20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

18. George Lucas Originally Prevented Harrison Ford From Auditioning

Star Wars New Hope
Lucasfilm

It is practically impossible to consider anyone but Harrison Ford in the role of Han Solo, yet this was very nearly denied by Lucas himself, who initially wouldn't even let Ford audition for the part.

His reasoning? Ford had a small role in Lucas' acclaimed second feature film American Graffiti back in 1973, and the director wanted to use an entirely new roster of names and faces for Star Wars.

However Ford, who was working as a carpenter at the time, agreed to help Lucas audition other actors for Star Wars' roles.

After hearing Ford read lines, however, Lucas decided to ditch his rule and hire the actor to play Han.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.