#Big gorilla costume series

Five similar costumes were created for Mayhew: in the three original films and a holiday special, the suits were made of yak hair and mohair. In his first six screen appearances, Chewbacca was played by Peter Mayhew, who was chosen for his height of 7'3' (2.2 m). It is said that Chewbacca's name is derived from собака (sobaka), the Russian word for dog. CreationĬhewbacca's creation as a 'gentle, hairy, non-English-speaking co-pilot' was inspired by George Lucas seeing his own dog sitting up on the passenger seat of his car. In the Italian-language editions, Chewbacca is named ' Chewbecca' ( Italian pronunciation: ) and is nicknamed ' Chewbe' ( Italian pronunciation: ). In the other films, his name was 'Chewbacca'. In France, in the original Star Wars film, his name was changed to ' Chiktabba' and his nickname to ' Chiko', because the English name was similar to 'chewing tobacco', which in French is 'tabac à mâcher' or 'tabac à chiquer', similar to 'Chiquetabac'. Han Solo, likewise, also understands Shyriiwook perfectly.Ĭhewbacca was named one of the 'greatest sidekicks' in film history by Entertainment Weekly. Chewbacca speaks only in his native language, Shyriiwook (which sounds like animal sound growls) he is able to understand Galactic Basic, but is physically unable to speak it. His weapon of choice is the Wookiee bowcaster (a crossbow-shaped directed-energy weapon). Standing 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, Chewbacca is covered with long hair and wears only a bandolier.

#Big gorilla costume series

After a series of adventures on Vandor and Kessel, Chewbacca embarks on the smuggling trade, serving as Han's co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon for the rest of Han's life.

The character has also appeared in numerous works within the Expanded Universe, consisting of television series, books, comics, and video games.Ĭhewbacca, a 200-year-old Wookiee, becomes a young Han Solo's companion after they both escape Imperial captivity on Mimban. Suotamo took over the role in the next episode, The Last Jedi, and reprised it in the anthology film Solo: A Star Wars Story and the final sequel trilogy film, The Rise of Skywalker. Mayhew shares the role with his body double, Joonas Suotamo, in the first episode of the sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

In the original trilogy, Chewbacca is portrayed by Peter Mayhew. Chewbacca is the loyal friend and first mate of Han Solo, and serves as co-pilot on Solo's starship, the Millennium Falcon together they help the Rebel Alliance defeat the Galactic Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy. He is a Wookiee, a tall, hirsute, bipedal, intelligent species originating from the fictional planet of Kashyyyk. Chewbacca ( / tʃ uː ˈ b ɑː k ə/ choo- BAH-kə), nicknamed ' Chewie', is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise.