Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens was met with almost universal praise upon its release, but it did not escape spurring some controversy among viewers. One scene that left a lot of fans scratching their heads was when the Millennium Falcon returned to the Resistance Base at the end of the film. Those paying attention will notice that Chewbacca exits the Falcon and awkwardly walks past Leia while tending to Finn. Leia then has an emotional hug with Rey. Due to this scene closely following the death of Han Solo, many fans questioned why Leia and Chewie did not embrace one another after the loss of someone that was so close to both of them.
Thankfully Director, producer and co-writer J.J. Abrams has finally set the record straight. Abrams recently spoke with /Film about the scene and gave some interesting insight into why it played out the way it did:
"That was probably one of the mistakes I made in that. My thinking at the time was that Chewbacca, despite the pain he was feeling, was focused on trying to save Finn and getting him taken care of. So I tried to have Chewbacca go off with him and focus on Rey, and then have Rey find Leia and Leia find Rey. The idea being that both of them being strong with the Force and never having met, would know about each other — that Leia would have been told about her beyond what we saw onscreen and Rey of course would have learned about Leia. And that reunion would be a meeting and a reunion all in one, and a sort of commiseration of their mutual loss... Had Chewbacca not been where he was, you probably wouldn’t have thought of it. But because he was right there, passed by Leia, it felt almost like a slight, which was definitely not the intention."
It's great to hear Abrams discuss the scene and be willing to admit that it was indeed a mistake, albiet and understandable one. I can definitely see how, from a production point of view, how that moment would be difficult to put together. At the end of the day I don't see it as a glaring blemish on the film itself, but merely just something to think about.
The story will continue in Star Wars: Episode VIII, which hits theaters December 15th, 2017!
Source: /Film
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I didn't see it as Chewy slighting her at all. I saw it as he was taking care of Finn. He was making sure that one of his new friends wasn't going to die. There is time after the battle and all the dust settles for Chewy and Leia to have their moment.
ReplyDeleteone of many mistakes they made
ReplyDeleteThere was one more: starkiller base. Other than that it was perfect
DeleteStarkiller base was both unnecessary and detrimental to the film.
DeleteHow about going with it being a slight as it's now all business for chewie and he's feeling conflicted; because, it was Han & Lea's son who did in Han and as part of Chewies life debt to Han, now has right of blood vengeance upon Kylo. Star Wars Ep 8, Rage of the Wookie.
ReplyDeleteNice 👍
DeleteNice 👍
DeleteActually.. That's exactly how I took it. Not a slight. But a, I'm chewy God dammit. Get him patched up, get me Lando, I have a debt to settle.
DeleteActually.. That's exactly how I took it. Not a slight. But a, I'm chewy God dammit. Get him patched up, get me Lando, I have a debt to settle.
DeleteChewy may have seen Han's death as a failure to protect his friend, having a life bond with him. He may find it difficult to share his feelings with others given his unique relationship.
ReplyDeletepensei que só eu tinha percebido isso, os tres tem um relacionamento de décadas mas a leia vai acalar o pranto de uma menina que nunca tinha visto na vida.
ReplyDeleteone of the mistakes? jar jar you did a lot of mistakes i can be all day
ReplyDeleteHe had nothing to do with Jar Jar.
DeleteWhat is wrong with her face? Damn dem drugs!
ReplyDeleteSometimes a look can say and express more than any physical contact. I never thought twice about it.
ReplyDeleteI smell a retake for a special edition coming.
ReplyDeleteMight have been better to have Leia try to reach out to Chewie first but have Chewie shrug it off to help Finn. We do get a split second of Chewie mourning later but then R2D2 wakes up and the story zips along.
ReplyDeleteI just assumed he was shattered by the loss of his friend...possibly even thinking as he walked past Leia "It was your son that did this"...but he is too much of a professional to be overcome when there's work to be done, ie: making sure Finn is taken care of first.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that Chewie is a Wookie, living for hundreds of years. No doubt he's had other human friends who have grown old and died as well. Kind of a "life goes on...for me" thing. Not heartless, just a different perspective from someone with a vastly longer lifespan than humans.
so they never met? interesting...
ReplyDeleteIs that a new Leia hugged first thing?! Honestly, the scene was fine for me, I didn't even notice it, it was clear to me that Leia and Rey were the important characters in that scene!
ReplyDeleteWell, what do you expect from a reboot..
ReplyDeleteTime for a retconned cgi hug!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about it. Between the long separation and what I don't know about wookie culture, the lack of a hug didn't raise an eyebrow.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about it. Between the long separation and what I don't know about wookie culture, the lack of a hug didn't raise an eyebrow.
ReplyDeleteChewbacca just saw his best friend, Han, murdered by his "God-son"/kid, he watched grow up. Then meeting up with Han's "estranged"/separated wife, Leia, it's the bro code- stand-by your buddy, she's been unfriended. Also, knowing full well, that Han wanted Kylo dead for his deeds, but it was Leia that talked him out of it and pushed Han to reach out to Kylo. Space flight is a long trip- guys gossip as good as gals. Leia put Han in a situation that should have been avoided. Chewie would somewhat blame Leia's meddling with Han's mind, she is partially responsible, go talk to your adult son that murdered everyone at the Jedi academy. What? Blame it on bad parenting, bad influence, medication, or Emo....Leia is prejudice against Wookies and that the fur ball spends more time with Han than her. ;) MTFBWY
ReplyDeleteShe hugged Chewie earlier in the movie, I guess you forgot about that, A. Tse.
ReplyDeleteWow! Really, we are worrying perseverating why C and L didn't hug? WHO CARES? As far comments criticizing L/CF's appearance....both the actor and character have been through a lot.. LAY OFF! As for "what did you expect from a reboot?" Go suck rocks...It isn't a reboot, it isn't yours to judge...It is simply another great/good (whatever) chapter in an epic franchise....If you don't like , ask your mommy for some new crayons and write your own!
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of whiny assed weenies...holy smokes. Just enjoy the movie(s)! They are all great..ok..well some greater than others...but man!
agreed
DeleteAgreed...
DeleteWow someone needs a nappy change and a nap!
DeleteChewie is obviously still pissed at Leia that he never got a medal at the end of Episode IV.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI didn't worry about this in the movie at all. Rey's a kid. She could use some comforting. But Leia and Chewbacca? They're professionals dammit. You don't lose your $#@% in front of people, especially when you are a leader. Remember when Chewie was hugging on Han when they were reunited in Jabba's dungeon? If they had been reunited in front of Jabba do you think either one would have shown even a shred of emotion? Nope. There's a time a place for everything.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he's still sore about the walking carpet remark...
ReplyDeleteThere were alot of faults in that film.
ReplyDeletePoor character development, and a very weak bad guy character(Kylo Ren). Bad directing and or bad choice for a bad guy. Kylo Ren just reminded me of a spoilt twat with a short temper. No depth to his character, boring.
The newer characters should have been introduced in episode 8. Everyone wanted to know about luke. Was he light side still, was he Sith or in between?
Nobody cared about stupid circular robots or sith wannabes who hot kicked out of sith college because of rich issues.
Once lukes requiem was out of the way then move to newer characters.
There were alot of faults in that film.
ReplyDeletePoor character development, and a very weak bad guy character(Kylo Ren). Bad directing and or bad choice for a bad guy. Kylo Ren just reminded me of a spoilt twat with a short temper. No depth to his character, boring.
The newer characters should have been introduced in episode 8. Everyone wanted to know about luke. Was he light side still, was he Sith or in between?
Nobody cared about stupid circular robots or sith wannabes who hot kicked out of sith college because of rich issues.
Once lukes requiem was out of the way then move to newer characters.
This guy.
DeleteThis film was flawed on so many levels that this is one of the more minor issues. To many problems for me to bother listing.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
Deleteit is a perfect mistake considering leia forgot chewie at the end of episode 4 as well.
ReplyDeleteTruth. This is ridiculous.
ReplyDeletePoor character development? How is Julio any different than many people nowadays in entitlement? It's actually more relevant and a good move. Let's not make it too serious folks. It also had to be relatable.
ReplyDeleteA funeral,a memorial or a headstone in a plot for Han at the end would've been good.The story moved so fast, it felt like no one had time to grieve his loss.It needed a more poignant moment like that imo.
ReplyDeleteCan't see the problem. I did kind of pick up on some things as the film progressed but i was enjoying the thing too much to be too bothered. Sure there were discrepancies and mistakes but that's what special editions are for. I'm sure Abrams will give them a moment later, perhaps if and when Luke returns
ReplyDeleteLeia hugged first!
ReplyDeleteThis wins ^
Delete