There are so many awesome things to look forward to in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. However, Harrison Ford made sure fans would get emotional at the opening of the highly anticipated Star Wars-themed area at Disneyland. The Indiana Jones 5 actor started up the Millennium Falcon at the opening but not before paying tribute to the late Peter Mayhew.
Ford was in attendance at the Galaxy's Edge opening along with George Lucas, Mark Hamill, and Billy Dee Williams. When it was time to turn on the Millennium Falcon, Ford was called in because the presenters needed somebody to "fix this thing." The Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor readily stepped in for the job but before starting the Falcon up, he honored Mayhew as fans applauded. Watch the awesome video below.
It's truly a touching tribute to Mayhew, who had played Chewbacca in the original trilogy and returned for the role in The Force Awakens. Due to Mayhew's weakening condition, the role of the Wookiee was passed on to Joonas Soutamo. Although Mayhew continued making appearances at conventions, he passed away on April 30, 2019, at the age of 74.
Ford and Mayhew were undoubtedly close considering that they shared the most screentime together in the original Star Wars trilogy. The Secret Life of Pets 2 actor recently opened up about the difficulty of losing Mayhew.
"He was a really sweet man, nice man," Ford said of his friend. "He had a hard time physically. It was really hard for him to do what he did for us, what he did for all of us, and he did it with real dignity and class. He was a really neat guy. I miss him."
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is now open at Disneyland.
Related: Official First Look Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
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