Ridiculous History: CLASSIC – That Time Chewbacca Needed Bodyguards
Release Date: November 23, 2024
Introduction
In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into a peculiar intersection of pop culture and folklore: the story of why Chewbacca, everyone's favorite Wookiee from Star Wars, reportedly needed bodyguards during the filming of Return of the Jedi. This zany tale intertwines the legendary creature Bigfoot with the iconic character Chewbacca, shedding light on the humorous and bizarre challenges faced during the movie's production.
Chewbacca and Star Wars Filming in Bigfoot Country
The episode kicks off with Ben and Noel introducing the central narrative: the filming of Return of the Jedi in Northern California's Redwood National and State Parks, an area notorious for Bigfoot sightings.
- Ben [06:11]: "Our story today begins in the far West, Northern California...by golly, by gum, I think we got it."
- Noel [08:17]: "Chewbacca is a Wookiee, a tall, hairy biped... super duper tall, like seven foot plus."
They explore how the presence of Bigfoot legends in the region led the filmmakers to take extra precautions to protect Peter Mayhew, the actor portraying Chewbacca, from potential harassment or attacks by enthusiastic Sasquatch hunters.
Peter Mayhew and Chewbacca's Casting
Ben provides an insightful look into Peter Mayhew's casting and his physical attributes, which made him ideal for the role of Chewbacca.
- Ben [09:09]: "Peter Mayhew, who might be unfamiliar to people who are casual Star Wars fans... very tall human to fill that super duper tall costume."
- Noel [10:15]: "He [Peter Mayhew] just has a condition called Marfan syndrome, which is a genetic disorder... often leading to extraordinary heights."
The hosts discuss the initial casting considerations, including the preference for bodybuilder David Prowse, who ultimately chose to portray Darth Vader instead. They highlight Mayhew's impressive stature of 7 feet 3 inches and clarify misconceptions about his health condition.
The Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Film
A significant portion of the episode examines the infamous Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967, a cornerstone in Bigfoot lore.
- Ben [16:29]: "The famous Patterson Gimlin film... is so iconic that... you can go on YouTube and see countless professional documentaries... attempting to analyze this."
- Noel [17:48]: "A lot like it... it absolutely does. Because the big differentiation... only discernible from a closer distance."
Ben and Noel compare the creature in the film to Chewbacca's costume, noting striking similarities and pondering the urban legend that emerged from the filming location's mysterious reputation.
Sasquatch Lore and Historical Sightings
The hosts delve into the rich history of wild man legends in Northern California, dating back to at least the late 19th century.
- Noel [21:42]: "An alleged hotspot for one of the most famous cryptids in the United States, Bigfoot..."
- Noel [22:14]: "Looking for excitement? Chumba Casino is here..."
They recount early sightings and the cultural impact of Bigfoot in the region, setting the stage for the crossover between the Star Wars filming crew and local cryptid enthusiasts.
Connecting Chewbacca to Bigfoot Legends
Ben and Noel explore the core of the episode: the humorous notion that Chewbacca himself might have required protection due to the pervasive Bigfoot belief in the area.
- Ben [35:21]: "If someone who was a Sasquatch hunter was out there... seeing Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca... they would probably have freaked out."
- Noel [35:44]: "As many people as believe in the Big Bang Theory... in 2014, 20% of the US population believe in Bigfoot."
This segment blends factual information about the filming challenges with tongue-in-cheek speculation about the interaction between Mayhew's portrayal of Chewbacca and the local mythos.
Additional Pop Culture References
The conversation takes a playful turn as the hosts mention an alternate reality comic where Chewbacca is revealed to be Sasquatch, interacting with Indiana Jones.
- Noel [46:42]: "Chewbacca mourns his friend... And then Indiana Jones shows up... Chewbacca is Sasquatch."
- Ben [47:33]: "The name Chewbacca is derived from the Russian word for dog."
These anecdotes highlight the creative and sometimes absurd ways Star Wars has been interwoven with other cultural elements, enhancing the episode's entertaining narrative.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Ben and Noel reflect on the enduring fascination with Bigfoot and its unexpected connection to one of cinema's most beloved characters. They invite listeners to engage with their community on Facebook and tease upcoming episodes, maintaining the show's engaging and interactive spirit.
- Ben [49:22]: "Our episode falls to a close. But you don't have to say goodbye just yet."
- Noel [49:53]: "Please join us for our next episode."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Ben [09:30]: "You like Star Wars? You will recall Chewbacca."
- Noel [22:14]: "Looking for excitement? Chumba Casino is here..."
- Ben [35:21]: "They would definitely have tried to film him, harass him."
- Noel [46:42]: "Chewbacca is Sasquatch."
Final Thoughts
Ridiculous History masterfully blends history with pop culture, offering listeners both laughs and intriguing insights. This episode stands out by connecting the whimsical world of Star Wars with the enigmatic legends of Bigfoot, showcasing the hosts' knack for uncovering and narrating the most outlandish historical anecdotes.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to join the Ridiculous Historians Facebook community and stay tuned for more hilariously bizarre historical stories in future episodes.