Chewbacca Was Almost Forced to Wear a Little Pair of Shorts in the Original STAR WARS Due to Concern From Executives
Studio executives had no way of knowing what a cultural phenomenon the 1977 film Star Wars and its sequels would become. The movies went on to produce trilogies, spin-offs, shows, Disney park lands, and billions in merchandise and memorabilia sales. But when the first film was being made, it wasn’t even a sure deal for the first film not to be a flop. So the decision-makers in the studio had to decide the things they thought would make the film better, giving it its best chance.
One of those suggestions they made was for Chewbacca to cover up a little. Star of the franchise, Mark Hammill, who played Luke Skywalker in the films, recently posted on Twitter:
“FUN FACT: Very early in the shooting of #SW studio execs expressed deep concern that Chewie didn't wear any pants & suggested he wear a pair of lederhosen. That they would focus on this amidst all the grotesque elements in the script made us laugh (& a bit worried) #TrueStory”
This accompanied actor and Star Wars fan Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s post, sharing early drafts of Chewbacca concept art, in which he is wearing a strange little jumper outfit underneath his iconic bandolier.
You can check it all out below, and collectively thank whomever is in charge of saying no to the ridiculous request of shorts on Chewy.