How can anybody not like Chewbacca? The lovable furry companion to his finest buddy, Han Solo, Chewie has been a cornerstone of the Star Wars universe for the reason that first collection started in 1977. Along with his distinct canine-like design and traits, Chewie immediately emerged from different alien species introduced in Star Wars, with audiences’ consideration instantly gravitating in direction of the mild big.He could not fulfill as outstanding a task in Star Wars canon as Han, Luke, Leia, or Anakin, however Chewbacca has remained a set a part of the Star Wars universe for 40 years. He’s appeared in quite a few films, video video games, comedian books, and Prolonged Universe novels, witnessing a few of the most essential occasions inside the Star Wars collection, like Order 66, the Empire’s rise, and the Galactic Republic’s rebirth.
With how typically Chewbacca has been featured in Star Wars, it may be onerous to decipher his chronological appearances from the start of his life onwards for even probably the most devoted viewer. From his earliest appearances in The Clone Wars to his later adventures serving within the Resistance, right here is each one among Chewbacca’s appearances in Star Wars.
The whole linear historical past of Chewbacca
Given Wookiees’ inordinately lengthy lifespans (they’ll dwell to be simply over 400 years previous), Chewbacca is within the prime of his life all through a lot of the Skywalker Saga. As a simplified information to his many appearances in Star Wars, we compiled the next record of Chewie’s linear appearances in Star Wars:
- The Clone Wars (collection)
- Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Han Solo & Chewbacca (Marc Guggenheim)
- A New Hope
- Chewbacca (Greg Duggan)
- Smuggler’s Run (Greg Rucka)
- Star Wars (Marvel)
- Forces of Future
- The Empire Strikes Again
- Return of the Jedi
- Shattered Empire (Greg Rucka)
- The Power Awakens
- The Final Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
As useful as this information is for understanding Chewbacca’s common lifetime, we thought we’d go into extra depth detailing Chewie’s life, from his earliest days on Kashyyyk to his glory days within the Rise up and the Resistance.
The Clone Wars (collection)
In 20 BBY, the 180-year-old Chewbacca is captured by Trandoshan hunters who transport him to the jungle world of Wasskah. Earlier than his captors have an opportunity to pursue him by way of the planet’s unkempt surroundings for sport, the Wookiee warrior is freed by Ahsoka Tano and a bunch of Jedi younglings, all of whom equally discover themselves being hunted by the Trandoshans. Collectively, the group stays one step forward of the looking social gathering. After Chewbacca steals the Trandoshans’ transmitter to contact his individuals on Kashyyyk, his chieftain Tarfful leads a band of warriors to rescue Ahsoka, Chewie, and their fellow survivors, permitting Chewbacca to return to his homeworld in a single piece.
Revenge of the Sith
One yr after his journey on Wasskah, Chewbacca has returned to Kashyyyk, overseeing the planet’s protection because the Clone Wars rages all through the galaxy. In 19 BBY, the Droid Military mounts a vicious assault on the Wookiees’ stronghold, prompting Yoda and a aid pressure of Clone troopers to help the Wookiees on the battlefield. As they defend themselves towards the droids’ relentless onslaught, Chancellor Palpatine points Order 66, forcing the Clones to show towards their former Jedi allies. After witnessing Commander Gree practically homicide Yoda, Chewbacca and Tarfful escort Yoda to security, serving to him flee the planet earlier than the Clone troops can find and destroy him.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Over the subsequent ten years, the Republic is restructured into the Galactic Empire, the following regime forcing the galaxy’s inhabitants to dwell in concern and subjugation. Together with a number of different planets, Kashyyyk’s inhabitants is pressured to finish handbook labor, performing because the unwilling servants of the Empire and different corrupt companies (particularly mining firms).
By 10 BBY, the Empire has captured Chewbacca and is pressured to combat in gladiatorial battles in a small pit on the planet Mimban. There, he comes head to head with the previous Imperial infantry soldier Han Solo. Practically killing his future companion, Chewie is stopped when Solo makes use of his data of the Wookiee language to calm Chewie down. Impressed, the skilled felony Tobias Beckett affords the 2 fugitives a spot on his crew, which the 2 instantly settle for.
After collaborating in a botched heist on an Imperial mining practice, the surviving members of Beckett’s crew manage one other effort to steal a big coaxium provide from the mines of Kessel. As they full the heist, Chewie personally frees a number of Wookiees he finds involuntarily serving as a labor pressure within the planet’s mining services. Utilizing his spectacular piloting abilities, Chewie then aids Han in making the harmful Kessel Run onboard the Millennium Falcon, permitting the gang to flee an Imperial blockade.
With the coaxium now of their possession, Chewie is betrayed by Beckett, who holds him hostage till Han intervenes, besting his former mentor in a duel. Collectively once more, Han and Chewie hand over the coaxium cargo to the anti-Imperial Cloud Riders, fearing the potential injury that might be carried out if such a provide ended up within the mistaken fingers. Finding their former crew member Lando Calrissian, Han outsmarts Lando in a recreation of sabacc, the Millennium Falcon passing into Han and Chewie’s possession.
Han Solo & Chewbacca (Marc Guggenheim)
After two years of finishing numerous smuggling jobs for galactic criminals, Han and Chewie tackle a high-level project from Jabba the Hutt sooner or later between 8 and a couple of BBY. Working with Greedo and knowledgeable felony posing as Han’s father, the 4 are ordered to amass the stays of Jabba’s chief rival, Krestrel D’Naran, from Corellia. As they full the duty, they battle opposing smugglers, mercenaries, bounty hunters, and even Imperial brokers, forcing them to surprise if there’s extra to D’Naran’s ashes than they had been beforehand led to consider.
A New Hope
Spending the subsequent ten years collectively flying across the galaxy, Han and Chewie work up a considerable debt to Jabba, primarily owing to a botched smuggling operation that left Jabba with out his promised items. Needing funds to sq. away with their harmful employer, Han and Chewie settle for an project transporting Obi-Wan, Luke, R2-D2, and C-3PO to Alderaan, with the particular caveat that they keep away from any “Imperial entanglements” alongside the way in which.
Arriving to Alderaan’s location shortly after the planet’s destruction by the Loss of life Star, the crew and passengers of the Falcon are stunned to seek out solely rubble the place the planet as soon as was. After they try and flee the world, the Loss of life Star apprehends the ship, forcing the group to evade the Imperial troops roaming the power. With Han and Luke disguised as Stormtroopers, the trio free the imprisoned Princess Leia from her cellblock, escaping the station onboard the Falcon after Obi-Wan sacrifices his life to purchase his mates ample time to flee.
Touring to the Rise up’s secret base on Yavin IV, Chewie and Han put together to depart the planet and return to Tatooine, utilizing their reward cash to satisfy their debt to Jabba. Because the Rise up launches a determined assault on the encroaching Loss of life Star, the Millennium Falcon abruptly reappears, permitting Luke to soundly destroy the Imperial facility, saving the Rise up within the course of. Reuniting on Yavin IV, the Rise up hosts a prestigious ceremony, publicly awarding Han and Luke medals for his or her participation within the battle.
Smuggler’s Run (Greg Rucka)
Having earned the belief of the Insurgent Alliance because of their position within the battle of Yavin IV, Chewie and Han are assigned by Leia to escort Insurgent Caluan Ematt from the planet Cyrkon, making certain he reaches the security of the Rise up. Whereas they accomplish this activity, the duo’s resolution to assist the Rise up additional angers Jabba, who turns into more and more hostile in direction of his two associates over their unpaid money owed.
Chewbacca (Greg Duggan)
Shortly after the battle of Yavin IV, Chewie departs for a solo mission on behalf of the Rise up. After his A-Wing Interceptor is broken, he lands on the world of Andelm IV, the place he meets and befriends a younger lady pressured into indentured servitude named Zarro. After getting concerned in a number of adventures with the younger girl, Chewie items her his private medal awarded to him by the Rise up for his service within the battle of Yavin Iv, leaving the planet to reunite with the Insurgent Alliance.
Star Wars (Marvel)
For the subsequent three years, Chewbacca turns into a valued member of the Rise up, collaborating in numerous missions throughout the galaxy. Throughout this time, Chewbacca begins to develop constantly rising loyalty to his newfound mates, personally volunteering for a rescue mission to save lots of Luke’s life on Nar Shaddaa and angrily chasing away scavengers trying to dismantle C-3PO for components on Cymoon I.
Forces of Future
As an anthology collection, Star Wars: Forces of Future jumps an important deal across the Star Wars chronology. The primary canonical episode Chewie technically seems in is “Beasts of Echo Base.” Set in 3 ABY, Chewie is captured by a ravenous Wampa, forcing Leia and R2 to rescue him. In “Bounty Hunted,” Leia, Chewie, R2, and Maz Kanata lure notorious bounty hunter Boushh to Ord Mantell, knocking him unconscious and permitting Leia to steal his armor (which she then makes use of to impersonate Boushh in 4 ABY). In “Tracker Bother,” Han, Chewie, Finn, Rey, and BB-8 fly to Maz’s fort in 32 ABY, solely to find a bomb hidden on the Falcon, narrowly jettisoning the explosive earlier than it ignites.
The Empire Strikes Again
In 3 ABY, the Rise up has established an outpost on the distant snow-swept world of Hoth. When Chewie and Han inadvertently be a focus for a probe droid, the Empire is alerted of the Rebels’ presence. As Chewie and Han make essential repairs to the Falcon, the Rise up mounts a protection of the planet, evacuating their forces earlier than the Empire seizes management of their base. As Darth Vader closes in, Han, Chewie, Leia, and C-3PO depart onboard the Millennium Falcon, with Vader and his fleet in scorching pursuit.
Fleeing throughout the galaxy, the Falcon barely stays forward of Vader’s armada, desperately avoiding seize round each flip. With out every other choices, Han decides to land on Bespin, encountering his former felony acquaintance, Lando Calrissian, who’s since turn out to be a number one determine in Cloud Metropolis’s administration. Nevertheless, Lando betrays Han and Chewbacca shortly after their arrival, turning them over to Vader, who makes use of them as bait to lure Luke to Bespin.
As Luke attracts close to, Chewie witnesses Vader freeze Han in carbonite, devastating Leia and enraging Chewbacca. As they’re being led away, Lando turns the tables towards the Imperial troops, releasing Leia and Chewie and serving to them attempt to rescue Han earlier than he’s taken away within the custody of Boba Fett. Although unsuccessful in saving Han, they flee the planet onboard the Millennium Falcon, rescuing a wounded Luke after his disastrous battle with Vader. Collectively as soon as extra, Chewie and Lando go away the Insurgent Fleet behind on the Falcon, looking for Boba and Han within the far reaches of the galaxy.
Return of the Jedi
Having realized that Han has fallen into the fingers of Jabba on Tatooine, Luke organizes an effort to save lots of his buddy in 4 ABY. With Leia masquerading because the bounty hunter Boushh, Chewie is led into Jabba’s Palace beneath the guise of the bounty hunter’s prisoner, getting access to Jabba’s underground prisons. There, he joyously reunites with Han, who’s dethawed by Leia and instantly detained by Jabba. With a equally captured Luke, the three are transported into the desert, with Jabba meaning to drop them into the Sarlacc Pit for a sluggish and painful execution. Within the nick of time, Luke orders R2 to toss him his lightsaber, defeating Jabba, Boba Fett, and a lot of the gangster’s forces.
They had been rendezvousing with the Insurgent Fleet close to Sullust, Han, Chewie, Leia, and Luke volunteer for a covert project, sabotaging the Loss of life Star II’s defend generator on the forest moon of Endor. The plan has its justifiable share of issues, primarily as a result of an initially hostile encounter with the moon’s resident Ewoks. With their furry new allies by their aspect, the Insurgent strike pressure completes their major goal, demolishing the defend generator and giving Lando and his fellow Insurgent pilots an opportunity to destroy the Loss of life Star II. Coming collectively within the Ewoks’ village, Chewie and the opposite Insurgent forces have fun their momentous victory over the Empire and the current demise of the dictatorial Emperor.
Shattered Empire (Greg Rucka)
Although touchdown vital blows towards the Empire with the destruction of the Loss of life Star II and the demise of the Emperor, the Rebellions’ celebration proves short-lived. Virtually instantly after the primary battle of Endor, the Empire orders a livid counterattack. With the Rebels now on the protection, the Rebels handle to outlast the Imperial onslaught, hastening the tip of the Galactic Civil Warfare within the years forward.
The Power Awakens
Because the Civil Warfare nears its conclusion, Chewie focuses extra on releasing his fellow Wookiees, liberating Kashyyyk from the Empire’s domineering maintain. After years of service to the Rise up, Chewie and Han retire from army life because the Alliance transitions into the New Republic, returning to their former career as smugglers (albeit with out the Falcon, which is stolen away from them someday after the Civil Warfare).
Whereas transporting a herd of Rathtars onboard a freight ship in 34 ABY, Han and Chewie come throughout their former ship, the Millennium Falcon, piloted by Rey, Finn, and BB-8. Agreeing to assist the three get involved with the Resistance, Han and Chewie escort the group to Takodana, introducing them to Resistance sympathizer Maz Kanata. At Maz’s Fortress, they’re ambushed by First Order troops commanded by Kylo, although Resistance forces beneath Leia arrive to save lots of them.
Chewie and Han comply with take part in a worthwhile mission for the Resistance, sneaking onto Starkiller Base, releasing a captured Rey, and sabotaging the battle station from the within. As Chewie units up explosives, he witnesses Han – his finest buddy of 44 years – murdered by his estranged son Kylo Ren. Heartbroken, Chewie lets out a livid roar and fires at Kylo, wounding him. Separating from Finn and Rey, Chewie ventures again onto the Falcon, selecting the 2 up after their temporary duel with Kylo Ren. Rendezvousing with the Resistance, Chewie units out on the Falcon with Rey and R2, accompanying her to Ahch-To to seek out Luke.
The Final Jedi
Touring to the traditional Jedi world of Ahch-To, Chewie assists Rey in convincing Luke to imagine her Jedi coaching. Every of their efforts, nonetheless, meet with failure, with the now downtrodden Luke initially refusing to assist. With some pivotal phrases of knowledge from R2, Luke in the end relents, briefly aiding Rey in strengthening her connection to the Power. When Luke once more expresses reluctance at persevering with, Rey leaves the planet with Chewie and R2, serving to her mates within the Resistance together with her restricted coaching.
Piloting the Falcon, Chewie performs a major position in serving to the Resistance safely arrive on Crait, collaborating within the planet’s protection because the First Order closes in. As Luke distracts Kylo and his forces, Rey and Chewie smuggle the remaining Resistance members away, making certain the conflict effort lives on for one more day.
The Rise of Skywalker
In 35 ABY, Chewie helps Finn, Rey, and Poe Dameron seek for a Sith Wayfinder on the desert planet, Passana. With some worthwhile assist from Chewie’s previous companion Lando, the 4 ultimately discover the gadget on the abandoned ship of a infamous murderer. Virtually instantly upon discovering the artifact, nonetheless, the First Order seems, capturing Chewbacca and bringing him to their fleet. Initially believing Chewie was killed, Finn and Poe rescue the imprisoned Wookiee from the planet Kijimi. Upon returning to the Resistance base on Ajan Kloss, a heartbroken Chewie learns of Leia’s demise, leaving him the ultimate survivor of the Falcon’s Civil Warfare-era crew. Because the Resistance’s offensive effort towards the Remaining Order wanes, Chewie seems with Lando and Wedge Antilles, the three veterans piloting the Falcon and spearheading a ultimate cost towards Palpatine’s gathered forces. With the previous Emperor defeated and the Resistance victorious, the Falcon returns to Ajan Kloss, the place Maz Kanata greets Chewie. Recognizing the Wookiee’s private losses, Maz provides him Han’s Yavin IV medal. This heartfelt memento will permit Chewie to fondly keep in mind his deceased mates and their service to the galaxy.
Richard Chachowski is a contract author based mostly in New Jersey. He loves studying, his canine Tootsie, and just about each film to ever exist (particularly Star Wars).