Peter Mayhew is to reprise his role as Chewbacca in Disney and Lucasfilm's upcoming movie Star Wars Episode VII and could even have begun shooting his scenes at London's Pinewood studios. Mayhew played the Wookiee and Han Solo's co-pilot in the original trilogy, beginning with Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope in 1977.

Peter MayhewPeter Mayhew Is Reprising His Role As Chewbacca

Rumors began surfacing of Mayhew's reprisal after he cancelled an upcoming appearance at Texas convention Comicpalooza "due to filming" and sources have since confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that the actor is busy working on Episode VII with J.J. Abrams.

On April 2, Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn confirmed that Star Wars had begun filming at Pinewood and that most of the cast was set. "We have a lot of them [in place].We're just not completely done yet," he said.

Casting for Star Wars Episode VII has remained firmly under wraps, though it understood Adam Driver is playing an undisclosed villain. Original stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher are also said to be reprising their roles. Gary Oldman, Jesse Plemons and Chiwetel Ejiofor are also rumored. 

JJ AbramsJj Abrams is Helming Star Wars Episode 7

In March, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the new movie would be set 30 years after the events of 1983's Return of the Jedi, adding, "There will be some very familiar faces along with a trio of new young leads."

Mayhew, who also played Chewbacca in the prequel Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, has also appeared in the horror film Terror as well as doing voice work for the British movie Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy.

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