Return of the Jedi Dog Names

Of nearly all cult classic films, few hold the type of intense following as the Star Wars trilogy and for good reason. George Lucas, the mastermind behind it all, created a wholly immersive universe full of bizarre and interesting species, characters, planets, environments and conditions in which to let his narrative thrive and it did exactly that, first in a trilogy of films that has now been extrapolated into an epic (soon to be) nine-film span. 

While some of the species and characters are almost impossible to identify in terms of their creative origins, others are a bit more obvious. For instance, the Ewoks, named after the Miwok tribe that is indigenous to the Redwood forests of Northern California, have a surprisingly familiar look to many — they were originally modeled after the Griffon Bruxellois, better known in America as the Brussels Griffon. Lucas was known to have several “packs” of them over the years, owning several at once that co-inhabited his ranch. Joe Johnson, the visual effects director of the film developed the designs for the Ewoks while make-up artist Stuart Freeborn brought the looks to fruition, all based on photos of Lucas’ Griffons. 

While the Ewoks may be one of the most lovable species of the original trilogy, few stand in comparison to Wookiees, the tall, hairy humanoid creatures brought to popularity by the Chewbacca, Han Solo’s sentient sidekick. Like the Ewoks, Lucas was inspired by someone close to his own heart, his dog Indiana, a giant Alaskan Malamute he had while originally writing the script in the 1970s — having Indiana sit in the passenger seat of his car is said to be what inspired Lucas to create a “hairy co-pilot” for Solo in the first place. Like the relationship between Lucas and his dog, he wanted a similar relationship to exist between Han Solo and “Chewy”, a tight bond cemented by Chewbacca’s loyalty and heart of gold, yet he also wanted Wookiees to think on a higher plane than the average intelligence level of dogs, and operate with greater physical ability. 

In the end, Lucas created two endlessly memorable species while paying homage to the great dogs of his past, ones that will be forever memorialized on-screen, and in the hearts and homes of those who hold the film closest, like many already do with their own hairy species. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s also spawned an endless supply of adorable and hilarious Halloween costumes for dogs and people all over the world. 

Final fun fact: Indiana was also Lucas’ inspiration for the name of his protagonist in another series of adventure tales: Indiana Jones.