Brussels Griffons and Ewoks

George Lucas took some pretty creative inspiration when dreaming up the Ewoks for Return of the Jedi. Their clever, scrappy tactics were inspired by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters and the Miwok Native American tribe. As for their look? That came straight from Lucas’ own adorable dog—a Brussels Griffon! Originally, he planned for Wookies to lead the big final battle, but he switched to Ewoks because he wanted a more primitive, less tech-savvy species to take on the Empire in their own wild, woodland way.

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The Brussels Griffon was the perfect inspiration for the Ewoks, with their quirky and curious personalities and adorable expressions!