The legendary franchises of Star Wars and Indiana Jones have come to resemble the very nucleus of pop culture phenomena, a legacy spanning decades and one that has amassed stratospheric levels of success. In fact, the lightsaber combats of Siths and Jedis and the boisterous adventures of Indy Jones practically sum up the childhood of innumerable millennials.
So, to think that it was George Lucas’ pet dog who inspired the epic, billion-dollar creation of Indiana Jones along with a beloved Star Wars character is shocking, to say the least, and definitely tops the ‘truth stranger than fiction’ list.
George Lucas’ Muse for Star Wars‘ Chewbacca Was His Dog
More than four decades ago, the space opera franchise of Star Wars came into existence with the 1977 eponymous movie kickstarting what would later become one of the world’s most treasured film series.
For years, characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Yoda, and Chewbacca have ruled over fans’ hearts. But what makes them even more intriguing is the source of inspiration behind each of these fictional entities, especially that of the Wookiee warrior. While legends like Albert Einstein and Francis Ford Coppola served as the stimulus for the creation of Yoda and Han Solo respectively, Chewbacca was inspired by 130 lbs of furry love.
George Lucas, 79, used to own a beautiful Alaskan Malamute that would accompany the filmmaker while he penned tales of galactic splendor. Over time, the two came to resemble an iconic duo, the human and his fuzzy, loyal companion, and it was this golden bond that Lucas shared with his dog that impelled him to create Chewbacca, Han Solo’s famous co-pilot, and sidekick. In his last issue of Star Wars Galaxy Collector, formerly known as Star Wars Galaxy Magazine, the Lucasfilm founder wrote:
“I had an Alaskan Malamute when I was writing the film. A very sweet dog, she would always sit next to me when I was writing. And when I’d drive around, she’d sit in the front seat […] Having her with me all the time inspired me to give Han Solo a sidekick who was like a big, furry dog. Not quite like a dog, but intelligent.”
In fact, the name Chewbacca is derived from the Russian words “Chudovishye” and “Sobaka”, which translate to Monster and Dog respectively, and when used, they mean ‘Monster Dog.’ But that’s not all.
See also: It Took Star Wars 3 Decades to Find Out Secret John Wayne Cameo in $775M Movie
The Malamute Also Inspired Indiana Jones
After the astronomical victory of Star Wars, it was time for Lucas to spawn yet another franchise worth billions that would explore the thrilling escapades of none other than – Indiana Jones. And guess who else shared the first name of the famed adventurer? Yup, that’s right, Lucas’ dog, Indiana. While the acclaimed writer/director never exclusively mentioned the same, it doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.
When he’d sat down with Steven Spielberg and Lawrence Kasdan to brainstorm ideas for the first-ever Indy film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lucas revealed the name that he had in mind for their eventually-celebrated protagonist who would be portrayed by Harrison Ford –
“Indiana Smith. It has to be unique. It’s a character. Very Americana square. He was born in Indiana. […] Or Jones. Then people can call him Jones.”
While Lucas’ dog might have inspired the name of the character, the overall outline of Indy was taken from numerous action heroes that appeared in the favorite matinée serials and pulp magazines of the filmmakers.
The fifth and final installment in the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, opens in cinemas on June 30, 2023.
Source: Collider
