If Lucas intended the Wampa to be a man in a suit, why did he wait until the Special Edition to add the Wampa shots?
The original production, helmed by Irvin Kershner, did actually attempt to film the Wampa using a performer in a suit; however, the actor had a great deal of trouble moving in the costume, and found walking in it for more than a few steps nearly impossible (this can be seen in the making-of TV special SPFX: The Empire Strikes Back). Consequently, the Wampa was seen only as a hand puppet in the original film (and in various tight shots of hands, legs, etc.). The suit used for the reshoot was presumably better-designed and allowed for easier movement.
