Peter Mayhew, who played the Wookiee Chewbacca in Star Wars: Episodes III – VI, will reprise the role for Star Wars: Episode VII, according to Hollywood Reporter.
 
Rumors of the casting circulated recently when Mayhew cancelled a planned appearance at Texas’ Comicpalooza "due to filming."  The convention takes place May 23 – 26, and coincides with the recent announcement by Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn that Episode VII is already filming (see "'Star Wars VII' Shooting").  Mayhew has made a career of appearing as the iconic character in TV appearances and making convention appearances, though he also voiced Susha for Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy.  
 
Wookiees, according to the the Wookieepedia, The Star Wars Wiki, can live for several centuries.  Chewbacca, played by Mayhew, had a brief appearance in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith in the Battle of Kashyyyk, alongside Tarfful and Yoda, and helped Yoda escape the planet.  Later he joined up with Han Solo as copilot and smuggler for Star Wars: Episodes IV – VI.