39 years ago today, a little science fiction movie called Star Wars was released. It was writtenand directed by a USC Alumnus, George Lucas who gave us American Grafitti. Sadly it was a huge bomb at the box office, andis barely even remembered by the public. If only it got a sequel. I guess wewill never know what happened to Luke Skywalker and friends. Oh well…
JUST KIDDING!
If you didn't notice the sarcasm and actually thought thatwas true, you must be living under a rock. Nearly four decades old, and withover seven movies (and still going), countless books, games, TV Shows, etc. Star Wars has arguably never been more popular.
It has so many unforgettable characters. The wide-eyed anddaring Luke Skywalker, the brave and feisty Leia Organa, the cocky Han Solo,the lovable R2-D2, the paranoid C-3PO, the menacing Darth Vader, and so much more.
But one character that has especially stolen all our hearts is Han Solo's trusty co-pilot, the mighty Chewbacca!
Last week, a video of a 38 year old mother in Texas, Candace Payne, purchasing a Chewbacca mask for herself went viral. What started as a simple, fun Facebook Live video is now something that you cannot avoid, nor want to. Just watching the video will brighten up anyone's day. There's just something about her positive attitude and laugh that is contagious. Even Kylo Ren would not be able to contain his joy watching this woman.
Since then, Candace Payne has been everywhere from Good Morning America to The Late Late Show with James Corden, and even this week's new episode of The Star Wars Show! She's even gotten to meet Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars films!
And to think, this is all because she put on a mask based on a character from a nearly 40 year old franchise!
Ever since the video went viral, it has been nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find one of those masks at the store! I was luck to get one today at Target. And it was the best money I ever spent!
What is it about Chewbacca that makes him so endearing even to this day? I can think of a few reasons.
One, he doesn't speak English.
In all the movies Chewbacca has appeared in, he never actually talks. He just growls. His growling noise is like that sound you make when you gargle mouth wash. Ben Burtt said to get the sounds for the Wookie, he had to record footage of animals such as a Walrus, a Lion, a Bear, etc. Even though he makes the same noise over and over again, he shows so much emotion when he does it. They can sound angry, joyful, scared, and of course sad.
There's just something about characters who only communicate with one sound or phrase that we find so endearing. In Guardians of the Galaxy, there was a walking, talking tree known as Groot who only says "I Am Groot." And he immediately stole the whole show as well as audiences' hearts. And how can you not find Baby Groot dancing adorable? Honestly?
But one character that has especially stolen all our hearts is Han Solo's trusty co-pilot, the mighty Chewbacca!
Last week, a video of a 38 year old mother in Texas, Candace Payne, purchasing a Chewbacca mask for herself went viral. What started as a simple, fun Facebook Live video is now something that you cannot avoid, nor want to. Just watching the video will brighten up anyone's day. There's just something about her positive attitude and laugh that is contagious. Even Kylo Ren would not be able to contain his joy watching this woman.
Since then, Candace Payne has been everywhere from Good Morning America to The Late Late Show with James Corden, and even this week's new episode of The Star Wars Show! She's even gotten to meet Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars films!
And to think, this is all because she put on a mask based on a character from a nearly 40 year old franchise!
Ever since the video went viral, it has been nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find one of those masks at the store! I was luck to get one today at Target. And it was the best money I ever spent!
What is it about Chewbacca that makes him so endearing even to this day? I can think of a few reasons.
One, he doesn't speak English.
In all the movies Chewbacca has appeared in, he never actually talks. He just growls. His growling noise is like that sound you make when you gargle mouth wash. Ben Burtt said to get the sounds for the Wookie, he had to record footage of animals such as a Walrus, a Lion, a Bear, etc. Even though he makes the same noise over and over again, he shows so much emotion when he does it. They can sound angry, joyful, scared, and of course sad.
There's just something about characters who only communicate with one sound or phrase that we find so endearing. In Guardians of the Galaxy, there was a walking, talking tree known as Groot who only says "I Am Groot." And he immediately stole the whole show as well as audiences' hearts. And how can you not find Baby Groot dancing adorable? Honestly?
(WARNING! GAME OF THRONES SPOILER!!!) The latest episode of Game of Thrones broke our hearts by killing off another major character. GOT is no stranger to killing off major characters. (In fact, it's what they're infamous for.) But this death was especially heart breaking. This time it was Hodor, a large person who only says "Hodor". And for years no one knew why... Until now. Long story short, I won't be able to "hold the door" for anyone without crying for a long time.
Character like Groot and Hodor owe a lot to Chewbacca for paving the way for them, and helping them find their voice in popular culture.
Another reason is because he is fierce.
Han Solo: It's not wise to upset a Wookie.
C-3PO: But sir, nobody worries about upsetting a Droid!
Han Solo: That's cause a droid don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Wookies are known to do that.
C-3PO: I see your point sir. Artoo, I suggest a new strategy. Let the Wookie win.
Good choice, Threepio. Chewbacca is one character you do not want to get on their bad side. He never backs down from a fight, he's tough, he's brutal, etc. His Bowcaster is so cool that even Han Solo in The Force Awakens prefers it over his own blaster!
Chewbacca is who you want by your side when you go to a dangerous place.
When you find yourself disagreeing with a Wookie, especially Chewbacca, it's way better to swallow your pride and let the Wookie win.
A third reason is because he's just so adorable, like a puppy dog!
Next time you go to Disneyland, I reccomend going to the Launch Bay at Tomorrowland. There you get a chance to meet and get a photo with Chewbacca in person. He gives some of the best hugs... EVER!!!
And I'm not the only one who feels that. In The Empire Strikes Back, when we see Chewbacca hugging Luke, we can't help but feel warm and fuzzy. When Chewbacca cries out for his friend Han Solo being frozen in Carbonite, we can't help but feel sad with him. The same thing happened in The Force Awakens when (SPOILER ALERT) Han Solo was murdered by his son Kylo Ren. Chewbacca's cry is like that of a dog mourning their owner.
Most supporting characters are either fierce or huggable. They are usually never both. Chewbacca is the rare exception of a character who perfectly balanced between fierce and huggable. He's the perfect travel companion. He's someone who will protect you from harm, AND keep you company.
If Chewbacca reminds you of a dog, that's because he is one... Kinda.
Chewbacca was actually inspired by George Lucas' dog, an Alaskan Malamute (pictured above). She would often sit by George Lucas' side whenever he wrote. She would also sit in the car with him in the Passenger's seat, just like Chewbacca sat next to Han Solo in the Millenium Falcon.
The name of George Lucas' dog? Indiana!
But the main reason we all love Chewbacca? He's loyal to the very end.
Chewbacca is a perfect example of a true friend. He's brave, he's selfless, and he's loyal. He sticks by Han Solo's side no matter what. And he is willing to help his friend with anything, no matter how hard it sounds. Fly a few strangers to Alderaan? No Problem. Rescue a Princess from the Empire? Sure. Join the Rebellion in a battle between Good and Evil where survival is unlikely? In a heart-beat.
Chewbacca not only helps Han Solo with his problems, he also gives him great advice, and encourages him to go back and help the Rebels destroy the Death Star.
Even when Chewbacca doesn't get a Medal (and he totally deserves one!), he still acts really humble, and proudly serves the Rebellion, and then the Resistance, for the rest of his days.
(SPOILER) The death of Han Solo is heartbreaking for countless reasons. But one of them is the thought of Chewbacca being alone. When we hear Chewbacca scream in agony over his friend dying, we fee his pain. Chewie, just like us, has known Han Solo for years. He traveled the whole galaxy with him, fought in many battles with him, shared many laughs with him, and even grew old with him. I cannot stand to think of Chewbacca without Han Solo in Episode VIII and IX. And neither will he. I wish we could all give him a hug.
One of the most controversial topics in Star Wars fandom right now is the reboot of the Star Wars Canon. Any story before 2014, like The Thrawn Trilogy or Legacy of the Force are no longer canon. One of those stories includes Chewbacca dying by being crushed by a moon.
Personally, I'm all for the canon being rebooted. It's bad enough we lost Han Solo. I cannot imagine what Star Wars would be like without Chewie.
But even if Chewbacca does die in any of the future films (and hopefully he won't), our love for him never will. He's fierce, he's huggable, and he's a friend to the end. He's just one of many reasons we still love Star Wars.
Chewbacca, we love you! But you already knew that.
May the Force be with you!
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