Al Pacino is a legend, and he has worked on several classics like The Godfather trilogy, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, and more. He is an Oscar and Tony-winning actor with decades of experience behind him. Though he is not part of any major franchise, he is still working and was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in his heyday.
The Scent of a Woman star would have been an even bigger star had he accepted the role of Han Solo in Star Wars, which was reportedly offered to him. The intergalactic bounty hunter was eventually played by Harrison Ford, who was still a struggling actor, as Pacino could not understand the script, despite finding it interesting.
Al Pacino revealed why he rejected Han Solo in Star Wars
Al Pacino has been in the industry for close to sixty years and has worked with all sorts of legendary directors. He has been in action films, crime dramas, comedies, thrillers, and more, and has even won an Oscar. The legendary actor has worked with Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Sidney Lumet, and more.
Pacino would have almost been the star of a generation if he had accepted one straight offer back in the ‘70s. The actor was reportedly working on Broadway when he was offered the role of Han Solo in George Lucas’ space opera Star Wars. Pacino had no idea how the film would change the world after its release.
The actor recently mentioned in an interview with BuzzFeed that he found the concept to be interesting but did not understand it. He even sent it to his mentor, Charlie Laughton, who also did not get it. He said,
I sent it to Charlie, and he read it, and he said, ‘I don’t understand it.’ I said, ‘It’s the biggest offer I’ve ever had in my life.’ But I said, ‘I can’t do something I don’t understand, you know.’ And of course, Harrison Ford, they gave it to him, which I’m glad they did.
Had Al Pacino accepted the role of the intergalactic bounty hunter, he would have been an unstoppable star. The role would have led to multiple sequels and a return in the 2010s. However, it is impossible to imagine anyone other than Harrison Ford now.
Al Pacino may have rejected Han Solo, but even Harrison Ford had to struggle to get the role
If Al Pacino were not one of the greatest actors of Hollywood, he may have regretted the choice to reject Star Wars, as it turned out to be the highest-grossing movie at the time, beating Jaws. However, things turned out pretty great for the actor as he is still considered a legend at the age of 85.
However, Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, reportedly was not already a star like Al Pacino when he joined Star Wars. In fact, he was struggling to make it in the industry and made ends meet by being a carpenter, which ultimately secured him the role. Ford revealed that George Lucas initially rejected him because he wanted unknowns for the film.
Harrison Ford and Lucas had already worked on American Graffiti together, and Lucas was adamant about working with someone he did not know. However, the producer of the film reportedly called Ford to come in for a carpentry job, and while Lucas was auditioning, he made Ford read lines with the actors. Ford revealed to Esquire,
I was asked by the producer to help them read lines with candidates for all the parts. Don’t know whether I read with people who were reading for Han Solo—can’t remember. I read with quite a few princesses. But there was no indication or forewarning that I might be considered for this part. It was just a favor. And then, of course, they offered me the part.
Well, it looks like Ford, like his character Han Solo, never liked to know the odds and still managed to secure the part. While he has since made a running joke that he hates Star Wars.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and the original trilogy are available to stream on Disney+.
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