Al Pacino, the legendary actor known for his roles in films like The Godfather and Scarface, recently shared a humorous anecdote about turning down the iconic role of Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. According to Pacino, he simply didn't understand the script.
Pacino's Perspective on Star Wars
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly while promoting his new movie, The Ritual, Pacino joked, "I said, 'I think I'm in the mood to make Harrison Ford a career.'" He explained that he was working on a Broadway show at the time and found the Star Wars script to be confusing. "I loved their work, but I was doing a show on Broadway at the time, and they handed me this script, and I thought, I don’t understand," Pacino said. "I must be [in] out of space myself."
Seeking Guidance from Charlie Laughton
Pacino even consulted his friend and mentor, Charlie Laughton, about the script. Laughton's response? "I don’t get it, Al. I dunno. I don’t get it." Pacino added, "They offered me a fortune, but I don’t know. No, I can’t play something if I don’t speak the language."
Pacino also mentioned his connection to the "Movie Brats," a group of influential directors that included Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and George Lucas. He admired their work but couldn't connect with the Star Wars script.
Harrison Ford's Career-Defining Role
The role of Han Solo, of course, went to Harrison Ford, solidifying his status as a Hollywood icon. Ford himself has acknowledged that the premise of Star Wars might seem strange to some. As he told Inquirer in 2023, "Like, there’s a seven-foot-tall man in a dog suit. There’s also a beautiful princess, a wise old warrior, and a callow youth. Then, there’s a smart-a--. I know the part I play. And it’s fun!"
While Al Pacino might not have understood the language of Star Wars, he ultimately paved the way for Harrison Ford to take on a role that would define his career.