Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew Stopped by TSA for Lightsaber-Shaped Cane
Even Wookiees, it seems, aren't immune to a shakedown by the Transportation Security Administration. On June 3, Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Han Solo's furry sidekick Chewbacca in the 'Star Wars' movies, was stopped by TSA agents after attempting to board a plane in Denver with a large cane shaped light a lightsaber.
Apparently, agents were alarmed by the heftiness of the cane used by the more than seven-foot-tall actor. "Because of the unusual weight of the passenger's cane, a security officer alerted a supervisor. Less than five minutes later the passenger and cane were cleared to travel," said the TSA.
Although the TSA claims the inspection was only a minor inconvenience, Mayhew was clearly frustrated and tweeted, "Giant man need giant cane.. small cane snap like toothpick.... besides.. my light saber cane is just cool.. I would miss it," which prompted a flurry of media coverage and support from his more than 25,000 followers.
But despite some reports to the contrary, the TSA insists their decision to let Mayhew on the plane had nothing to do social media. Either way, they did the right thing and eventually let the the Rebel Alliance win.