Original Trilogy Bowcaster
Chewbacca's signature weapon, used throughout the original Star Wars trilogy and the infamous Holiday Special.
Reference Images
Pre-Production
Star Wars Chronicles
Page 90
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Behind the Scenes
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Jedi Behind the Scenes
Original Trilogy Publicity Shots
Planet Hollywood
The Star Wars Holiday Special
General Information
Like many props, the original trilogy bowcasters were built from vintage firearms rented from Bapty & Company in the UK.
The Crossbow
- According to Peter Mayhew, there was one bowcaster that was modified throughout the production of the original trilogy. Eventually this was sold (along with a number of other props) to private collectors. It is believed to be in Germany.
- According to lonepigeon and Jason Joiner of the Kurtz/Joiner Archive, Bapty & Company sold the original bowcaster (or what was left of it) to Jason Joiner years ago.
- Jason Joiner says there are no markings of any kind that would indicate the make or model of the base crossbow and that the bowcaster had been stripped of its parts, save for the balls at the end of the limbs. The rubber balls are rotting due to their age.