During the filming of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, scenes set on the forest moon of Endor were shot in the Californian forests. When Peter Mayhew, who portrayed Chewbacca, was filming solo scenes, he was accompanied by several assistants dressed in bright suits.
The reason for these brightly dressed assistants was practical and safety-related. According to the director, there was a concern that local hunters might mistake Chewbacca for a yeti or some other large creature and potentially shoot at him. To prevent any accidents, the crew used these assistants as visual markers, making Chewbacca more visible amid the dense forest environment.
This behind-the-scenes detail highlights the precautions taken during filming to ensure the safety of actors in complex outdoor scenes. It also adds an interesting layer to the production process of one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises. So next time you watch those Endor forest scenes, remember that behind Chewie’s furry exterior were film crew in bright suits designed to keep him safe from real-world dangers.
