During an interview promoting the upcoming Indiana Jones film, celebrated actor Harrison Ford shed light on his unwavering belief in the success of Star Wars and the compelling reasons behind it. Alongside his iconic portrayal of the intrepid archaeologist, Indiana Jones, Ford also captured hearts as the audacious space smuggler, Han Solo, the revered captain of the Millennium Falcon, who ultimately emerges as a heroic figure of the Rebellion and finds love in Princess Leia's embrace. While the overwhelming triumph of Star Wars as one of the most monumental franchises in the realm of cinema may have seemed improbable to many, Ford affirms that his unwavering conviction in the boundless appeal of the distant, mesmerizing galaxy always remained steadfast.
In a captivating session with Inquirer, Harrison Ford was posed with the question of whether he initially foresaw the staggering success harnessed by Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Shedding light primarily on the former, Ford astutely articulates a thought-provoking response that impeccably encapsulates the enigmatic allure of Star Wars and enlightens us as to why its colossal phenomenon has endured unyieldingly.
Ford's belief in the potential success of the Star Wars films is apparent. He humorously acknowledges that the British crew may have found the concept peculiar, with its mix of unique characters like a towering man in a dog suit, a beautiful princess, an aged warrior, and a young and inexperienced hero. Ford, who plays a quick-witted character, found joy in the role and recognized the film as a fairy tale. He understood that stories of this nature have a long history of resonating with audiences, whether in written or cinematic form. Although Ford initially did not anticipate the immense success and impact of the franchise, he expresses gratitude for the positive changes it brought to his life. The film opened doors to new opportunities and expanded his horizons in ways he had never imagined possible.
Harrison Ford Is Right - Star Wars Is More Than Science-Fiction
Ford is absolutely correct in saying that George Lucas utilized all the classic archetypes found in fantasy and fairytales. The journey of Luke Skywalker as a Jedi is a perfect example of the hero's journey, and the trials and temptations faced by Darth Vader, who ultimately redeems himself as Anakin Skywalker, also follow this pattern. Star Wars possesses all the elements of an epic fairy tale, much like J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, but with the addition of fresh and innovative concepts like starships, lightsabers, and the Force.
In a humorous manner, Ford describes his own character, Han Solo, as the "smartass," likening him to a rogue archetype. Nonetheless, Han Solo is undeniably an integral part of the Star Wars mythology, evolving into a hero in his own right throughout the original trilogy and even beyond in the sequels. While Ford may personally favor his portrayal of Indiana Jones, it is difficult to dispute the immense popularity and adoration that fans harbor for either character.
Ford's insights into the making of Star Wars during its early days are not only fascinating but also entertaining. The franchise's ability to capture the essence of fairy tales, myths, and legends like no other at the time completely revolutionized storytelling in Hollywood. It is incredibly satisfying for die-hard fans of the Star Wars universe to know that Ford was fully aware of the potential for success right from the beginning.