Chewbacca stands out as one of the most adored figures within the expansive Star Wars universe. He embodies both immense strength and genuine compassion, introduced to us in Episode IV: A New Hope.
A vital companion, Chewbacca serves as the unwavering ally and stalwart fellow adventurer of Han Solo. Together, they confront challenges and the formidable Empire. Although the subsequent movies reveal Han Solo’s tragic demise by the hands of his own son, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca endures, persisting as a valiant champion for the Resistance cause.
Interestingly, in the realm of Legends, an alternate narrative unfolds: Chewbacca’s survival does not endure. This narrative divergence provokes a compelling query: What is the untold story of Chewbacca’s passing?
In a Legends literary work, Chewbacca’s life reaches its poignant conclusion while endeavoring to rescue Han’s offspring. This leads us to ponder whether a similar fate should have befallen him in the cinematic realm.
Chewbacca’s Canon Adventures in Star Wars
Chewbacca’s role within the Star Wars canon is pivotal and multifaceted. Serving as the central Wookiee character, he assumes diverse personas—smuggler, pilot, mechanic, and transitioning from Rebel to a stalwart fighter for the Resistance cause.
The portrayal of Chewbacca was masterfully embodied by actor Peter Mayhew throughout the original movie series. Operating as the Millennium Falcon’s co-pilot, Chewie traverses the galaxy alongside Han Solo, triumphing over immense challenges.
An emblematic instance unfolds when Chewbacca and Han repel successive waves of stormtroopers while embarking on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia within the confines of the Death Star. Their collaboration extends further as they engage Darth Vader’s TIE fighter, enabling Luke to deliver a decisive blow to the Death Star.
Within the narrative of Return of the Jedi, Chewbacca emerges as a key asset during the Battle of Endor, contributing significantly to the ultimate downfall of the Empire.
The film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” deepens our understanding of Chewbacca’s backstory. The serendipitous union of Chewie and Han occurs amidst captivity under the Empire’s clutches. Across this film and others, Chewbacca actively intervenes to safeguard Han’s life.
An illustrative episode involves Chewbacca’s integral role in the daring rescue of Han Solo from the confines of Jabba the Hutt’s palace. Although the endeavor encounters unexpected obstacles, Chewbacca, along with Luke, Leia, and Lando Calrissian, succeeds in unfreezing Han before prevailing over Jabba’s formidable forces.
Chewbacca’s resilience persists in the sequel movies, as he forges ahead as an ardent member of the Resistance. Following Han’s tragic demise, Chewie seizes command of the Millennium Falcon and lends unwavering support to Rey’s missions aimed at toppling the First Order.
While an incident in the canon nearly claims Chewbacca’s life—when Rey inadvertently exerts Force power intending to bring down a ship he’s aboard, but mistakenly obliterates another—the Wookiee’s fortune prevails, sparing his existence.
Notably, a distinct rendition of this narrative emerges in Legends literature.
Chewbacca’s Fate in Legends
- Chewbacca’s brush with mortality in “The Rise of Skywalker” pales in comparison to his ill-fated destiny in the 1999 novel “The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime”;
- Within the realm of Legends, or the Expanded Universe, author R.A. Salvatore masterfully weaves a narrative detailing the formation of the New Republic following the collapse of the Empire, with Chewbacca playing a prominent role as Han Solo’s steadfast companion.
As Han and Leia’s family grows to include three children, Chewie assumes the role of their guardian, safeguarding them with unparalleled devotion. In the year 25 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), Chewbacca accompanies Han and his son Anakin (aptly named) to the planet Sernpidal.
However, their mission becomes a perilous race against time as a moon named Dubrillion hurtles toward a collision with Sernpidal. Amid the evacuation chaos, Anakin becomes ensnared in a violent windstorm.
With unwavering valor, Chewbacca abandons the Millennium Falcon to rescue Anakin, successfully ensuring the young boy’s return to safety. Tragically, he fails to secure his own escape, succumbing to the powerful winds that hurl him away.
As the tempest intensifies, Anakin and Han are compelled to flee, leaving Chewbacca stranded on the planet. Regrettably, Dubrillion collides with Sernpidal, sealing Chewbacca’s fate.
This heart-wrenching conclusion aligns with the Legends version of Chewbacca’s character progression subsequent to the Empire’s fall. As elucidated on the Wookieepedia Legends website, Chewbacca assumes an almost paternal role toward Han and Leia’s progeny, safeguarding them as if they were his own offspring.
A decade prior to the Sernpidal mission, Chewie plays a pivotal role in assisting Leia in the liberation of her children from the clutches of the Empire Reborn Movement. Furthermore, he becomes a stalwart caretaker in Han and Leia’s absence.
In the wake of “The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime,” the Dark Horse comic series “Star Wars: Chewbacca” emerges as a tribute to the legendary Wookiee. The poignant volume features Han, Leia, and Luke recounting tales that serve as a heartfelt homage to Chewbacca’s legacy.
Ergo, as per Legends lore, Chewbacca’s valiant sacrifice transpires as he gives his life to save Han’s son, thereby etching his heroic saga indelibly into the annals of Star Wars lore.
Chewbacca’s Resurrection: A Plot Twist
In an unexpected turn, Chewbacca is brought back to life when Disney/Lucasfilm embarked on the sequel movies. While he faced a brush with death in “The Rise of Skywalker,” some contend that his survival deviated from Canon, as he perished in Legends.
The decision to spare Chewbacca’s life raises discussions about storytelling prowess. Some argue that his demise could have lent more narrative weight and depth to the film.
As Kylo Ren descends upon the planet Pasaana, Rey engages him in a Force-powered struggle. Simultaneously, Chewbacca finds himself ensnared by a First Order transport, a sequence clearly witnessed by the audience.
Rey endeavors to employ the Force to pull the transport to the ground, but Kylo Ren counters by Force-pushing it upwards. Their conflict escalates Rey’s emotions to the point where she involuntarily unleashes Force Lightning from her fingertips.
In a fiery explosion, the transport is seemingly obliterated, leading the audience to believe Chewbacca has met his end. Yet, in a stunning twist, a second transport—carrying Chewbacca—is revealed, prompting a cascade of inquiries.
The existence of this overlooked second transport on a desolate desert planet raises questions. Could Rey have sensed Chewbacca’s absence from the original transport? Would his demise have exceeded the audience’s emotional threshold?
The revival of Chewbacca presents a narrative curveball that continues to provoke contemplation among fans and critics alike.
Chewbacca: Canon vs. Legends
- In Canon, Chewbacca persists as a warrior for the Resistance;
- In contrast, Legends portrays his demise as he saves Han’s son, Anakin;
- Fan conversations reflect a mix of sorrow for Chewie’s passing and an understanding of the narrative’s direction.
Yet, would cinematic audiences have shared the same sentiments? While uncertain, the reaction could have been more intense had the cherished Chewbacca met his end in “The Rise of Skywalker”.
Conclusion
Intriguingly exploring both the Canon and Legends dimensions of Chewbacca’s fate within the Star Wars universe, we uncover a tale that transcends mere character to become a reflection of storytelling itself. From his steadfast resilience and camaraderie with Han Solo to the heart-rending sacrifice witnessed in Legends, Chewbacca’s journey epitomizes the enduring spirit that defines the franchise. Whether his fate remains unaltered in Canon or takes an alternate course in Legends, Chewbacca’s legacy resonates as a testament to the emotional depth and narrative complexity that continue to captivate audiences across galaxies far, far away.