I could see Chewie continuing through this trilogy and beyond for continuity’s sake simply because they aren’t beholden to one particular actor, especially because I get the feeling R2 and 3PO aren’t going to get the screentime they did in the prequels. 20 years from now when they want to do another trilogy and Mark’s in his eighties and Carrie’s close behind, they’re going to want a link to the originals that doesn’t come with the limitations of old age.

Of course, the hope that they’ll wait that long for X, XI and XII is probably foolish, but let a fool hope.