Summary
It’s common knowledge in theStar Warsfandom and beyond thatHarrison Forddoesn’t exactly seem to be the biggest fan of the franchise, and there are a few reasons behind why that is. Even as one of Hollywood’s most well-known and accomplished actors over the years, Ford is still very much defined by his performance asHan SoloinStar Wars, the rough-around-the-edges yet lovable scoundrel who has, in a way, created his own character archetype. Despite his success in that role, Ford doesn’t always speak aboutStar Warsin the kindest terms, or with much fondness.
Most of the time, these jabs atStar Warsare simple jokes, such as those seen in the video below. One of the most famous arrived in an interview withCollider, when he was asked whether Han or Greedo shot first and responded with a simple “I don’t care.” Seeing as he was laughing after saying this response, it’s clear that Ford was simply making a joke. There are, however, still very real reasons behind why Ford has built such a reputation for “hating"Star Wars, even if he doesn’t actually hate it all that much.
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Harrison Ford Doesn’t Want To Be Defined By Star Wars
He’s Done Many, Many Other Roles Since
The main reason why Ford has fostered such a legendary distaste forStar Warshas little to do with the franchise itself and more to do with its cultural impact. After the massive success that wasStar Warsin 1977,Ford became forever defined by his role as Han Solo, no matter what else he did afterward - with onlyFord’s role as Indiana Joneschallenging for the same amount of recognition. This is often the case with actors who have been a part of iconic franchises, and for some, it becomes frustrating over time to have little separation between them and their roles.
Ford isn’t the only one in theStar Warsfranchise who has felt, or feels, this way. One similar actor from the very same movie was Sir Alec Guinness, who also expressed his frustration with the fact that, after years and years of tackling major, accomplished roles, he was mostly recognized for his work as Obi-Wan Kenobi inStar Wars. Considering the fact thatStar Warswas never expected to become the cultural phenomenon and worldwide success that it is today, it’s easy to understand why actors such as Ford and Guinness became frustrated with this permanent association.
Harrison Ford Wanted More For Han Solo’s Character
Not More Content, But More Development
Another motivating factor behind Ford’s criticisms ofStar Warsare his thoughts on Han Solo as a character. It’s no secret thatFord considers the character to be quite one-dimensional, something he believed so strongly about that he even argued with George Lucas about Han’s characterand the writing as a whole while on set. Because of the way Han’s character ultimately panned out in the originalStar Warstrilogy, Ford was ultimately less than pleased, and that caused his attachment to the character to lessen even more as a result.
Ford simply felt frustrated that his concerns about the character he had to bond so closely with were not properly dealt with.
This, however, was clearly out of a passion Ford had for Han in the first place. He has since described his experience onStar Warswith fondness, which makes it clear that Ford did enjoy portraying Han and simply wanted better for this man he was bringing to life in the galaxy far, far away. Ford simply felt frustrated that his concerns about the character he had to bond so closely with were not properly dealt with. Thankfully, Han has since been fleshed out more in supporting materials, but Ford didn’t even get to be a part of those.
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Ford Was The One Who Wanted To Kill Han Solo Off
It’s also well-known that Ford ran what he called a 30-year-old campaign for Han to get killed off inStar Wars, but this idea of his wasn’t rooted in ill intentions. Rather, Ford truly felt as if the character had served his purpose inStar Wars’narrative, andhe didn’t want the character to suffer by extending his story in an unnecessary way. This iswhy Ford wanted Han to die inStar Wars, and that wish was finally granted to him whenStar Wars: The Force Awakenspremiered in 2015.
This, of course, added to the hilarious lore of Ford hatingStar Wars. Clearly, he had some kind of influence on the decision to kill off Han, but it also served the story. It wasHan’s death that sealed Ben Solo’s fall to the dark side as Kylo Ren, just as it was the vision of Han inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerthat completed Ben Solo’s turn back to the light side. As painful as it is to rewatch, it’s clear that Ford had the right idea all along for Han to be killed inStar Wars.
Ford’s Return To Star Wars Alone Proves His Love For The Franchise
Ford, At Worst, Has A Complicated Relationship With Star Wars
Ford’s return for bothThe Force AwakensandThe Rise of Skywalkerproves thathe truly has no deep-rooted hatred forStar Wars. While he may joke about it often and openly criticize some of the decisions made for his character and the overall story, Ford clearly has no ill will for the franchise as a whole. Interviews forThe Force Awakensheard him discuss how gratifying it was to return for the new era, and the way he embraces many of theseStar Warsjokes proves just how deep his true love for the franchise goes.
At the very worst, then, Ford simply has a complicated relationship with theStar Warsfranchise. While he acknowledges how much it’s changed his life and how much fun he’s had portraying Han and interacting with fans, he also acknowledges the way it’s overshadowed many of his other accomplished roles and has reminded him of the frustrations he’s harbored about Han’s character as a whole. It’s easy to understand this perspective, and no matter what,Harrison Fordwill always be a beloved part of theStar Warsgalaxy.
Han Solo
Hailing from Corellia, Han Solo deserted the Empire to become a smuggler, and he spent years working for the Hutts as a spice runner. Han’s life changed forever when he agreed to transport Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker to Alderaan from Tatooine, and he soon became an important member of the Rebel Alliance. Han’s romance with Leia Organa became the stuff of legend, and they married shortly after the Battle of Endor. Sadly, their relationship ended in tragedy when their son Ben fell to the dark side - eventually killing Han. Still, memories of Han helped bring Ben back to the light.
