Star Wars: Al Pacino Reveals He Turned Down the Role of Han Solo Despite Huge Payday

When Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope dropped in 1977, it became a cultural phenomenon quite instantly, with actors like Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher becoming overnight stars.

Another name in the film that managed to increase his stardom was Harrison Ford, who played the role of Han Solo. However, did you know that the character could have been played by The Godfather himself?

Yes, the great Al Pacino was offered the role of the captain of the Millenium Falcon by George Lucas. However, he had turned down the role.

In a recent chat at The 92nd Street Y, New York (via Variety) Pacino talked about saying no to the role of Solo to Lucas. “Well, I turned down Star Wars,” said the Oscar-winning actor. “When I first came up, I was the new kid on the block, you know what happens when you first become famous. It’s like, ‘Give it to Al.’”

The actor further stated that he rejected the offer, despite being a highly paid role. “They gave me a script called Star Wars,” he further stated. “They offered me so much money. I don’t understand it. I read it. […] So I said I couldn’t do it.”

The actor then stated a witty punchline about setting up Harrison Ford’s career by rejecting Solo. Ford later on to become a superstar with iconic roles such as Indiana Jones, Deckard from Blade Runner, and more.