Chewbacca , nicknamed "Chewie", is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He is a Wookiee, a tall, hirsute biped and intelligent species from the planet Kashyyyk. Chewbacca is the loyal friend and associate of Han Solo, and serves as co-pilot on Solo's spaceship, the Millennium Falcon. Chewbacca is portrayed by actor Peter Mayhew in the Star Wars films. The character has also appeared on television, in books, comics, and video games.