by James Fletcher
Peter Mayhew is 7’4” tall. His presence is undeniable with his dry English accent resonating in deep monotones. As he slumps in his chair, looking slightly uncomfortable, he leans forward and attempts a disinterested smile. In his career, he has played two characters within four films over 27 years. The second was Chewbacca, which offered him the mantle of one of science fiction’s most beloved icons.
“I played the Minoton in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger,” he begins without being prompted. “I met some technicians who were in the movie business and they said, ‘Would you like to make another movie?’ I said ‘Yeah, if it’s possible.’ So maybe six to nine months later I got a call from Fox in London ‘Would you like to do a sci-fi movie?’ and I said ‘Yeah, what’s the character?’ ‘Well…’ they said. ‘It’s a Wookie’”.
And the rest is celluloid history.
With the success of Star Wars, Mayhew found himself in the unique position of being unrecognisable as a major icon. He moved into the convention circuit and managed to turn it into a lifestyle of sorts. With appearances solidly booked up for years in advance, Mayhew admits that his schedule is full, but mention the upcoming prequel and you sense the quiet desperation that he feels towards his alter ego’s big screen future.
“I wasn’t involved in either The Phantom Menace or Attack of the Clones, but there is also Episode Three to come, and that has got to join up with Episode Four. So Chewy has got to be there. It’s a guaranteed job, maybe this year, maybe next year, I don’t know. But I’ve always been there if needed.”
The feeling that Mayhew anticipates Episode 2 as a mere stepping stone toward his place back among the stars is evident, and with its premiere imminent, he offers one last statement before leaving to sign autographs. “I’m going to see it as a fan because I’m not in it. I can bitch and complain as any other Star Wars fan. Its going to be wonderful.”
