In the 1977 film 'Star Wars', what species is Chewbacca?

In the 1977 film 'Star Wars', Chewbacca is a Wookiee. He is a tall, intelligent, fur-covered being from the forest planet Kashyyyk and serves as Han Solo’s loyal friend, co-pilot, and first mate aboard the Millennium Falcon.

Chewbacca speaks Shyriiwook, a language of roars and growls that most humans cannot understand. He carries a bowcaster, a traditional Wookiee weapon, and is officially described as standing about 7.5 feet tall. His loyalty and mechanical expertise make him an essential member of the Rebel cause, even though the film’s dialogue is usually translated through the reactions of Han and the other characters.

The incorrect options refer to other Star Wars species. Gungans come from Naboo, Hutts are large slug-like beings such as Jabba, and Ewoks are the small inhabitants of Endor. Ewoks are sometimes confused with Wookiees because George Lucas originally considered using Wookiees in the forest battle later depicted in 'Return of the Jedi'.

Chewbacca first appeared in the original 1977 film, later retitled 'Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope'. His design was partly inspired by George Lucas’s Alaskan Malamute, Indiana.