The science of Star Wars: How filmmakers made alien creatures believable

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Updated 1442 GMT (2242 HKT) December 19, 2019

Jedi Master Yoda is just one of many intriguing creatures we encounter in the Star Wars universe. He was purposefully designed with brow ridges and Albert Einstein-esque eyes to indicate his immense wisdom and knowledge.
Photos: The memorable creatures of Star Wars
Jedi Master Yoda is just one of many intriguing creatures we encounter in the Star Wars universe. He was purposefully designed with brow ridges and Albert Einstein-esque eyes to indicate his immense wisdom and knowledge.
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The towering, loveable Chewbacca, inspired by George Lucas' dog, was brought to life by actor Peter Mayhew in a mohair-covered suit and face mask. A combination of animal sounds created his unique dialect.
Photos: The memorable creatures of Star Wars
The towering, loveable Chewbacca, inspired by George Lucas' dog, was brought to life by actor Peter Mayhew in a mohair-covered suit and face mask. A combination of animal sounds created his unique dialect.
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Banthas are beasts of burden used by the sand people on Tatooine and other desert planets. In "A New Hope," the bantha was actually an elephant wearing a head mask, palm fronds and tubing.
Photos: The memorable creatures of Star Wars
Banthas are beasts of burden used by the sand people on Tatooine and other desert planets. In "A New Hope," the bantha was actually an elephant wearing a head mask, palm fronds and tubing.
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Dewbacks are similarly used as beasts of burden by sandtroopers on desert planets and can be seen in "A New Hope," along with other films in the series. The first dewback design used the body of a stuffed rhinoceros, fitted with a reptilian head and tail.
Photos: The memorable creatures of Star Wars
Dewbacks are similarly used as beasts of burden by sandtroopers on desert planets and can be seen in "A New Hope," along with other films in the series. The first dewback design used the body of a stuffed rhinoceros, fitted with a reptilian head and tail.
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Jar Jar Binks was based on a design that included blending an emu with a duck-billed dinosaur. His short thighs were responsible for his bird-like walk.
Photos: The memorable creatures of Star Wars
Jar Jar Binks was based on a design that included blending an emu with a duck-billed dinosaur. His short thighs were responsible for his bird-like walk.
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Sebulba's inspiration came from arrogant-looking camels that Whitlatch saw at the zoo.