by: Maggie Loyal
Amidst a shroud of secrecy and rumors, it looks like Peter Mayhew will be reprising his 40-year-role as Chewbacca, the beloved warrior and mechanic of the Star Wars franchise, in the upcoming “Star Wars: Episode VII.” The actor, who stands 7’3″, is best known for this role and frankly we can’t imagine anyone else inside the Chewie suit. Directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan, “Episode 7” stands as a sequel to 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” however further plot details are being kept tightly under wraps.
Principal photography is set to begin on the sequel in just a few weeks, but Disney and LucasFilms have yet to really confirm anything about the project. Casting rumors abound, including the introduction of three fresh faces to the lineup, but it’s believed the original trio of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher will make an appearance. The new installment will be set 30 years after “Jedi” and we’re pretty sure it’s going to be set in a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars: Episode VII is set to land in theatres December 18, 2015.
A few fun facts about Chewie:
– He’s a nudist. Although the studio kept telling George Lucas to put a pair pants on the Wookiee, Lucas declined.
– He’s married with kids.
– During “Return of the Jedi” he’s about 200 years old, but doesn’t look a day over 134.
– He was killed off in a novel called “Vector Prime” by R.A. Salvatore, but we’re not going to talk about it.
Peter Mayhew is repped by Entertainment Legends Management.
