An inside source told us some Episode III tidbits:

So you're hearing rumblings that in Episode III there's to be some Wookiee fighting? Yup, Lucas has stated publically there is a small action sequence involving the classic creatures including Chewbacca.

Well, the original version of the scene involved them fighting alongside Yoda - fighting off stormtroopers. They're all dressed up in battle armor and everything. At one point (not sure how this will play out in the end) it was decided that everyone of them would die except Chewbacca, giving him motivation for helping the Rebellion against the Empire in the original Star Wars movies.

That certianly adds something to his character, right?