EPISODE III: WOOKIEES AT WAR!

Their lush jungle homeworld of Kashyyyk critically threatened with Separatist droid invaders, the Wookiees will protect their lands and freedoms with unique heavy weaponry, as seen in this great conceptual art by Aaron McBride for Episode III.

'HAPPY LIFE DAY!' - 2022

Sending their message of peace, hope and goodwill across the universe, the Wookiee nation gathers for their annual Life Day on Kashyyyk, as exemplified in this great art linked to Chewbacca's quirky family in the infamous The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978, a production which still wields its televisual charms, for good and bad, across the saga nearly forty-five years on. 

If anyone knows the name of the great artist behind this piece, please get in touch.

BEHIND THE SCENES: BRING OUT THE WOOKIEES!

On one of the spacious blue screen surrounding stages of Fox Studios, Australia, enthused animation director Rob Coleman goes through the paces with his assemblage of local actors and sportsmen playing the incredibly tall Wookiee warriors needed for EPISODE III's all-too-briefly-seen-on-screen Battle of Kashyyyk.

'SOLO': WOOKIEE PAYBACK!

As revolution breaks out from one of the deep caves of the infamous Kessel's key spice mining facilities, Han Solo and his party are supported in their perilous journey back to the besieged Millennium Falcon, with their volatile new cargo, by a small and malnourished party of wookiee prisoners, led by the heroic Tak Sagwa, now gamely out for revenge on their cruel overlords. A stirring action moment from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

C'mon, Disney, let's get that much-wanted Han Solo TV mini-series made already!

EPISODE VIII: A WOOKIEE'S PERSISTENCE!

It's not the most agreeable of worlds for a Wookiee, and there isn't much food to enjoy, nonetheless Chewie shows great patience in his time on the far-off realm of Ahch-To during early events of The Last Jedi, especially when it's in regard to trying to win his self-exiled Jedi Knight and friend Luke Skywalker back to the hero's journey!

CLASSIC ART: CREATURE COMFORTS!

They may live in the trees and commune with nature, but the Wookiees of the arboreal world of Kashyyyk also know how to make the most of modern technology in their unique home dwellings, as seen in this fun Ralph McQuarrie conceptual art for the much-maligned but still fan-enjoyed The Star Wars Holiday Special, celebrating its 41st Anniversary today.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: SENATE WATCHERS!

Largely unseen bar in extreme longshots, many aliens delegates had close-up and reaction shots filmed for the Republic Senate meeting debating the Naboo Crisis. All of these characters, part of one hundred and forty separate creations - both new or classics revisited (such as Rodians and Twi'leks) - were brought to life by Nick Dudman and his team of fifty-five craftsmen, filmed by a second unit at Leavesden, mostly headed up by Roger Christian. Some unseen creatures would ultimately appear in new environments, like the Tatooine Pod racing sequence, playing spectators, or appear in future films, once again in extreme background shots. The Twi'lek Bib Fortuna (played by Alan Ruscoe) was to have been seen here but was ultimately deleted and replaced with Matthew Wood in the role for a scene opposite Jabba the Hutt on Tatooone, a move handled in EPISODE I's post production phase.

Bib Fortuna (Alan Ruscoe) listens to the drama.

The many practical creatures were built with little pre-production time-literally six months from January 1997 onwards, due to Lucas ironing out what creatures were to be handled via CGI, and what would be more cost-effective built as puppets and masks.

Nick Dudman and colleague supervise the care of an actor in the creature suit.

The greedy Twi-lek senator Orn Free Ta (Jerome Blake) and one of his aides (possibly actress Daisy Donovan) - his scene never made the final cut.

In honour of Steven Spielberg, E.T. and his friends made a special one-off cameo.

One of the most important returning species cameos would be from the Wookiees. Actor/puppeteer John Coppinger would play Yarua, and his character would be filmed/ superimposed three times in one scene to make it look like there was a trio of them in their senate pod. One of the surviving original Chewbacca costumes was loaned from the Lucasfilm archive and given restoration and re-working to serve as the new character. Three all-new Wookiee masks were seemingly rejected.

John Coppinger as Yarua the wookiee.

Specially made Wookiee masks by for the three senators were ultimately unused. 

Though not an alien creature, another important character cut from the movie's senate related scenes would be rising star Alderaan delegate Bail Antilles, as played by Adrian Dunbar, originally inhabiting the role as Bail Organa, Princess Leia's adopted father.

More info here:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2013/04/classic-blog-2007-adrian-dunbar.html
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2012/09/deleted-scene-speaker-for-alderaan.html

THE 'HOLIDAY SPECIAL' AT 40: A WOOKIEE FAMILY PORTRAIT!

Celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary milestone of the much-maligned but enjoyably kooky The Star Wars Holiday Special, AFICIONADO kicks off its seven-day coverage with this lovely art. It's time for our Wookiee legend Chewbacca to gather with his memorable family for their planet's ecological and spiritual Life Day on Kashyyyk, in this warm-hearted composition by Jeff Carlisle.

Happy Fortieth Birthday, and Happy Life Day!

OUT NOW: 'THE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC OF STAR WARS: CREATURES & ALIENS'

Whether seeing the original 1977 Star Wars at the cinemas, on TV, or another form of entertainment medium, who wasn't captivated by the film from the opening scenes, eh? And as the film's magic further unspooled, revealing so many more special moments to be cherished forever, who didn't equally love the wonderful and exotic sequence where we were introduced, through young Luke Skywalker's eyes, to the weird and wonderful creatures of all shapes and sizes occupying the scum and villainy drinking haunt, the Mos Eisley Cantina?

Ever since the incredible creature shop work initiated by the legendary make-up marvels Stuart Freeborn and Rick Baker, fans over the next forty years have been excited to see what new aliens and beasts (large or small) would be unveiled during the storytelling of subsequent ambitious sequels, prequels and standalones, in that universe created by George Lucas. Now, finally - and its amazing that nobody had truly done a special compilation like this before - comes a look at the best and most beloved of those creatures, alongside the mammoth inside story of how they were brought to cinematic life. ABRAMS BOOKS presents its lovely new franchise publishing gem: The Moviemaking Magic of STAR WARS: Creatures and Aliens, out now in stores and online, just in time for old and new devotees out there currently enjoying the visual imagination and stirring action unfolding on the big screen with Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Book trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClS4K0Frag

And who could possibly resist that cover, and its super-cool showcase shot of a goggled Chewbacca!

Find out how the unique Jabba the Hutt from Return of the Jedi was created and operated.

More book details below:

Go behind-the-scenes of the biggest movie franchise of all time in this immersive and interactive book to see how favorite characters—Chewbacca, Yoda, Jabba and more—were created from concept to screen. This collectible book includes 20 special interactive elements, including six-page booklets, accordion folds, and flaps that reveal the magic behind the movie with concept sketches, molds, digital imagery and more! Fans will see how detailed sketches became lifelike creatures that breathe and ooze and roar. Through diagrams and photographs, readers will learn all about the different kind of effects, from puppetry to motion capture, that have made the alien beings seem as real as anything on earth. In their own words, hear stories of how creative, hardworking teams made the impossible possible, again and again.

Includes creatures and aliens from all 10 Star Wars films from A New Hope to Solo: A Star Wars Story.

With interviews, explanatory text, captions and Force Facts, The Moviemaking Magic of Star Wars: Creatures & Aliens is an excellent gift for Star Wars fans, collectors and film enthusiasts of every age!

As well as a look at those lovable fan favourites, the Porgs, from The Last Jedi.

STARWARS.COM book feature:
https://www.starwars.com/news/unmasking-the-moviemaking-magic-of-star-wars-creatures-and-aliens

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moviemaking-Magic-Star-Wars-Creatures/dp/1419728199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527521327&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+creatures+and+aliens

CLASSIC IMAGE: WOOKIEE STAR POWER!

I think it unlikely that Wookiees have face lifts, but Chewbacca nonetheless has that youthful look about him in the Prequel era's EPISODE III, looking pretty good for his circa 180 years of age!

Before we get to see the world's favourite Wookiee pilot/sidekick in action for The Last Jedi, enjoy his starring role as a family favourite via the fun, busy, colourful and visually mind bogglingly full, yet eye-catching second volume of Where's the Wookiee? It's out now in the UK from EGMONT.

Here's the blurb:

The exciting sequel to the bestselling Star Wars book of the past 10 years, Where’s the Wookiee.

Chewbacca is back and on the loose across the galaxy, and this time he’s brought some Wookiee friends. Find the hairy hero and a host of favourite characters in another search and find adventure. All new locations from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars story, as well as scenes from throughout the Star Wars saga.

Join Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, Darth Vader and many more for another adventure. The perfect gift for Star Wars fans of all ages!

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wheres-Wookiee-Search-Activity/dp/1405284188/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505948994&sr=1-2&keywords=wheres+the+wookie

'STAR WARS' AT 40: SMUGGLING COMRADES!

Costume design work by John Mollo. Han's costume would be modified to a more western style genre look for Harrison Ford.

"Nice moves, old man..."

Complimentary yet also drily sarcastic words from the well travelled space smuggler Han Solo towards Ben Kenobi, for his quick work against the Cantina thugs, as he and long time buddy and first mate Chewbacca the Wookiee go on to accept their new charter's quick desire to avoid Imperial entanglements on Tatooine for a journey to Alderaan. No questions asked, indeed, as long as the agreed on fee of seventeen thousand is fully paid on arrival.

More reference material from 1976 by John Mollo.

CLASSIC ART: WORLD OF THE WOOKIEES!

The natural beauty of the Wookiee world of Kashyyyk, and one of its key lagoon environs, is given further artistic life by Erik Tiemens, in this lovely conceptual piece for EPISODE III - lets hope that the upcoming Han Solo standalone adventure will have some kind of visit to this intriguing jungle planet, linked to his evolving friendship with Chewbacca.

CLASSIC IMAGE: WOOKIEE OFFENSIVE!

The Separatist attack force is nearing their shores, and now is the time for action, as the Wookiee armies break cover and attack, in this classic and defining image from the end of the Kashyyyk battles during the Clone Wars, from EPISODE III.

Find out more about the epic battle and the lush green world of Kashyyyk- its incredible populace, wildlife and characters in spread art map illustration and timeline, via the all-new and beautifully realized STAR WARS GALACTIC ATLAS, covering all seven films in the STAR WARS universe so far (and a special spread for the upcoming ROGUE ONE), out now from EGMONT BOOKS.

Previous review feature: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS'

A must-have Chistmas book for any STAR WARS fan, get it here: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas: Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm, Tim McDonagh: 9781405279987: Books

EPISODE VII: A WITNESS TO MURDER!

Bringing genuine emotion and heartfelt tragedy to the isolated Chewbacca as he watches the patricide committed against his old friend and smuggling partner, Joonas Suotamo clearly exemplified why he was the perfect choice, alongside Peter Mayhew, in donning the wookiee costume for the all-new STAR WARS sequels.

Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo on the Falcon set.

Joonas in costume as Chewie.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends out Birthday Greetings today to Joonas Suotamo!

EPISODE VII: GENERATIONS TOGETHER...

As they prepare to depart for the mysterious realms of the now discovered Jedi Temple world of Ahch-To, Chewbacca the wookiee gives his warm seal of approval to the special human in the piloting chair of the Falcon, and the beginnings of a new friendship, in a lovely moment from THE FORCE AWAKENS.

Peter Mayhew Arrival and Interview - Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Red Carpet - YouTube

8 of Chewbacca's Finest Moments | StarWars.com

Let the Wookiee Win: The Story of Dejarik | StarWars.com


STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends out birthday greetings today to Peter Mayhew.

EPISODE VII: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON!

Behind the scenes on the Falcon interior set at Pinewood, Joonas Suotamo has fun playing with a small X-wing fighter mock-up- a deliberate and pleasing Wookiee referencing to the Holiday Special? Could be...

BEHIND THE SCENES: MAYHEW's WOOKIEE PRIME!

Image: Ann Skinner/BFI.

Peter Mayhew's first day of filming as Chewbacca on the Docking Bay 94 set at Elstree Studios, within Stuart Freeborn's superb yak hair material costume, is captured for continuity purposes on Polaroid by STAR WARS original Script Supervisor, Ann Skinner.

From Miss Skinner 's typed pre-filming character/costume continuity notes for Chewbacca, conceived at least a month or two before the character became the one we know and love: "Chewbacca. 8' savage looking creature - baboon-like, large yellow eyes, 2 chrome bandoliers and a flak jacket, brown cloth shorts, 200 years old WOOKIEE. Sc. 82 : Electric handcuffs put on and Sc. 88 undone- lost in that area. Takes a large rifle in that scene- ? keeps it." So, there were some early ideas for the Wookiee to indeed have worn pants!

A Wookiee takes shape in this conceptual art!

With thanks to Ann Skinner and the BFI Special Collections.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends out Birthday greetings today to Peter Mayhew, and look forward to seeing him back in action as the 235-year old "fuzzball" for THE FORCE AWAKENS. 

THE 'SITH' AT TEN: ROLLING OUT THE BIG GUNS!

War comes to the lush green forests and crystal blue shores of the Wookiee world of Kashyyyk, as the Separatists and the planet's defenders in the Republic square off with equal military might- the latter's massive tanks (based on Joe Johnston's designs originally conceived in 1978 for The Empire Strikes Back) rolling out to rain weapons of carnage and destruction against the droid invaders, in this massive but all too short sequence from EPISODE III.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

With pa Itchy "preoccupied" with Diahann Carroll's galactic hologram, and son Lumpy at play, Chewbacca gets to enjoy some quality time with his wife Malla. A sweet publicity image from THE STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL of 1978.

6 Star Wars Couples That We Love | StarWars.com

STAR WARS AFICIONADO wishes readers worldwide a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

CLASSIC IMAGE: FURRY FIREPOWER!

Yoda's finest Wookiee protectors on Kashyyyk - leader Tarfful and technician Chewbacca- pose for a great publicity image in 2003, for EPISODE III.