'Star Wars 7' New: Original Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew Plans Return for 2015's 'Episode VII' Despite Health Issues, J.J. Abrams Talks Benedict Cumberbatch

Last week's rumors about Chewbacca returning for Star Wars:Episode VII might have just been confirmed now that Peter Mayhew has announced he wants to reprise his role. Of course, this could just be a coincidence and/or just another rumor in a way, but it is definitely nice to think Mayhew would be involved in the J.J. Abrams film in some way.

"I intend to pursue the role of Chewbacca for Episode VII," Mayhew was quoted to have said.

Mayhew has recently had plkenty of health issues considering his size, so the odds of his return are slim. Would you like to see the original Chewbacca actors back in his infamous Wookiee costume?

Meanwhile, Abrams recently addressed some casting rumors with the L.A. Times. Here is the reporter's tweet, summing up the "interview:"

JJ Abrams on #StarWars: "We're working our asses off trying to get things in place w/ casting." Benedict Cumberbatch? "I love that guy."

— Yvonne Villarreal (@villarrealy) September 20, 2013

Mstars recently reported on the casting call list that hinted at a return of a certain Wookiee. Here is an excerpt:

According to a new, mysterious casting call that went out at the end of last week, Star Wars: Episode VII might be featuring Chewbacca or at least another Wookiee character!

This story comes from Den of Geek, which found the casting call on an audition series called "spotlight." Details about this casting call were limited to "UNTITLED STUDIO FEATURE" by Walt Disney Pictures/LucasFilm/Bad Robot.

Check out the casting call right here:

"Tall Man (Male, 21 - 60) Male, 7 ft to 7.3 ft tall with a slim/thin build and upright posture. Not too worked out or too 'thick set' especially in the shoulders. Broad facial features would be a bonus."

Clearly this looks like a casting call for Chewbacca or at least a character along the lines of everyone's favorite giant, cuddly sidekick.