Harrison Ford was as surprised as fans to learn that Han Solo would make one final appearance in JJ Abrams’ Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Ford, who originated the role of Han Solo in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, has “been arguing for [the character] to die for about 30 years.” His wish was granted when Abrams, who wrote and directed the first installment in the franchise’s sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens, killed Solo about 2/3 of the way through the film.
With the character dead, Ford didn’t return for the Rian Johnson-directed sequel, The Last Jedi, and many believed they had officially seen the last of the beloved smuggler. Abrams, however, had a different vision when he took over as the co-writer and director of the final installment - a job that had been previously promised to Jurassic World helmer Colin Trevorrow. When Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hit theaters, Abrams shocked fans with the surprise appearance of Han Solo, who briefly returned to help lead his misguided son, Kylo Ren, towards a path of redemption.
USA Today spoke with Ford regarding his shocking return in Rise of Skywalker and learned that the actor was just as stunned as audiences to learn of Solo’s return. “When JJ asked me to do it, I said, ‘Are you kidding? I’m dead!’ “Ford revealed. “He said, ‘Sorta dead. You can do this.’ He hadn’t written anything at that time. But he said, ‘This is going to be great.’ So I said okay. If JJ asked you do something, you’d probably do it too. He’s a very persuasive guy.”
Aside from showing up when Abrams’ calls, Ford said he returned to the character because it helped push Ren’s story forward. “And the chance to do another scene with Adam was great,” he added. Han Solo’s appearance in Rise of Skywalker sparked controversy among fans, who were torn between defining it as Ren’s memory of his dead father, or confirmation of Solo’s status as a Force ghost. “A Force ghost? I don’t know what a Force ghost is,” the sometimes curmudgeonly actor quipped. “I have no (expletive) idea what a Force ghost is. And I don’t care!”
Han Solo’s return wasn’t the only divisive moment in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. A glance at the Rotton Tomatoes score for the film (52% critic score and an 86% audience rating) reflects moviegoers’ split reaction to the uneven conclusion of the Skywalker Saga. That said, even Ford (perhaps the most cynical Star Wars fan) felt Solo’s brief appearance was crucial to the story, and the unexpected return allowed long-time fans a last look at the iconic character.
More: Star Wars: The 10 Best Han Solo Quotes From The Original Trilogy
Source: USA Today
