Star Wars: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Chewbacca
3. The Iconic Costume Has Evolved Over The Years
Chewie's voice wasn't the only thing that was created with a little help from some of our planet's various creatures.
As revealed by Peter Mayhew - the towering star beneath the Wookiee fur during the Original Trilogy, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens - the suit he would spend a ton of time walking around in was originally made from a combination of yak hair and mohair (a fabric or yarn made from Angora goat hair).
According to the late Mayhew (via Daily Record), the suit during those first three films "was heavy and warm and the trick was to get in and out of it as quickly as possible." When he ultimately returned to the legendary role for Episode III, he was pleased to find the suit had been given a bit of an upgrade.
This time around, the actor was treated to a new costume that was water cooled and "relatively easy to wear."
Joonas Suotamo, who would step into the role full-time from Episode VIII onwards, would also note how the metal inside the costume was replaced with foam after Episode VII, with the actor also explaining (via The Verge) how his jaw is actually very much pushing down Chewie's lower jaw whenever the Wookiee speaks onscreen.
The costume has certainly become more comfortable over the years, but it's still often hot and tiring work bringing this furry icon to life.