How many of the main “Star Wars” films does Chewbacca appear in?
Chewbacca appears in seven of the nine main “Star Wars” films.
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Is Chewbacca’s character still alive in the Star Wars universe?
Yes, as of the most recent films, Chewbacca is still alive in the “Star Wars” universe.