The new Chewbacca? Jonathan Mathers

Star Wars Episode 7 casting directors can call off their hunt for the new Chewbacca – we’ve already found their man.

Yesterday we reported that a mystery casting call had gone out looking for a male actor over 7ft tall, prompting speculation film bosses are looking for a Wookie for the forthcoming Star Wars film.

Casting and auditions website Spotlight put out a call which read: ‘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.’


The news caught the eye of Metro reader Bethany Mathers, who believes her 7.3ft husband Jonathan fits the bill perfectly.



Peter Mayhew, who played the original Chewbacca, is also 7ft 3in tall.

Star Wars Episode 7 may now have their Chewbacca (Picture: Reuters)

She says: ‘Jonathan (Jonny/Jonno/sasquatch to his friends) has been a Star Wars fan since his first cinema experience aged 4 when he saw Return of the Jedi.

‘He has never acted professionally but took part in many school productions. He’s usually found behind the scenes in local drama productions as he can carry most things single-handedly.’

With an encyclopaedic knowledge of the franchise, Jonno identifies with Chewy as he’s ‘always been head and shoulders above the crowd’.

Perfect: 7ft3 Jonathan Mathers with wife Bethany (Picture: Jonathan and Bethany Mathers)

The self-professed Star Wars ‘fanatic’ has now started a Facebook page campaigning for a role, entitled ‘Get Jonny in Star Wars: Episode VII’.

Having previously tried his luck when the franchise was last re-booted, Jonno is hoping for more success in bagging his ‘dream role’ this time around.

The latest instalment in the Star Wars franchise is slated for release in 2015, with filming expected to begin early next year.

Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are widely expected to reprise their roles in the new film, with Benedict Cumberbatch also heavily tipped to star.