Last week, word was going around that Peter Mayhew had cancelled a convention appearance set for next month because of filming. No further information was given, but seeing the timeline for “Episode VII” filming next to that, it didn’t take a hyperdrive specialist to put two and two together if the report were true.
Even before that, back in September, it was reported that casting was going on for someone who fit the physical description of a Wookiee. I guessed then that Peter Mayhew’s rush into surgery was to be in fighting shape on the chance he’d be able to reprise his role as everyone’s favorite walking carpet.
It seems like all of that might have been dead on, if a report from The Hollywood Reporter is accurate.
Peter Mayhew will play Chewbacca for Disney and Lucasfilm’s upcoming sequel, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.
With official confirmations that this film takes place between 30-35 years after “Return of the Jedi” and Chewbacca’s death in the books and Expanded Universe occurring 10-15 years before that, it seems safe to say that the Expanded Universe is moving into an Alternate Universe status.
I’ve described it as an alternate timeline much like the Biff Tannen’s Casino timeline in Back to the Future II. Since we don’t know what the movie holds, we have no idea which timeline we’ll enjoy more, but I hope people take to heart something I said on twitter:
The only canon that matters is that which makes you happy. Don’t sweat the differences between books, movies, or shows. Enjoy what you enjoy…
Having said that, if you prefer Chewie dead, maybe you should talk to someone about that…
Having said all of that, while The Hollywood Reporter is an excellent paragon of integrity regarding reports of this nature, this news is still not yet official, and please take it in that spirit.
Don’t hesitate to revisit my interview with Peter Mayhew from Salt Lake Comic-Con, back in September. And be sure to listen to Full of Sith for all your Star Wars podcast needs.