Who Played Chewbacca In Star Wars

The image of Chewbacca riding by Han Solo's side in the Millennium Falcon is undeniably memorable. But the fantastical creation actually originates from an actual furry companion. 

It's no secret that "Star Wars" was birthed from various inspirations, from ancient Roman politics to "Flash Gordon" serials. But it was George Lucas' own pooch, Indiana, who got him thinking about giving Solo a loyal confidant. During an interview for the Smithsonian's Star Wars: The Magic of Myth exhibit (via CultureSlate), Lucas shared, "I had an Alaskan Malamute when I was writing [Star Wars]. A very sweet dog, she would always sit next to me when I was writing. And when I'd drive around, she'd sit in the front seat ... Having her with me all the time inspired me to give Han Solo a sidekick who was like a big, furry dog. Not quite like a dog, but intelligent."

If the name of Lucas' dog sounds familiar, you aren't mistaken. Indiana was indeed the namesake of Harrison Ford's other Lucas-created persona, Indiana Jones, during the creation of 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The fact was referenced at the end of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," when Jones' father (Sean Connery) reveals that his son's real name is Henry Jones Jr. and that "Indiana" was the family dog's name.