Mayhew to return as Chewbacca?

Peter Mayhew has canceled an appearance at a convention due to take place during filming for Star Wars Episode VII.

The veteran Star Wars actor who has played everybody's favorite wookiee Chewbacca in four Star Wars movies was due to appear at Texas' Comicpalooza in May, but a tweet sent out by the organisers announced his cancelation as being "due to filming".

It was previously thought that Mayhew might miss the latest instalment of the Star Wars saga after he underwent double knee replacement surgery last year to combat his poor mobility caused by the same medical condition that gave him his towering stature.

A casting call went out at around the same time as Mayhew's operation asking for a 7ft 3in actor, the same height as Chewbacca, leading to speculation that the character was to be recast as a result of his mobility problems.

Of course, this is not an official confirmation of Peter Mayhew's involvement in the new film, but we hope to hear more news soon as the start of shooting draws ever closer.

Edit: A source close to The Hollywood Reporter has since leaked Mayhew's return to Star Wars; reprising his role as Chewbacca.