The general consensus seems to be that the Disney era ofStar Warshas been pretty great so far. Different, but great. The newStar Warsmovies have been a blend of old and new, which looks to be what the upcoming youngHan Solomovie is going to be. There will be one very big “out with the old, in with the new” change this time around as the original Chewbacca actorPeter Mayhewwill not be playing everyone’s favorite Wookiee.
StarWars.com released the first official cast photo forHan Solo: A Star Wars Storytoday, which featured the gang all together in the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon. Chewbacca can be seen hanging out withAlden Ehrenreichas Han Solo,Donald Gloveras Lando Calrissian,Woody Harrelson,Emilia ClarkeandPhoebe Waller-Bridge. The man in the costume isJoonas Suotamo, who shared Chewbacca duties withPeter MayhewonStar Wars: The Force Awakens, but it was announced today with this photo that he will be handling the role all by his lonesome this time around.
Peter Mayhewhas been bringing Chewie to life ever sinceStar Wars: A New Hopein 1977. He went on to reprise the role on screen in bothStar Wars: The Empire Strikes BackandStar Wars: Return of the Jedi, as well asStar Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Sadly, he isn’t as young as he once was. At the age of 72, it is much more difficult for him to portrayChewbacca, so it makes sense that Disney and Lucasfilm are givingJoonas Suotamothe reigns this time around. Even thoughPeter Mayhewisn’t going to be in theHan Solomovie, he is going to be inStar Wars: The Last Jediand is expected to be inStar Wars Episode IXas well, but it seems likely those could be his last appearances in theStar Warsuniverse.
As forJoonas Suotamo, getting to work withPeter MayhewonStar Wars: The Force Awakenswas essentially like going to school to learn how to be Chewbacca on screen. Unfortunately, the actors that originally brought these characters to life won’t always be able to play them on screen. But unlike a character like Princess Leia who is and will forever be linked to the lateCarrie Fisher, there are ways for characters like Chewbacca to continue on for many years to come. The youngHan Solomovie seems like the perfect place forSuotamoto give it a shot since we will also be getting a new actor in the form ofAlden Ehrenreichplaying Han Solo.
InStar Wars: The Force Awakens,Joonas Suotamowas able to seamlessly blend in as Chewbacca alongsidePeter Mayhew, so there is no reason to think he can’t handle the task in front of him. It is definitely sad to think that the original Chewbacca won’t be involved, but the show must go on.Han Solo: A Star Wars Storyis currently scheduled for release on July 28, 2025, but there have been rumors swirling that Disney may move the release date to December, given the success that bothThe Force AwakensandRogue One: A Star Wars Storyenjoyed in that month.
