Harrison Ford Explains Why The Shocking Ending Of ‘The Force Awakens’ Was Long Overdue

Harrison Ford recently re-ignited his career by returning to franchises that many fans thought had come to an end. Indiana Jones returned with a fourth installment that was met with mixed reactions, but it was recently announced that Harrison Ford would be giving the character yet another chance at a revival by signing on to Indiana Jones 5. And, of course, Harrison Ford’s return to the Star Wars universe in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was met with universal praise. (SPOILERS ahead) But those who have seen the new Star Wars movie know that Harrison Ford’s involvement in the sequels ended almost as quickly as it came.

In spite of the sadness that many fans felt about the death of Han Solo at the end of The Force Awakens, Harrison Ford has insisted that the character’s demise was not only the perfect addition to the story, but also long overdue. According to Entertainment Weekly, Harrison Ford recently participated in a Tumblr question and answer session, wherein he responded to fan questions online. One of those questions asked how he felt about the death of his iconic character.

“I think it’s a fitting use of the character,” Harrison Ford said. “I’ve been arguing for Han Solo to die for about 30 years, not because I was tired of him or because he’s boring, but his sacrifice for the other characters would lend gravitas and emotional weight.”

Ford’s response confirms a bit of famous Star Wars trivia, which claims Harrison Ford considered quitting the franchise after The Empire Strikes Back. The film ends with Han Solo being sealed inside a carbonite prison, which was said to be a decision made by the writers to allow the character to be written out if Harrison Ford decided not to return for the third film. If Ford signed on for the final film, Solo would be released. If he backed out, Solo would stay imprisoned.

According to Comicbook.com, even after he decided to return, Harrison Ford argued that should Han Solo should die in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

So the shocking twist that comes at the end of The Force Awakens was not an entirely big surprise to die-hard Star Wars fans, though it was still upsetting. The fan who asked Harrison Ford the question added, “I myself am heartbroken.”

Harrison Ford’s response shows the actor’s devotion to the Star Wars story, above all else. Regardless of how beloved Han Solo is, Ford believes his death was necessary for the plot.

This dedication to story-telling appears in many of the things Harrison Ford has said in the past. Another Tumblr user asked the actor how he gets into character when so much of modern film is CGI.

“I focus on the kernel of story that needs to be given expression,” Ford responded. “Serve the story.”

According to a previous report from the Inquisitr, Harrison Ford voiced the same opinion about Han Solo’s death to J.J. Abrams when the script was first written. He was on board with the decision because it was beneficial to story as a whole.

“He understood why it was so powerful,” Abrams said. “And I think part of it was because Harrison himself — Han, the character — has so much ahead of him… If we felt like the character was sort of at the end of his days, it wouldn’t have been as powerful. The thing that made it potentially meaningful wasn’t just who does it and how it happened, but that it’s a character that is so vital that is meeting his demise. And that’s why he argued back in the day that Han should die and George [Lucas] didn’t want to do it.”

Do you agree with Harrison Ford? Was Han Solo’s death right for the story?

[Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images]