Chewbacca Unmasked: The Actors Behind the Wookiee Legend

The legendary Chewbacca, the towering, loyal Wookiee co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, is brought to life not through CGI trickery alone, but by dedicated actors who embody his physicality and roar with his powerful spirit. The answer to “Who plays Chewbacca in Star Wars?” is twofold: Peter Mayhew originated the role and played him in the Original Trilogy and parts of the Prequel Trilogy, while Joonas Suotamo took over the role in The Force Awakens and has played him ever since.

The Legacy of Peter Mayhew

From Hospital Worker to Galactic Hero

Peter Mayhew, a British actor standing over 7 feet 2 inches tall, was working as a hospital attendant when George Lucas discovered him. His height made him a natural fit for the role of Chewbacca. Mayhew’s performance wasn’t just about standing tall; it was about conveying emotion through subtle movements and posture. He crafted Chewbacca’s iconic gait, his gentle demeanor with Han Solo, and his ferocious loyalty. While his voice was augmented with sound effects, it was Mayhew’s physicality that defined the character for a generation. He appeared in Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens (shared with Joonas Suotamo). His contribution is invaluable, forging the Wookiee’s very soul.

Passing the Torch

Tragically, Peter Mayhew suffered from mobility issues later in life, making it increasingly difficult for him to perform the physically demanding role. Recognizing this, he began mentoring Joonas Suotamo, his eventual successor. Mayhew’s influence extended far beyond his physical performance; he helped develop the character’s nuances and ensured a seamless transition. He remained a consultant for the Star Wars films, continuing to contribute his vast knowledge of Chewbacca’s mannerisms and motivations until his passing in 2019.

The Reign of Joonas Suotamo

A Basketball Player Turned Wookiee

Joonas Suotamo, a Finnish former professional basketball player, stands at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches. He was initially brought on board as a body double for Peter Mayhew in The Force Awakens. However, his dedication to understanding and replicating Mayhew’s performance, coupled with his own natural athleticism, quickly impressed the filmmakers.

Embodying the Wookiee Spirit

Suotamo didn’t just copy Mayhew; he brought his own interpretation to the role while honoring the established character. His understanding of Wookiee behavior, combined with his physical prowess, allowed him to embody the energy and agility required for the modern Star Wars films. He fully took over the role in The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and The Rise of Skywalker. He has fully made the character his own, and continues to charm Star Wars fans.

Beyond the Screen: Joonas as an Ambassador for the Character

Joonas Suotamo actively engages with fans, offering insights into the challenges and joys of playing such an iconic character. He understands the importance of Chewbacca to the Star Wars universe and strives to maintain the Wookiee’s legacy. He is often seen at conventions, answering questions, and taking pictures with fans. His dedication to the role extends beyond the films, making him a true ambassador for the character and the Star Wars franchise as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the actors who bring Chewbacca to life, further illuminating the details of their roles:

1. How was Chewbacca’s voice created?

Chewbacca’s voice is a complex blend of vocal performances and sound design. While Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo provide the physical performance and a base layer of vocalizations, the final sound is achieved through a combination of various animal sounds, including bears, lions, walruses, and badgers, mixed and manipulated by sound designers.

2. Did Peter Mayhew ever speak in the Chewbacca costume?

While Peter Mayhew could and did speak inside the Chewbacca costume, his voice was not used in the final audio. The sounds made by Chewbacca are all a product of sound design, created in post-production.

3. How did Joonas Suotamo prepare for the role of Chewbacca?

Joonas Suotamo studied Peter Mayhew’s performances extensively, paying close attention to his gait, posture, and subtle movements. He also worked closely with Mayhew himself, who provided invaluable insights into the character’s nuances.

4. What were some of the challenges of playing Chewbacca?

Both Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo faced physical challenges due to the heat and weight of the Chewbacca costume. Furthermore, conveying emotion without facial expressions required precise control of body language and vocalizations. The suit itself could get rather hot after long periods of use.

5. Was there any CGI used to enhance Chewbacca’s performance?

While the actors provided the physical performance, CGI was used to enhance certain aspects of Chewbacca, such as the movement of his fur and subtle facial expressions. It’s a blend of practical performance and digital enhancement.

6. Did Peter Mayhew have any input on Joonas Suotamo’s performance?

Yes, Peter Mayhew actively mentored Joonas Suotamo, providing guidance and advice on how to embody the character of Chewbacca. He was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition between actors.

7. How tall is the Chewbacca costume?

The Chewbacca costume adds significant height to the actors. While Peter Mayhew was already over 7 feet tall, the costume added several more inches. Joonas Suotamo, at nearly 7 feet, also appears significantly taller in the suit.

8. Is it difficult to see out of the Chewbacca costume?

Yes, visibility is limited in the Chewbacca costume. The actors rely on peripheral vision and assistance from crew members to navigate the set safely. The original costume had even more limited visibility than the modern one.

9. What are some of Chewbacca’s most iconic moments?

Chewbacca has countless iconic moments, including his roaring defiance against the Empire, his tender moments with Han Solo, and his bravery in battle. His role in disabling the Death Star’s tractor beam is another memorable instance.

10. Will we see Chewbacca in future Star Wars projects?

Given Chewbacca’s enduring popularity, it is likely that the character will continue to appear in future Star Wars projects. He remains a beloved and integral part of the Star Wars universe. It is also possible that Joonas Suotamo will return to the role if Chewbacca is used in a future project.

11. How long does it take to put on the Chewbacca costume?

Putting on the Chewbacca costume can be a time-consuming process, often taking upwards of 30 minutes with the assistance of multiple crew members. It’s a complex process that requires careful attention to detail.

12. Besides Star Wars, have Peter Mayhew or Joonas Suotamo appeared in other films or TV shows?

Peter Mayhew had a few other acting roles, including Terror and Dark Encounter. Joonas Suotamo has focused primarily on playing Chewbacca, but he has also appeared in the Finnish film Jättiläinen (The Giant). Both actors are overwhelmingly known for their work as Chewbacca.