Anyone who’s ever seen the hit film series Star Wars knows of the lovable, gentle and very hairy Chewbacca! Now the famous ‘Wookiee’ has made his way to Twitter – in the form of famed actor Peter Mayhew.
Mayhew is actually the man behind the Chewbacca mask. Now, he’s showing avid Star Wars enthusiasts what life was like behind the mask – and the scenes – of the classic space saga.
On Tuesday, Mayhew took to Twitter and began posting a series of never-before-seen pictures of the Star Wars cast and production. The English actor, who goes by the screen name of @TheWookieeRoars, has posted more than 30 pictures from the film series.
Mayhew’s images capture the cast and crew in a fascinating light, as he shares shots of the movie sets and actor transformations equipped with detailed, character costumes and make-up applications.
#nostalgic so Im going to post some pics tonight. Like this 1 of Harrison, Anthony, Carrie & I sharing a laugh… pic.twitter.com/FblggUaU5e
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 8, 2014
You know Kenny as R2D2, but he was also Paploo, the Ewok who stole the Imperial Speeder Bike. pic.twitter.com/85mMEvO0Of
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
I love this picture. Stuart Freeborn and Yoda having their makeup done by Irvin. pic.twitter.com/OsRfP7866O
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Another Barge scene, this set was incredible! pic.twitter.com/7rYoZOThQg
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
He also gives viewers a glimpse of the actions as the cameras rolled to film.
For wampas, now half naked droids. I am a bad man. pic.twitter.com/7mb7WYi8nl
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Check out Han's face. 'Dude, that's your SISTER". Meanwhile Chewie thinks, 'not MY sister!'. pic.twitter.com/HfP8oeItWY
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Pictures of studio props used to create the epic space settings for the film are also posted, along with comedic, candid moments that capture the camaraderie of the cast mates.
This is how we as actors tend to remember the movies. We look into the lens, and you look through it. pic.twitter.com/2a5h9W4Hdz
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Another shot of the Falcon, but IN COLOR! pic.twitter.com/wa3REuTWY8
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Whose a cute little Sith Lord? You are, Yes you are, now give us a kiss!!! pic.twitter.com/F51AuCt6xI
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Wait! That's my one and only with a cheap mechanical substitute! pic.twitter.com/ZeOA0WLEx7
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Quality time with my one and only! pic.twitter.com/doxX505XXH
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Why, Leia, Why?!?
(Anyone else see @WilliamShatner using this for some nefarious purpose 😀 ) pic.twitter.com/RytxRNNPA9
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 10, 2014
Mayhew starred in four of the Star Wars film installments. Three of the films, which were apart of the original trilogy included Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). Chewbacca’s character was also reprised in the 2005 film, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which is the sixth installment in the epic space opera series.
Mayhew concluded his epic picture presentation on a comical note, posting a picture of his Star Wars co-star Billy Dee Williams in his younger days. However, his tweet with the picture was the most intriguing part. In a nutshell, he said that the pictures he posted aren’t even a drop in the bucket, as he has more than 1,200 rare Star Wars pictures in his collection.
Well, that's all friends. Thank you. Still about 1200 pics in the archive. I leave you w/ the second best hair in SW. pic.twitter.com/X5s4fzfy7j
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) January 13, 2014
Image via Twitter | Peter Mayhew