Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew to return for 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

LOS ANGELES, April 7 (UPI) -- J.J. Abrams' highly anticipated Star Wars sequel started filming this month, with rumors still swirling about the series' new young leads.

But sources told The Hollywood Reporter that fans can expect a familiar face when Episode VII debuts next year.

Peter Mayhew, who played gentle Wookiee Chewbacca in the original series, will return to the hirsute role, alongside lovable droid R2-D2.

Disney and Lucasfilm also confirmed last month that Episode VII would take place 30 years after the original trilogy's final installment, Return of the Jedi.

Star Wars: Episode VII hits theaters December 18, 2015.

[THR]