Han Solois one of the most iconic characters inStar Wars, but there are several things about this colorful character that might not be common knowledge. He first made his introduction whenObi-Wan KenobiandLuke Skywalkerhired him to fly them to Alderaan to rescue Princess Leia. After a series of misadventures, Han eventually revealed himself to be a true hero. Han continues to save the day up until the end of the series.
Han lived a very full life on the screen ofStar Wars. From his humble beginnings on Corellia to his tumultuous relationship with his son, Han’s life is an exciting element of the series. However, some parts of Han Solo’s character can only be found behind the scenes.
10Han Was Partially Based on Francis Ford Coppola
Han Solo’s penchant for recklessness and smooth talking might seem like something out of an old Western, but George Lucas actually found that inspiration a lot closer to home. His social circle included many of cinema’s most famous names, and Francis Ford Coppola worked closely with Lucas during his creation ofStar Wars.
Star Wars: 10 Things That Make No Sense About Han Solo
Han Solo is inarguably one of the best characters in Star Wars, but there are still a surprising amount of things about him that make no sense.
Lucas’ friend has admitted that he had a hand in Han Solo’s character. According to him, he had a recklessness about him that George Lucas liked very much. This led to Lucas introducing Han as a swaggering outlaw.
9He Was Almost Killed Off
Star Warsis no stranger to killing off main characters, having started the adventure off with the untimely demise of Luke’s wise old Jedi Master. Han was one of the unfortunate characters on the chopping block during the writing process ofReturn of the Jedi. His death was going to be a reminder to the audience of the stakes the characters were facing, but luckily,Lucas opted for a happy ending for his trio of heroes.
Of course, this eventually came true when Han reappeared inStar Wars: The Force Awakens. The rough-around-the-edges hero was callously struck down by his own son, which devastated audiences. Han’s death went on to inspire his son’s redemption, so in the end, his death did propel the story forward.
8… And Harrison Ford Was Rooting For Han’s Death
Something that might ease the pain of Han’s eventual demise inStar Wars: The Force Awakensis the fact that Harrison Ford himself was always on board with Han’s death. He believed that Han’s journey from criminal to hero would be best commemorated by giving Han the chance to sacrifice himself to save Luke and Leia.
There are persisting rumors that he was tiring of hisStar Warsfame and wanted to explore his new options as a movie star.Ford, however, also believed that without a family or connection to the Force, Han had a much smaller role in the series and was more expendable than the Skywalker twins. Thank goodness George Lucas disagreed!
7An Unknown Harrison Ford Beat Out Well-Known Actors For The Part
It’s Hard To Picture Anyone Else In The Millennium Falcon!
Star Warsprovided breakout roles for many actors, including its three main stars. That almost wasn’t the case for Han Solo. Christopher Walken and Al Pacino were among the names on the list ofactors considered for the part of Han. Al Pacino turned the role down, claiming he didn’t understand the story.
Harrison Ford was not invited to audition, but was instead asked to read lines with actors trying out for other roles when he showed up for a carpentry job. Immediately, George Lucas felt that he’d found his Han Solo and put Ford on the short list of options. The rest is history!
6Han & Leia Were Married Shortly After The Battle of Endor
The Sweetest Ceremony You Never Saw
Han and Leia’s romance was solidified inReturn of the Jedi, but their relationship seems to have seen many changes by the time the two reunite inStar Wars: The Force Awakens. By this time, Han and Leia have a son together, but haven’t seen one another in many years. This left the audience connecting the dots for quite a few details.
Star Wars: Han & Leia’s Relationship Timeline Explained
Han and Leia shared one of the most endearing love stories in Star Wars, though their on-and-off relationship has a long, complicated timeline.
Han and Leia’s wedding was finally explored, though it never appeared on-screen. InThe Princess and the Scoundrelby Beth Revis, it’s revealed that their wedding was officiated by none other than Luke Skywalker. It took place in 4 ABY on Endor at Bright Tree Village. Talk about the perfect wedding for Han and Leia!
5He Ran A Racing League
Is Smuggling Not A Steady Career?
After the events of the original trilogy, Han had many adventures. For a period of time, he found success and fulfillment as aa racing pilot. He also spent time managing a team set to compete in the prestigious Five Sabers race.
As a talented pilot, this seems like the perfect career for Han… if Han were to commit to an honest lifestyle. That’s exactly what he needed after his marriage to Princess Leia. The smuggler has always relished competition and flying, so why not combine his passions?
4Early Drafts of The Empire Strikes Back Included Han’s Stepfather
One Complicated Father-Son Relationship Was Enough
One of the ideas George Lucas played with when he was deciding what would happen during the original trilogy was to bring in a stepfather for Han. Lucas was planning on incorporating him through his connections to theRebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire. Han would have to track the man down in order to obtain crucial information for the Rebels’ cause.
Ultimately, this subplot paled in comparison to the legendary “I am your father,” reveal. With so much family drama brewing in the galaxy, it was probably for the best! Plus, Han’s lack of familial backstory made room for 2018’sSolo: A Star Wars Storyto exist.
3He Was Originally An Alien
The Hans Were Alike In Name Only
Like many other characters in the movies, Han Solo didn’t begin as the same character that graced the screens in 1977. Lucas’ original idea had Han Solo as a slimy green alien who joins up with Luke after running into him in a cantina. In this early draft, Han was also a Jedi-Bendu, a rank of Imperial bodyguard who could use the Force.
After a few edits, Han was changed completely. He became a human to avoid being reduced to a sidekick type of character, and his relationship with the Force was completely reversed. Coupled with his new role as a rugged smuggler, he was more “space cowboy”and less “swamp thing.”
2Han’s Gold Dice Have Been In Star Wars From The Start
More Than Just A Trinket
The gold dice given to Han by his old flame Qi’ra might seem like an unimportant detail added in to Han’s origin story inSolo, but eagle-eyed viewers can find them hanging in the cockpit of theMillennium Falconas far back asA New Hope. They only appear in one scene, but they’re visible enough to connect Han’s origin movie to the original trilogy.
The significance of the dice has increased in the years since its first appearance. It’s still unclear how the events ofSolo: A Star Wars Storywill impact theStar Warsfranchise in the long run, but the dice did appear inStar Warsonce before. InStar Wars: The Last Jedi, Luke returns Han’s accessory to Leia after their reunion, setting the scene for the following year’s Han Solo prequel movie.
You Know?
There are many, many unforgettable lines of dialogue inStar Wars, from Darth Vader’s reveal that he is Luke’s father after all to Yoda’s challenge to “do”instead of “try.”Chief among the most iconic quotes is Han’s response to Leia’s sudden declaration of love before he is frozen - and perhaps killed - in carbonite.
It’s no secret that Ford was less than excited about the dialogue in theStar Warsmovies, and he took it upon himself to remedy that when he could. Apparently,Han was meant to respond with “I love you, too,”but Harrison Ford took the liberty of deciding that Han would say something different in the midst of such a dramatic moment. By responding with, “I know,”Han Solois retaining his “cool guy” demeanor while still responding with sincerity.
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.
