Is Harrison Ford Upset Over Solo: A STAR WARS Story Casting After All?

Harrison Ford is one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood, and with good reason. He’s only played two of the most iconic characters in film history. After working with George Lucas on American Graffiti, Ford found himself portraying Han Solo in 1977’s Star Wars. The character rocketed to popularity, prompting Lucas and his good friend Steven Spielberg to cast Ford as archeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones four years later in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Recently, the soon-to-be 75 year-old actor declared that no one else would ever play the Indiana Jones character other than Ford. We think we know why.

“Nobody is going to be Indiana Jones,” Harrison Ford declared in an NBC interview. “I’m Indiana Jones. When I’m gone, he’s gone. It’s easy.” That’s a pretty bold statement coming from the actor, but an understandable one. He’s already seen one of his most iconic roles recast, and let’s be honest: it didn’t fare that well.

Is Harrison Ford (still) upset over Solo casting?

Solo: A Star Wars Story has been in the news quite a bit lately. Fans have renewed efforts to convince the studio to make a sequel. Even director Ron Howard chimed in, laying blame on The Last Jedi internet trolls for the film’s lackluster performance. Notwithstanding, one the biggest criticisms surrounding the film was and remains the casting of Alden Ehrenriech as the younger version of Harrison Ford’s Han Solo.

Most were shocked to learn that Lucasfilm cast Ehrenreich in such a high-profile role, and early production woes seem to confirm the basis for that skepticism. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller made Ehrenreich their first choice. However, as we know, Lord and Miller were summarily dismissed from the film. Ron Howard came in to complete what was a called a disaster production. That was due in (rumored) part to Ehrenreich’s poor follow-up to Harrison Ford’s Han Solo portrayal.  (Remember, the studio had to bring in an acting coach late in the game to boost Ehrenreich’s performance.)

It’s no wonder then, that Harrison Ford is being so emphatic when it comes to Indiana Jones. Given all the difficulties with Solo: A Star Wars Story, and criticisms of Alden Ehrenreich’s casting and performance, I wouldn’t want my other, high-profile character recast, either. Granted, he hasn’t come right and admitted that what happened for Solo is the basis for his stance on Indiana Jones. He probably never will. But…. search your feelings. You know it to be true.

Background Source: The Ringer