Harrison Ford's Long History of Hating Star Wars
While the world was watching Conan O'Brien's debut on TBS, David Letterman was having a pretty epic conversation with Harrison Ford, and yes, that galaxy far, far away came up. Every time there's even a remote possibility that I might have to interview Ford (it's never happened), I'm immediately immersed in an internal tug of war over the thought of bringing up my favorite movie of all time, The Empire Strikes Back, in his presence. After watching Ford on Letterman last night, however, there's no way in hell I would ever broach that subject.
Ford HATES Talking About Star Wars
I've heard through the grapevine more than once that Ford is not a fan of the subject of Star Wars. I was told that before the 30th anniversary party for The Empire Strikes Back earlier this year, Ford was sarcastically trying to build excitement amongst people he would meet by promising, "The guy in the dog suit will be there." No matter how he really feels about the saga personally, there's no doubt whatsoever that he hates talking about it. Remember, even back in when he was filming the original Star Wars, Ford famously said, "George, you can type this sh*t, but you sure can't say it." So when watching Ford on Letterman sigh and say, "yeah, yeah," after Letterman called Star Wars "iconic," or Ford referring to his character as Ham Yoyo, that's not really an act.
I should note, after reading J.W. Rinzler's excellent The Making of The Empire Strikes Back, it's shocking how much Ford does care behind the scenes when he is on set. But even in earlier interviews, when Ford was promoting Return of the Jedi, he does everything he can possibly do to restrain himself from rolling his eyes when asked how much of Han Solo he takes home with him at night.
The First Time Letterman Mentioned Star Wars to Ford
It's funny to compare and contrast last night's Letterman interview with the first time these two met in 1982. Ford was promoting Blade Runner and after Letterman brought up Return of the Jedi, there was no cute, awkward banter between the two. Ford dodged the question and then, literally, jumped from his seat and left before the commercial break even started.
Did Harrison Ford Like Star Wars At Any Point?
Maybe this is video evidence of the last time Ford looked happy discussing Star Wars. Maybe, just maybe, the turning point for him was during this Today interview before the release of Empire. Perhaps Ford hit his breaking point while listening to Mark Hamill explain how he chose to play Luke in the first one versus how he played Luke in the sequel. Honestly, you can almost watch Ford transform in front of our eyes from a affable fellow to the grumpier version -- at least when Star Wars is brought up -- that we know today.
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Comments
It's interesting that so many fans call Harrison Ford grumpy or say from these clips that he hates Star Wars. I don't get that at all from what I see. He is being humble and humorous in much the same way William Shatner is about his body of work. Ford knows the work speaks (or has spoken) for itself. He does not want to sound like some gushing fan whom he no doubt does not really respect all that much. When you have heard for the 99 thousandth time from someone who recognizes you in public, "Gee, I really liked your films!" a comment by the way to which no meaningful reply is really possible, you want to quickly move on to talk about something else. Letterman is clearly very friendly to Ford, they have a 28-year history of at least acquaintanceship after all, and is earnestly trying to help Ford out by getting the job Ford's agent booked him on the show to do: promote his new film. I, for one, find Ford's humor funny and don't see it as grouchiness, and I appreciate his humility and humanity. And yes, needless to say, along with the millions of other fans I agree Harrison Ford is a fine actor.
Well said.
I never understood why we elevate actors to such great levels.
Their job is to PRETEND. They PRETEND to be important people, PRETEND to be action heroes, PRETEND to be romantic leads, PRETEND to be sexy characters.
Its all fake, like professional wrestling.
I don't understand this line:
While the world was watching Conan O’Brien’s debut on TBS
Who the hell watches that unfunny talentless loser. Seriously conan obrien is the worst comedian in history which is why he was fired from lenos show after the rating dropped.
Alec Guinness was the same way, except he loved playing the role but didn't appreciate or understand the fans of it. I assume that Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman are the same way.
Also, Six Days Seven Nights has one redeeming factor: Han Solo vs. Jango Fett. FACT. IMDb it.
I doubt very seriously that Harrison Ford hates Star Wars since the franchise made him rich due to George Lucas giving the principal stars more money than their original salaries. IMHO, I think he is tired of talking about it since this is a character he played decades ago. That being said, new generations are finding the Star Wars franchise every day and Ford can either be grateful and humble or annoyed and grumpy about his contribution.
1-Harrison Ford is a legend, and will always be a movie star to me.
2-I think his humor on talk shows these days is very mis-understood. His Letterman and Conan interviews are usually hilarious.
3-If I was asked about 10 million times during my day about Star Wars for the past 35 years, I would probably feel the same way.
I think at some point--probably around the time of Indy 4--Ford became his generation's version of Charleston Heston. Namely, someone better known for the iconic roles he's played than for, you know, acting.
Well said, Steve C.
Harrison Niehaus Ford is a 'antichrist' who doesn't like Christmas and played a 'nazi' in a movie!!!
I hate when writers pretend to know what famous people are thinking.
You mean like how I know Brad Pitt is feeling sad right now?
He's smug. He just recently dismissed StarWars as childish while promoting his sorry alien invasion movie called 'Ender's Game' !
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If u hate han, it not one of my friends
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