The Star Wars galaxy is filled with tales of bonds tested by loyalty, betrayal, and tragedy. The connection between Chewbacca, brought to life by Peter Mayhew and later Joonas Suotamo, and Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, is one of the most poignant. Spanning generations, their story intertwines themes of family, trust, and heartbreak, shaping critical moments in the galactic struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force.
A Wookiee’s Loyalty to the Solo Family
Chewbacca’s unwavering loyalty to Han Solo and Leia Organa is legendary. After escaping Imperial imprisonment, Han freed Chewbacca, forging a life debt that evolved into an enduring friendship. As Han became entangled with Leia and the Rebellion, Chewbacca found himself deeply connected to their family.
When Ben Solo was born, Chewbacca became a trusted figure in the child’s life. Serving not only as a protector but also as a friend, Chewbacca witnessed Ben’s formative years. These early years were filled with promise, with Ben showing immense potential as both the child of Leia Organa, a powerful Force-sensitive and political leader, and Han Solo, a resourceful hero of the Rebellion.
The Shadow of Snoke and Ben’s Fall
Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren was not an isolated event. Supreme Leader Snoke, later revealed as a pawn of Darth Sidious, manipulated Ben from a young age, exploiting insecurities and anger. These influences created rifts in the Solo family, particularly between Ben and his parents.
Chewbacca, an ever-present figure, watched these tensions grow. Despite his strength and loyalty, the Wookiee was powerless to stop the growing darkness within Ben. The bond they shared began to erode, replaced by a growing sense of alienation as Ben drifted further from the light.
When Ben Solo destroyed Luke Skywalker’s Jedi temple and embraced his identity as Kylo Ren, Chewbacca’s heartbreak mirrored that of Han and Leia. The Wookiee’s protective instincts were at odds with the stark reality that Ben had chosen a path of destruction.
The Starkiller Base Confrontation
The defining moment of their tragic connection unfolded aboard Starkiller Base. Kylo Ren, as the enforcer of the First Order, lured Han Solo into a final confrontation. Chewbacca, standing nearby, witnessed the devastating moment as Kylo Ren ignited his lightsaber, ending Han’s life.
The aftermath was a mixture of fury and grief. Overcome by emotion, Chewbacca fired his bowcaster, injuring Kylo Ren. This act was not just an attack on an enemy but a visceral expression of loss. For Chewbacca, this moment was not simply the loss of a friend but also the culmination of years of sorrow over Ben’s descent into darkness.
Encounters in the Resistance Era
Chewbacca’s interactions with Kylo Ren during the Resistance’s struggle against the First Order further highlighted the tragic depth of their relationship. While the galaxy saw Kylo Ren as a menacing leader of the First Order, Chewbacca carried the weight of personal betrayal. The memories of Ben Solo as a child likely haunted the Wookiee during every encounter.
When Chewbacca was captured by the First Order during the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Kylo Ren faced the Wookiee once more. Despite the authority and brutality Kylo Ren often displayed, his hesitation to harm Chewbacca hinted at a lingering connection. For Kylo Ren, Chewbacca represented a link to his past—a past he struggled to bury but could never fully escape.
Chewbacca’s Unyielding Heart
Despite everything, Chewbacca remained loyal to the cause of the Resistance and the memory of Han Solo. This unyielding heart was exemplified when he continued to protect and fight alongside Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron. Chewbacca carried the weight of his losses silently, channeling his grief into action against the First Order.
Even after the fall of Kylo Ren and Ben Solo’s redemption, Chewbacca’s pain was not erased. The Wookiee had seen generations of friends and family lost to the galactic conflict. The death of Leia Organa and the sacrifice of Ben Solo were further reminders of the cost of war. Yet Chewbacca endured, a testament to the strength of his character.
A Legacy of Pain and Hope
The story of Chewbacca and Kylo Ren is one of profound tragedy. For Chewbacca, the loss of Ben Solo to the dark side was a deeply personal wound, compounded by the death of Han Solo and the destruction wrought by the First Order. For Kylo Ren, the presence of Chewbacca was a constant reminder of the life and relationships abandoned in the pursuit of power.
Their connection reflects the larger themes of Star Wars—how choices echo across generations and how bonds of love and loyalty can survive even the deepest betrayals. The story of Chewbacca and Kylo Ren will remain a haunting yet integral part of the Skywalker saga, symbolizing the complex web of connections that define a galaxy far, far away.
