10 Hilarious Reasons Actors Took Movie Roles
4. Harrison Ford Starred In Star Wars: The Force Awakens Because They Finally Killed Him Off
Harrison Ford is known for being not particularly fond of Star Wars. The Han Solo actor famously responded to a question of whether Greedo shot first with the apathetic cry of "I don't care!"
It's curious then as to why Ford joined the production of the seventh film in the franchise, The Force Awakens. Well, one reason is definitely monetary, as Ford himself has admitted in interviews. He was apparently payed a whopping $25 million to reprise his role as Solo, along with a share of the revenue. Think of all the planes he must have bought with that.
There was another reason for him taking the role, however. Ford has always been vocal that he wanted the character to be killed off and urged George Lucas do write him out in Return of the Jedi. That wish was never fulfilled.
That was until JJ Abrams approached him with the script for The Force Awakens. Ford's wish had finally been granted. They killed off Solo. Not only did he get a sizeable paycheck for the film, but he also didn't have to come back for another. It was a win win.