Welcome to “One Week of Star Wars”, a quick series of 7 articles that will be released daily celebrating some of my favourite things in the Star Wars galaxy. Today, we’re looking at Wookiee Wednesday
So believe it or not, as a child I don’t really remember liking Chewbacca! I have no idea why! However, as I have got older, I have seen sense and now I love the walking carpet. He is a great foil to Han and his part in the pair’s comic fun is vital, while he is also super exciting to watch in action and can legitimately look scary – I wouldn’t want to pick a fight with him even if I hadn’t heard of Wookiees ripping people’s arms out of their sockets!
Beyond that though, we have been blessed with 2 wonderful actors playing Chewbacca over the years. Peter Mayhew was a wonderful ambassador for Star Wars and it was great to see him returning in the newer films despite his ill health. His passing earlier this year was a big loss. Due to Peter’s ill health, former basketball player Joonas Suotamo has come in and slowly taken over the role, first with the more active requirements and then in a more complete role. He has worked hard with Mayhew to make sure that it does not feel like someone else playing the part of Chewie, but instead just another part of the same character, which is difficult to do with such a beloved and iconic role. That doesn’t appear to be the only thing he learned from Peter though, as seeing videos of him at conventions and looking at his social media shows him to be another great ambassador for Star Wars. Beyond The Rise of Skywalker, I really hope we get some more content that allows him to continue in the role… #MakeSolo2Happen
Thanks for reading. May the Force be with you…
The Canon Padawan 