10 Most Frustratingly Obvious Star Wars Missed Opportunities

6. Letting Han Solo Live Way Too Long

Star Wars Episode V Empire Strikes Back Han Solo
Lucasfilm

It's no secret Harrison Ford wasn't exactly over the moon about having to stick around in George Lucas' playground.

It wasn't because he didn't enjoy the experience of conversing with a walking talking carpet or numerous space wizards, though. Ford's issues with the overall time he spent walking among the living as Han Solo stemmed from the fact that he felt his character's death, had it come much earlier in his life than it ultimately did, would've lent more "emotional weight" to the story being told.

As he'd tell EW a few years back:

"I think it's a fitting use of the character. I've been arguing for Han Solo to die for about 30 years, not because I was tired of him or because he's boring, but his sacrifice for the other characters would lend gravitas and emotional weight."

It's hard to argue with the grouchy thespian's point of view, either, as Solo sacrificing himself in the midst of the Original Trilogy's climactic battle over the galaxy would've undoubtedly made for a more compelling use of the character at the time.

But at least Ford still got his sacrificial wish in the end... well, sort of.

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Gareth has 6 years experience writing and presenting articles/videos covering all things professional wrestling within the fantastic WhatCulture team. Gareth is also a life long wrestling fan, so is clearly living the dream!