Rebelscum is a news and photo reference site for Star Wars toys and collectibles. We do not sell toys. Please support our site by shopping with one of our sponsors.
Hello, Rebelscum fans! It’s time to learn a little bit of Shyriiwook, because this week we’re taking a trip to the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. Chewbacca’s home planet has been a part of the Star Wars universe since the much derided The Star Wars Holiday Special premiered in 1978. Stay tuned throughout the week for more articles, insights, videos, and information on all the best merchandising content that you’ll want to add to your collection.
Who doesn’t love Wookiees? Their homeworld of Kashyyyk first appeared way back in 1978 during The Star Wars Holiday Special, but the planet became a major battleground in Revenge of the Sith. We’ve seen many beloved Wookiee characters emerge in the films, animated shows, and Expanded Universe. Check out our Force Facts on Kashyyyk and the Wookiee residents.
In the original LEGO Star Wars game from 2005, the droids and clones join forces to hunt down Yoda and Chewbacca after Order 66.
In 2020, Disney+ debuted a loose reimagining of the famous holiday television flop from 1978. The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special takes place after The Rise of Skywalker, as Rey, Finn, Poe, and their other friends travel to Kashyyyk to celebrate Life Day.
Some cast members believed that The Star Wars Holiday Special could be re-edited as a Special Edition like the original trilogy. Peter Mayhew claimed that he was interested in seeing an official Lucasfilm release.
However, Harrison Ford is infamously no fan of the special. During an amusing interview with Conan O’Brian, Ford lays hands on the television host when he tries to bring it up.
The Star Wars Holiday Special isn’t the only festive Star Wars tie-in featuring Wookiees. The 1980 album Christmas in the Stars includes songs like “What Do You Get A Wookiee For Christmas (When He Already Owns A Comb)?”
Christmas in the Stars was also the soundtrack debut of Jon Bon Jovi. Anthony Daniels recorded original music for the album.
Although Kashyyyk manages to survive the Yuuzhan Vong war unscathed, Jacen Solo/Darth Caedus invades the planet during the Legacy of the Force series.
Wookiees have a longstanding rivalry with the Trandoshans, who hunt and enslave them.
The Wookiee-Trandoshan conflict was explored in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars season three finale “Padawan Lost” and “Wookiee Hunt,” which featured Chewbacca in a supporting role.
Chewie’s nephew Lobacca becomes a Jedi in the young adult Young Jedi Knights series starring the Solo twins.
What do you think, Rebelscum fans? How would you like to see Kashyyyk incorporated within the new canon? What are some of your favorite toys and sets featuring the characters? Let us know in the forums, and as always, may the Force be with you!
