Star Wars 7: Peter Mayhew joins as Chewbacca
While Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher are believed to be returning in minor roles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For Harrison Ford, the original Star Wars trilogy was a springboard to a blockbuster movie career.
For some of his supporting cast members, however, the sci-fi spectacular remains their professional peak – but as production begins on another sequel, some are getting another chance to reprise their iconic roles.
This week it was revealed that the British actor Peter Mayhew, who played Solo’s hirsute sidekick Chewbacca, will return as the irritable Wookiee in the forthcoming film, so far known only as “ Star Wars: Episode VII ”.
Set 30 years after 1983’s Return of the Jedi, it is intended as the first instalment of a new trilogy produced by Lucasfilm and its parent company, Disney.
Mayhew, now 69, played Chewbacca in four previous films, from the original, 1977’s Episode IV: A New Hope, to the 2005 prequel Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Ford (as Han Solo) and his fellow stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), are believed to be returning in minor roles.
Girls’ star Adam Driver has been rumoured to appear as a “Darth Vader-type character” but his role has not yet been confirmed by the production.
Breaking Bad star Jesse Plemons, Downton Abbey’s Ed Speleers and Attack the Block’s John Boyega have also been rumoured for a leading role in the movie.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments