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Chewbacca ( ), nicknamed "Chewie", is a fictional character in the ''
Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and Cultural impact of Star Wars, quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop cu ...
'' franchise. He is a
Wookiee Wookiees () are fictional humanoid aliens in the ''Star Wars'' universe, native to the forest planet Kashyyyk. They are distinguished from humans by their gigantism, hirsutism, and physical strength. The most prominent Wookiee in the films is ...
—a tall, hairy, highly intelligent species originating from the planet
Kashyyyk Wookiees () are fictional humanoid Extraterrestrial life, aliens in the ''Star Wars'' universe, native to the forest planet #Home planet, Kashyyyk. They are distinguished from humans by their gigantism, hirsutism, and physical strength. The mo ...
. He is tall, and typically wears only a
bandolier A bandolier / bandoleer or a bando is a pocketed belt (clothing), belt for holding either individual Cartridge (firearms), cartridges, belt (firearms), belts of ammunition or United States 40 mm grenades, grenades. It is usually slung sash-styl ...
and a tool pouch. He carries a bowcaster, a traditional Wookiee weapon, and he speaks the Wookiee language Shyriiwook. He first appears in the original ''Star Wars'' film as the loyal friend of the smuggler
Han Solo Han Solo () is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced in the 1977 film ''Star Wars (film), Star Wars'', and later appeared in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980), ''Return of the Jedi'' (1983), ''Star Wars: The F ...
. He is also the co-pilot of Han's starship, the ''
Millennium Falcon The ''Millennium Falcon'' is a fictional starship in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Designed by Joe Johnston for the film ''Star Wars'' (1977), it has subsequently appeared in '' The Star Wars Holiday Special'' (1978), ''The Empire Strikes Back' ...
''. Chewbacca is portrayed by
Peter Mayhew Peter William Mayhew (19 May 1944 – 30 April 2019) was a British-American actor. He was best known for portraying Chewbacca in the ''Star Wars'' film series. He played the character in all of his live-action appearances from the 1977 origi ...
in the original film trilogy, the ''
Star Wars Holiday Special ''The Star Wars Holiday Special'' is an American television special originally broadcast by CBS on November 17, 1978. It is set in the universe of the sci-fi-based ''Star Wars'' media franchise. Directed by Steve Binder, it was the first ''S ...
'' (1978), and ''
Revenge of the Sith Revenge is defined as committing a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance, be it real or perceived. Vengeful forms of justice, such as primitive justice or retributive justice, are often differentiated from more fo ...
'' (2005). Mayhew shares the Chewbacca role with his body double,
Joonas Suotamo Joonas Viljami Suotamo (; born 3 October 1986) is a Finnish actor and former professional basketball player. He is best known for his role as Chewbacca in the ''Star Wars'' saga, taking over the role from Peter Mayhew, first as a body double, wit ...
, in ''
The Force Awakens ''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens'') is a 2015 American epic film, epic space opera film co-produced, co-written, and directed by J. J. Abrams. The sequel to ''Return of the Jedi ...
'' (2015). Following Mayhew's retirement in 2017, Suotamo took over the role, appearing in ''
The Last Jedi ''Star Wars: The Last Jedi'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi'') is a 2017 American epic space opera film written and directed by Rian Johnson. Produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictu ...
'' (2017) and ''
The Rise of Skywalker ''Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker'') is a 2019 American epic space opera film produced, , and directed by J. J. Abrams. Produced by Lucasfilm and Abrams's production co ...
'' (2019). Suotamo also plays Chewbacca in the standalone film '' Solo: A Star Wars Story'' (2018). Chewbacca also appears in ''Star Wars'' animated series, novels, comics, and video games.


Creation and portrayal

George Lucas George Walton Lucas Jr. (born May 14, 1944) is an American filmmaker and philanthropist. He created the ''Star Wars'' and ''Indiana Jones'' franchises and founded Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic and THX. He served as chairman ...
invented many fictional characters while writing the original 1977 ''
Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and Cultural impact of Star Wars, quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop cu ...
'' film. ''Star Wars'' Original Trilogy DVD Box Set: Bonus Materials. Chewbacca was inspired by his dog, an
Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamute () is a large breed of dog that was originally bred for its strength and endurance, to haul heavy freight as a sled dog. It is similar to other arctic breeds such as the husky, the spitz, the Greenland Dog, Canadian Eski ...
named Indiana. She would sit in the passenger seat of his car while he was driving, and he referred to her as his "co-pilot". Chewbacca's name was derived from the Russian word ''sobaka'' (), which means "dog". The Chewbacca costume used in the original trilogy and the ''Star Wars Holiday Special'' was made from yak hair, rabbit hair and
mohair Mohair (pronounced ) originated from the Arabic word …هيرand it is a fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat (not Angora wool from the fur of the Angora rabbit). Both durable and resilient, mohair is lustrous with high shee ...
. For ''The Force Awakens'', multiple Chewbacca suits were crafted from yak hair, Lycra and a small amount of mohair. Chewbacca's voice was created by
Ben Burtt Benjamin Burtt Jr. (born July 12, 1948) is an American sound designer, film director, film editor, screenwriter, and voice actor. As a sound designer, his credits include the ''Star Wars'' and ''Indiana Jones'' film series, '' Invasion of the ...
, the sound designer for the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy. He generated the Wookiee's vocalizations by mixing together recordings of four bears, a badger, a lion, a seal, and a walrus. Mayhew modeled his performance of Chewbacca on the mannerisms of animals he observed in public zoos.


In other countries

In
France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
, in the original ''Star Wars'' film, his name was changed to "Chiktabba" or "Chiktaba" () and his nickname to "Chiko" (), because the English name was similar to "chewing tobacco", which in French is ''tabac à chiquer'', similar to "''Chiquetabac''". In the other films, his name is "Chewbacca". In the
Italian-language Italian (, , or , ) is a Romance language of the Indo-European language family. It evolved from the colloquial Latin of the Roman Empire. Italian is the least divergent language from Latin, together with Sardinian language, Sardinian. It is ...
editions, including the most recent ''Star Wars'' media, Chewbacca is named "Ciubecca" ( or ) and is nicknamed "Ciube" ().


Reception

In his 1997 review of the Special Edition re-release of ''The Empire Strikes Back'', the film critic
Roger Ebert Roger Joseph Ebert ( ; June 18, 1942 – April 4, 2013) was an American Film criticism, film critic, film historian, journalist, essayist, screenwriter and author. He wrote for the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' from 1967 until his death in 2013. Eber ...
declared that of all the characters, Chewbacca gave the worst performance. He wrote: "This character was thrown into the first film as window dressing, was never thought through, and as a result has been saddled with one facial expression and one mournful yelp. Much more could have been done. How can you be a space pilot and not be able to communicate in any meaningful way? Does Han Solo really understand Chew's monotonous noises? Do they have long chats sometimes?" In spite of Ebert's critique, Chewbacca received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the
1997 MTV Movie Awards The 1997 MTV Movie Awards were held on June 7, 1997, and hosted by Mike Myers. Performers *Bush (British band), Bush — "Cold Contagious" *Jewel (singer), Jewel — "Foolish Games" *En Vogue — "Whatever (En Vogue song), Whatever" *The Wondermi ...
.


Appearances


Original trilogy

Chewbacca was introduced in ''
Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and Cultural impact of Star Wars, quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop cu ...
'' (1977), and is portrayed by
Peter Mayhew Peter William Mayhew (19 May 1944 – 30 April 2019) was a British-American actor. He was best known for portraying Chewbacca in the ''Star Wars'' film series. He played the character in all of his live-action appearances from the 1977 origi ...
in all three films of the original film trilogy. Mayhew was cast primarily for his height of . In ''Star Wars'', Chewbacca and
Han Solo Han Solo () is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced in the 1977 film ''Star Wars (film), Star Wars'', and later appeared in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980), ''Return of the Jedi'' (1983), ''Star Wars: The F ...
are smugglers who accept a charter to transport
Luke Skywalker Luke Skywalker is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced in the original film trilogy as the main protagonist and also appears in the sequel trilogy. Raised as a poor moisture farmer on the desert planet Tat ...
and
Obi-Wan Kenobi Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi () is a character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. In the original film trilogy, he is a Jedi Master who trains Luke Skywalker in the ways of the Force. In the prequel trilogy, he mentors Luke's father, Anakin Skywalke ...
to the planet
Alderaan Alderaan ( ) is an Earth-like fictional planet featured in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. It is blue-green in appearance, depicted as a terrestrial planet with humanoid inhabitants, and characterized by a peaceful culture. It is the home planet o ...
aboard their ship, the ''
Millennium Falcon The ''Millennium Falcon'' is a fictional starship in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Designed by Joe Johnston for the film ''Star Wars'' (1977), it has subsequently appeared in '' The Star Wars Holiday Special'' (1978), ''The Empire Strikes Back' ...
''. When they find the planet obliterated by the
Death Star The Death Star is a fictional space station and superweapon featured in the ''Star Wars'' space-opera franchise. Constructed by the autocratic Galactic Empire, the Death Star is capable of obliterating entire planets, and serves to enforce ...
, Chewbacca and Han help their passengers rescue
Princess Leia Princess Leia Organa ( or ) is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Introduced in the Star Wars (film), original ''Star Wars'' film in 1977, Leia is a princess of the planet Alderaan, a member of the Galactic Empire (Star Wars ...
and take her to the
Rebel A rebel is a participant in a rebellion. Rebel or rebels may also refer to: People * Rebel (given name) * Rebel (surname) * Patriot (American Revolution), during the American Revolution * American Southerners, as a form of self-identification; ...
base on
Yavin 4 Yavin 4 (or Yavin IV) is a natural satellite in the Star Wars fictional universe. Located in the Outer Rim, this moon orbits the gas giant Yavin. It appears mainly in the films ''Rogue One'' and '' A New Hope'', for which the exterior scenes are ...
. In the film's climactic battle scene, Chewbacca and Han save Luke from being killed by
Darth Vader Darth Vader () is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was first introduced in the original film trilogy as the primary antagonist and one of the leaders of the Galactic Empire. He has become one of the most iconic villain ...
, which allows Luke to destroy the Death Star. After the battle, Leia acknowledges Chewbacca for his achievements alongside Luke and Han. ''
The Empire Strikes Back ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back'') is a 1980 American epic film, epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based o ...
'' (1980) takes place three years after ''Star Wars''. Chewbacca and Han are planning to leave the Rebellion to pay off a debt to
Jabba the Hutt Jabba Desilijic Tiure, better known as Jabba the Hutt ( ) is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Initially performed by Declan Mulholland as a human in the original ''Star Wars'' film, Jabba first appeared properly in the 198 ...
, but are drawn back into the war when the
Empire An empire is a political unit made up of several territories, military outpost (military), outposts, and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a hegemony, dominant center and subordinate peripheries". The center of the ...
assaults the Rebel base. Chewbacca, Han and Leia seek refuge in Cloud City with Han's friend
Lando Calrissian Lando Calrissian (; ) is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He is introduced in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980) as a friend of Han Solo and the administrator of Cloud City on the planet Bespin. Prior to the events of the fi ...
, unaware that Lando has betrayed them to the Empire. C-3PO is blasted into pieces by an Imperial stormtrooper, and Chewbacca saves him from being melted down. Before Han is frozen in carbonite and delivered to Jabba, he asks Chewbacca to look after Leia for him. Chewbacca, Leia and Lando escape from Vader in the ''Falcon''. When Leia hears Luke's cry for help, she orders Chewbacca to turn the ship around to rescue him. In the film's final scene, Chewbacca joins the others in preparing to rescue Han from Jabba. Lucas wanted to create audience sympathy for C-3PO in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' by having him get dismantled. Because both and Chewbacca were likeable characters—and disliked one another—Lucas wanted them to have a bonding experience. Towards this end, Chewbacca rescues C-3PO and later repairs him with the help of R2-D2. At the beginning of ''
Return of the Jedi ''Return of the Jedi'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi'' is a 1983 American epic space opera film directed by Richard Marquand from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas. The sequel to '' The Empire ...
'' (1983), Chewbacca infiltrates Jabba's palace by pretending to be the prisoner of a bounty hunter, who is actually Leia in disguise. Chewbacca and his companions manage to rescue Han and escape. Later, Chewbacca joins the others on a mission to destroy the second Death Star's shield generator, which is located on
Endor Endor or Ein Dor may refer to: Places * Endor (village), from the Hebrew Bible, a Canaanite village where the Witch of Endor lived * Indur, a Palestinian village depopulated during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war * Ein Dor, a Kibbutz in modern Israel ...
. During a battle, Chewbacca commandeers an AT-ST walker, which contributes to the mission's success. At the end of the film, Chewbacca and the other Rebels celebrate the destruction of the Death Star and the fall of the Empire.


Prequel trilogy

In ''
Revenge of the Sith Revenge is defined as committing a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance, be it real or perceived. Vengeful forms of justice, such as primitive justice or retributive justice, are often differentiated from more fo ...
'' (2005), Chewbacca and his fellow Wookiee
Tarfful This incomplete list of characters from the ''Star Wars'' franchise contains only those which are considered part of the official ''Star Wars'' canon, as of the changes made by Lucasfilm in April 2014. Following its acquisition by The Walt Di ...
fight in the
Clone Wars The Clone Wars, also known as the Separatist Crisis, is a fictional three-year conflict in the ''Star Wars'' franchise by George Lucas. Though mentioned briefly in the first ''Star Wars'' film (''A New Hope'', 1977), the war itself was not depic ...
when Kashyyyk is invaded by the Separatist Alliance. They also help the
Jedi Master Jedi (), Jedi Knights, or collectively the Jedi Order are fictional characters, and often protagonists, featured in many works within the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Working symbiotically alongside the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Order is depicte ...
Yoda Yoda () is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He is a small, green humanoid alien who is powerful with the Force. He first appeared in the 1980 film '' The Empire Strikes Back'', in which he is voiced and puppeteered by F ...
escape from clone troopers who were ordered to kill him.


Sequel trilogy

In ''
The Force Awakens ''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens'') is a 2015 American epic film, epic space opera film co-produced, co-written, and directed by J. J. Abrams. The sequel to ''Return of the Jedi ...
'', Mayhew shares the Chewbacca role with his body double, Joonas Suotamo. In the film, which is set thirty years after ''Return of the Jedi'', Chewbacca and Han find the ''Millennium Falcon'', which had been stolen from them. They help the rogue
First Order In mathematics and other formal sciences, first-order or first order most often means either: * "linear" (a polynomial of degree at most one), as in first-order approximation and other calculus uses, where it is contrasted with "polynomials of high ...
stormtrooper Finn, the scavenger Rey and the droid
BB-8 BB-8 (or Beebee-Ate) is a Droid (Star Wars), droid character in the Star Wars, ''Star Wars'' franchise. He appeared in the three films of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, sequel trilogy, ''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' (2015), ''Star Wars: The Las ...
escape from a gang of mercenaries, then fly to the castle of
Maz Kanata Maz Kanata is a fictional character in the Star Wars, ''Star Wars'' franchise. Introduced in the 2015 film ''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'', she is a computer-generated imagery, computer-generated character voiced and performed through motion cap ...
so she can help them deliver BB-8 to the Resistance. While they are at Maz's castle, the First Order arrives and captures Rey. Chewbacca and the others fly to a Resistance base, where Chewbacca and Han reunite with Leia and
C-3PO C-3PO () or See-Threepio is a humanoid robot character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He is a protocol droid (Star Wars), droid designed to assist in etiquette and translation, and is fluent in over six million forms of communication. The chara ...
. They also soon reunite with Rey, who escaped from the First Order. During a Resistance mission, Han is killed by his son
Kylo Ren Kylo Ren (born Ben Solo) is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced in ''The Force Awakens'' (2015), the first film of the sequel trilogy as the main antagonist. He subsequently appeared in '' The Last Jedi'' (20 ...
, which prompts an enraged Chewbacca to shoot Kylo in the side. The Wookiee then sets off explosives that allow
Poe Dameron Poe Dameron is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced in the 2015 film ''The Force Awakens'', and is portrayed by Oscar Isaac. Poe is an pilot for the Resistance who inadvertently brings the renegade stormtroop ...
and other X-wing pilots to destroy
Starkiller Base The Death Star is a fictional space station and Weapon of mass destruction, superweapon featured in the ''Star Wars'' Space opera, space-opera Media franchise, franchise. Constructed by the autocratic Galactic Empire (Star Wars), Galactic Empir ...
, the First Order's superweapon. Before the base explodes, Chewbacca rescues Rey and Finn from the wilderness, where they had been fighting with Kylo. Later, Chewbacca helps Rey find Luke on the planet
Ahch-To The fictional universe of the ''Star Wars'' franchise features multiple planets and moons. While only the feature films and selected other works are considered canon to the franchise since the 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm by The Walt Disne ...
. Suotamo portrays Chewbacca in ''
The Last Jedi ''Star Wars: The Last Jedi'' (also known as ''Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi'') is a 2017 American epic space opera film written and directed by Rian Johnson. Produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictu ...
'' (2017), which takes place immediately after ''The Force Awakens''. While Rey attempts to convince Luke to train her, Chewbacca develops a relationship with some seabirds known as Porgs. Later on, Chewbacca and Rey help the Resistance by using the ''Falcon'' to distract First Order TIE fighters. Chewbacca returns in ''The Rise of Skywalker'' (2019), again played by Suotamo. He and his companions travel to the planet Passana, where they search for a clue to the location of a
Sith The Sith are the main antagonists in the fictional universe of the ''Star Wars'' franchise. They are the antithesis and ancient enemies of the Jedi. The Sith Order is depicted as an ancient cult of warriors who draw strength from the dark sid ...
wayfinder. With the help of Lando, they locate the clue, but are quickly found by the First Order. While Rey confronts Kylo, Chewbacca is captured and taken aboard a transport. Rey uses
the Force The Force is a Metaphysics, metaphysical, mysterious, and Energy (esotericism), ubiquitous power in the ''Star Wars'' Universe of Star Wars, fictional universe. Characters refer to the Force as an energy that interconnects all things in the univer ...
to arrest the flight of the transport she mistakenly believes Chewbacca is on. She accidentally destroys the ship with
Force lightning The Force is a metaphysical, mysterious, and ubiquitous power in the ''Star Wars'' fictional universe. Characters refer to the Force as an energy that interconnects all things in the universe, maintaining cosmic balance. Particularly "Force-sens ...
, and believes she has killed Chewbacca, who in reality was on a different transport. Deeply shaken by the apparent death of the Wookiee, Rey and the others pledge to continue the mission in his memory. Later on, Chewbacca's friends realize he is alive, and manage to rescue him. When they return to the Resistance base, they learn of Leia's death, and Chewbacca is distraught. He then helps Lando recruit citizens from across the galaxy to defeat the Sith Eternal forces. Near the end of the film, Chewbacca receives a medal from Maz.


''Solo: A Star Wars Story''

Suotamo portrays Chewbacca in the 2018 standalone film '' Solo: A Star Wars Story'', which details the Wookiee's first meeting with Han. He was captured by Imperials on the planet Mimban, and is being held captive in a small pit. Han, considered a "troublemaker" by the Imperials, is thrown into the pit to be eaten by Chewbacca. The Wookiee attacks Han, but stops when Han reveals he can speak Shyriiwook. Chewbacca and Han form an instant bond and escape their captors. They join the crew of the thief Tobias Beckett, and make several attempts to steal coaxium for the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate. On Kessel, Chewbacca frees several other Wookiees from slavery. During the Kessel Run—in which Han flies the ''Falcon'' through a cloudy maelstrom—Chewbacca reveals his skill as a pilot. Near the end of the film, Beckett turns traitor and captures Chewbacca. After Han saves his friend and kills Beckett, he wins the ''Millenium Falcon'' from Lando. Chewbacca and Han then set off on more adventures in the ''Falcon''.


Animated series

In the season 3 finale of the television series '' The Clone Wars'', Chewbacca is captured by Trandoshan hunters, but is freed by
Ahsoka Tano Ahsoka Tano (pronounced ) is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. She was introduced as the 14-year-old List of Star Wars species (P–T)#Togruta, Togruta Jedi Padawan of Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker in the animated film ''Star ...
and agrees to help her and two younglings escape. He and Ahsoka attack the Trandoshan fortress before they are found and assisted by Tarfful and other Wookiees. Chewbacca appears in both seasons of the web series '' Forces of Destiny'' (2017–2018). He is featured in episodes 5 and 10 of season 1, and in episodes 6 and 12 of season 2.


Novels and comics

Chewbacca is featured in the novels ''Smuggler's Run: A Han Solo and Chewbacca Adventure'' (2015) and ''The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear'' (2018). He appears in the comics ''Chewbacca'' (2015), ''Life Day'' (2021) and ''Han Solo and Chewbacca'' (2022–2023).


Video games

Chewbacca is a playable character in a variety of video games, including '' Masters of Teräs Käsi'', '' Star Wars Battlefront II'', '' Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron'', '' Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron'', and the
2017 version Seventeen or 17 may refer to: *17 (number) * One of the years 17 BC, AD 17, 1917, 2017, 2117 Science * Chlorine, a halogen in the periodic table * 17 Thetis, an asteroid in the asteroid belt Literature Magazines * ''Seventeen'' (American mag ...
of ''Star Wars Battlefront II''. The Wookiee is also playable in the Lego ''Star Wars'' games '' Lego Star Wars: The Video Game'', '' Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy'', '' Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars,'' '' Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.''


Other

The 1978 television program ''
Star Wars Holiday Special ''The Star Wars Holiday Special'' is an American television special originally broadcast by CBS on November 17, 1978. It is set in the universe of the sci-fi-based ''Star Wars'' media franchise. Directed by Steve Binder, it was the first ''S ...
'' introduces Chewbacca's family, including his wife Mallatobuck, his son Lumpawarrump, and his father Attichitcuk, who is the chief of the Kaapauku Tribe. The program features a story in which Chewbacca and Han travel to Kashyyyk to celebrate Life Day, while trying to prevent Darth Vader from spoiling the holiday. The special is not part of the ''Star Wars'' story canon. In the 2024 ''
Simpsons ''The Simpsons'' is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening and developed by Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon for the Fox Broadcasting Company. It is a satirical depiction of American life, epitomized by the Simpson ...
'' short ''
May the 12th Be with You ''May the 12th Be with You'' is an animated short film based on the television series ''The Simpsons''. The short was released on May 10, 2024, on Disney+ in celebration of both ''Star Wars'' Day and Mother's Day. It is the eighth ''Simpsons' ...
'', Chewbacca appears, voiced by
Chris Edgerly Chris Edgerly is an American voice actor. Life and career Edgerly provided the voice of Peter Potamus on the Adult Swim animated series ''Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law'', in addition to several guest voices on the TV series ''Drawn Togeth ...
.


''Star Wars Legends''

Following the acquisition of
Lucasfilm Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC is an American film and television production company founded by filmmaker George Lucas in December 10, 1971 in San Rafael, California, and later moved to San Francisco in 2005. It is best known for creating and producing th ...
by
The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was founded on October 16 ...
in 2012, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' novels and comics produced between 1977 and 2014 were rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and declared non-canon to the franchise. The ''Legends'' works comprise a separate narrative universe. Chewbacca appears in the novel trilogies ''
The Han Solo Adventures ''The Han Solo Adventures'' is a trilogy of novels set in the ''Star Wars'' fictional universe by American science-fiction novelist Brian Daley. It follows the smuggling days of Han Solo and Chewbacca two years before the events of the origina ...
'' (1979–1980), '' The Black Fleet Crisis'' (1996–1997) and ''
The Han Solo Trilogy ''Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy'' is a trilogy of non-canon (' Legends') science-fiction novels set in the ''Star Wars'' galaxy. It follows Han Solo's origins and life before the events depicted in the original ''Star Wars'' trilogy (1977†...
'' (1997–1998), as well as the novels ''
Heirs of the Force ''Young Jedi Knights'' is a ''Star Wars'' young adult fiction series by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta. It was published from 1995 to 1998. It covers the Jedi training of Jacen and Jaina Solo, the twin chi ...
'' (1995), ''Vector Prime'' (1999), and '' Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader'' (2005). ''Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader'' is set just after ''Revenge of the Sith''. When the Empire enslaves most of Kashyyyk's population to build the Death Star, Chewbacca escapes with a group of smugglers who are friendly to the Jedi. ''
The Hutt Gambit ''Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy'' is a trilogy of non-canon ('Legends') science-fiction novels set in the ''Star Wars'' galaxy. It follows Han Solo's origins and life before the events depicted in the original ''Star Wars'' trilogy (1977– ...
''—the second novel in ''The Han Solo Trilogy''—explains how Chewbacca and Han first meet. While serving as a lieutenant in the Imperial Navy, Han finds Chewbacca unconscious aboard a slave ship. Han is ordered to skin the Wookiee, but rescues him instead. Upon regaining consciousness, Chewbacca swears a "life-debt" to Han, and the two become business partners and friends. In ''
Vector Prime ''Star Wars: The New Jedi Order'' (or ''New Jedi Order'' or ''NJO'') is a series of 19 science fiction novels, published from 1999 to 2003, set in the ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe. The series revolves around the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of ...
'', Chewbacca sacrifices his life to save Han's son Anakin from a collision between the planet Sernpidal and one of its moons. Two of the Wookiee's family members offer to assume Chewbacca's life debt to Han. ''Vector Prime'' was followed by the comic series ''Star Wars: Chewbacca'', in which C-3PO and R2-D2 travel the galaxy collecting stories of beings who knew or met the Wookiee.


See also

*
Chewbacca defense In a jury trial, the Chewbacca defense is a legal strategy in which a criminal defense lawyer tries to confuse the jury rather than refute the case of the prosecutor. It is an intentional distraction or obfuscation. As a Chewbacca defense distr ...
*
Chewbacca Mask Lady Chewbacca Mask Lady (also known as Chewbacca Mom) is a viral video featuring 37-year-old Texan mother Candace Payne filming herself heartily laughing while wearing a ''Star Wars'' Chewbacca mask. The video was posted to Facebook with the descr ...


Notes


References


Citations


Works Cited

* * * *


Further reading

*


External links


Chewbacca
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