Kurt Russell Almost Landed Iconic Sci-Fi Role 48 Years Ago!

Han Solo, the legendary hero of the Star Wars saga (a universe Christian Bale once dreamed of entering), is undeniably brought to life by Harrison Ford, who first portrayed the charismatic intergalactic smuggler in 1977. It’s hard to picture anyone else in this iconic role.

Yet, many Hollywood celebrities were considered for the role of Han Solo, from Christopher Walken and Jack Nicholson to Sylvester Stallone and Bill Murray. Among those who nearly clinched the role was Kurt Russell.

Kurt Russell’s audition to play Han Solo, a role he was relatively unknown for at the time, is still accessible online as you can see! Interestingly enough, Russell also auditioned for the role of… Luke Skywalker!

“I auditioned for Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. It was recorded; the tapes are out there,” Russell revealed in 2017 to USA Today. “I had no idea what I was talking about. Something about a Death Star and a Millennium Falcon.”

“I was very close to getting the part; I was in the final sprint, but I had to respond to ABC for a western,” he continued, likely referring to the NBC series “The Quest,” aired in 1976. “I asked George Lucas if he was going to cast me. He said, ‘I don’t know if I want to give you this role, or that one…’ I needed the work, so I took the western! I think it was the right choice,” Russell concluded with a laugh, clearly with no regrets.

No Star Wars for Kurt, but Hello Marvel!

Kurt Russell, who would go on to become an international star with classics such as “Escape from New York” and John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” didn’t join a legendary fantasy franchise until decades later. In 2017, he took on the role of Ego in the Marvel film “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

It’s worth noting that besides Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, Kurt Russell missed out on other major film roles. He was considered for the role of Batman in “Batman Forever,” Commissioner James Gordon in “Batman Begins,” and the paleontologist Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park.” What do you think about those casting what-ifs?

Did you catch the hidden details in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”?