While it seems like every year a biopic lands on the Black List that has no chance of landing in front of cameras due to various rights issues — see the Jim Henson biopic “The Muppet Man” — last year’s Black List-
The project was able to move forward not only because of the involvement of Peter Mayhew — he sold his life rights to Newman — but presumably also because of Newman’s pre-existing friendly relationship with LucasFilm, which began with his “Star Wars” road-trip comedy, “Fanboys.” Whether or not that means he'll be able to get access and/or include the famed Chewbecca costume or other "Star Wars" related material remains to be seen.
“Chewie” — described as “a satirical, behind-the-scenes” through Mayhew’s point-of-view as a hospital worker who becomes an unlikely star — will be the second film that is set against the backdrop of the making of the seminal film, the first being Patrick Read Johnson’s still unreleased “77” (where is that movie anyway?). Look, there’s no denying the legacy and power that George Lucas’ seminal film has — is there anyone in our generation that doesn’t look upon the original films fondly? — but do we really need another feature-length ode to the classic? We’ll try to keep an open mind, after all the script did nab a high spot on the Black List, but then again, "Fanboys" is probably best forgotten. [THR]
