"Beasts of Echo Base" marks the fifth installment in the inaugural season of the animated micro-series, Star Wars Forces of Destiny. Its debut occurred on July 7, of the year 2017. The narrative unfolds in the period leading up to the events of Star Wars_: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.
Following the disappearance of Chewbacca during his work excavating tunnels within Echo Base, Leia, aided by R2-D2, embarks on a search. Despite their exhaustive efforts and inquiries throughout the base, they remain unsuccessful. However, as Leia's hope wanes, they are alerted by Chewbacca's distinct roar emanating from a nearby corridor. With a lantern in hand, Leia guides Artoo into the passage, where they eventually spot their Wookiee comrade deep within.
Initially, everything seems to be in order, but upon closer inspection, Leia discerns that Chewbacca is being held captive by a wampa. Simultaneously, C-3PO's voice breaks through on her wrist-mounted comlink. The sudden sound appears to agitate the wampa; noticing Chewbacca's frightened expression, Leia promptly silences the communication device. As the wampa rises, releasing Chewbacca, he quickly joins Leia and Artoo.
Leia swiftly devises a strategy to evade the enraged creature. She instructs Chewbacca and Artoo to secure the corridor while she diverts the wampa's attention. As Leia leads the wampa on a chase, Artoo and Chewbacca diligently begin working on the door. When the wampa corners Leia, her lantern extinguishes, plunging her into darkness. However, she manages to slip between the wampa's legs and escape the corridor. As she flees, Chewbacca and Artoo finish installing the door, closing it just before the wampa can break free. Chewbacca expresses his gratitude with a hug, and the trio celebrates the success of Leia's plan to confine the beast.
This episode connects to a deleted scene featured in The Empire Strikes Back, where wampas had infiltrated Echo Base, prompting C-3PO to affix a warning sign to the door after their entrapment. This scene was intended to be followed by another, depicting C-3PO removing the sign, leading snowtroopers to enter the wampa-infested room.
A reference book titled Star Wars: On the Front Lines, published after the short film's release, has affirmed the canon status of the deleted scene.
Concept art created for "Beasts of Echo Base" showcases the paper sign displayed on a doorway, although it is absent from the final short film.
Leia later made reference to the events of this episode in Star Wars: The Rebel Files.