Following a rather final confrontation at the end of the most recent Star Wars franchise film, it would appear unlikely that Harrison Ford will ever return to the role of Han Solo that made him a household name to begin with starting with Episode IV in 1977. Recently, the actor discussed the fated exit of the character at the end of The Force Awakens, and revealed that his desire to put the character aside had less to do with any perceived personal distaste for the surrounding science-fiction property, but was instead inspired by his own desire for a more emotionally resonant and dramatic climax with which to begin the new trilogy of films set in a galaxy far, far away.
But with an as of yet untitled young Han Solo anthology film on the way sometime in the near future, the legacy of the character will live on beyond any voice acting gigs that might come Ford’s way. As to the level of involvement that Ford himself is willing to commit to any projects that may arise featuring the infamous bounty hunter, however, the actor was unwilling to commit to disclosing entirely on a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Im the video featured above, Ford is reticent to reveal whether or not his participation in the forthcoming Star Wars anthology film about a young Han Solo, or any other unannounced productions, will feature his presence in any way - and instead proceeded to remain as cagey with talk show host Kimmel as he usually is. Whether or not the upcoming young Han Solo movie from directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The LEGO Movie, 21 & 22 Jump Street) will ultimately receive any kind of blessing from Ford himself remains to be seen, as the man is determined to remain silent for now regarding the future of the character in the Star Wars franchise proper.
Seeing as how the Han Solo anthology film is coming close to making its final casting decisions, with young actors Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service) and Alden Ehrenrich (Hail, Caesar!) rumored to be top contenders for the lead role, the character is slated for a fortuitous come-back to the big screen regardless of Ford’s involvement. Yet, given the fact that longtime Star Wars writer Lawrence Kasdan will be returning to pen the new film’s script in what will be his swan song to the franchise, perhaps Ford might make some kind of final farewell appearance in the role.
If only to acknowledge the impact and importance of the character within the larger Star Wars canon, it would be nice to see Ford as Han Solo one more time in the forthcoming Star Wars anthology film, perhaps in some kind of flash-forward scene. Either way, Ford will always be tied to the character in the hearts of many fans of the ever popular sci-fi smuggler, even if the actor never returns to the role himself.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens will be on Blu-ray April 5th, 2016; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will see theatrical release in the U.S. on December 16th, 2016, followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII on December 15th, 2017, and the Han Solo Star Wars Anthology film on May 25th, 2018. Star Wars: Episode IX is expected to reach theaters in 2019, followed by the third Star Wars Anthology film in 2020.
Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
