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Peter Mayhew, who portrayed Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away at the age of 74. According to a statement released by his family, he died at his home in Texas with his family at his side on 30th April. Mayhew was born in London, and was selected for the role of Chewbacca purely for his height (7ft 2in). While casting for Star Wars George Lucas has initially earmarked David Prowse to portray Chewbacca but Prowse opted to play Darth Vader instead, leaving the wookiee suit open. He would portray Han Solo's co-pilot in the original trilogy, and returned for Revenge of the Sith. In 2015's The Force Awakens he shared the role with Joonas Suotamo, for subsequent films he remained in a consultant role. A fan favourite at conventions, Mayhew was often described as a gentle giant, and his family said that "the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film". He was also much-loved by his fellow cast members, and tributes have been flooding in. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience. Harrison Ford What was so remarkable about him was his spirit and his kindness and his gentleness was so close to what a Wookiee is. He just radiated happiness and warmth. He was always up for a laugh and we just hit it off immediately and stayed friends for over 40 years. Mark Hamill He was an absolutely one-of-kind gentleman and a legend of unrivalled class and I will miss him. Rest assured his legacy will live on and the spirit that he gave the character when he first donned the suit will never be forgotten. Joonas Suotamo Peter was a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature - and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend, and I'm saddened by his passing. George Lucas Peter's iconic portrayal of the loyal, lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the character's success, and to the Star Wars saga itself. When I first met Peter during The Force Awakens, I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature. Peter was brilliantly able to express his personality through his skilful use of gesture, posture, and eyes. We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory. Kathleen Kennedy We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Mayhew. He was our beloved companion in a galaxy far, far, away. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans. The force will be with you always, Peter. San Diego Comic-Con A private memorial service for friends and family will be held in June, with a memorial service for fans planned for December. Rest in peace, Peter Mayhew, 1944 - 2019.
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The upcoming Han Solo spin-off film will be an origin story not just for Han Solo, but also for the friendship between the smuggler and his wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca, Bob Iger has confirmed. The reveal came from the Disney CEO during a conference about the studio's future Star Wars plans, according to The Wrap. It is difficult to imagine a Han Solo tale without Chewbacca, but the confirmation that Chewbacca will be part of the story is something that will no doubt please fans. The as yet untitled Han Solo film will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord and is currently expected to be released on 25 May 2018, but no announcement of who will play the young Han Solo has been made.
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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. Click here to view the article
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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.
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A recent casting call in London suggests that the Star Wars Episode VII casting team are on the lookout for a new actor to replace Peter Mayhew in the role of Chewbacca.The casting call, which has been linked to director JJ Abrams and producers of Star Wars Episode VII, asks for a 7ft 3in actor with a slim build. Mayhew, who recently underwent surgery to enable him to walk again after years of poor mobility, told Bleeding Cool that he fully intends to pursue the role of Chewbacca. It is currently unknown whether he will be well enough in time for production to start in early 2014. Is Disney planning on recasting Chewbacca or a fellow Wookiee, or perhaps simply keeping their options open? Time will tell as we creep slowly towards production. Click here to view the article
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The casting call, which has been linked to director JJ Abrams and producers of Star Wars Episode VII, asks for a 7ft 3in actor with a slim build. Mayhew, who recently underwent surgery to enable him to walk again after years of poor mobility, told Bleeding Cool that he fully intends to pursue the role of Chewbacca. It is currently unknown whether he will be well enough in time for production to start in early 2014. Is Disney planning on recasting Chewbacca or a fellow Wookiee, or perhaps simply keeping their options open? Time will tell as we creep slowly towards production.
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Star Wars veteran Peter Mayhew, who has been wheelchair bound for two years is recovering from double-knee replacement surgery which doctors hope will let him walk again.The British born actor, who towers above his contemporaries at 7ft 3, became a US citizen in 2005 and is best known for playing Chewbacca in four Star Wars episodes and hopes to gain a new lease of life from the surgery. Mayhew, 69, will also be the subject of a documentary called Standing in the Stars - The Peter Mayhew Story, which will highlight his medical conditions including gigantism, which is responsible for his tall stature. Chewbacca famously snagged the last line in 1977's Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, and was more recently seen portrayed by Mayhew in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith in 2005. It is unknown whether he, or Mayhew will return for Episode VII. Click here to view the article
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The British born actor, who towers above his contemporaries at 7ft 3, became a US citizen in 2005 and is best known for playing Chewbacca in four Star Wars episodes and hopes to gain a new lease of life from the surgery. Mayhew, 69, will also be the subject of a documentary called Standing in the Stars - The Peter Mayhew Story, which will highlight his medical conditions including gigantism, which is responsible for his tall stature. Chewbacca famously snagged the last line in 1977's Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, and was more recently seen portrayed by Mayhew in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith in 2005. It is unknown whether he, or Mayhew will return for Episode VII.
