Star Wars will soon return to the big screen, though rumors say the latest installation of the space epic could be the end of the line for a major character.
Production is moving full steam ahead on Star Wars: Episode VII, which will be the first movie of the series since Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion, though the shooting schedule had to be shifted around a bit after an accident left actor Harrison Ford sidelined. The actor who plays Han Solo had his ankle caught in the door of the Millennium Falcon, leaving him out for a few months.
[WARNING: Potential Star Wars spoilers ahead]
But new rumors indicate that Harrison Ford may end up on the sidelines forever. There have been rumors circulating that his character, Han Solo, may die in the upcoming movie.
Some of the basis for the Star Wars rumor comes from Harrison Ford himself , who in a 2004 interview said an on-screen death would be a fitting end for his character.
“I thought Han Solo should die. I thought he ought to sacrifice himself for [Luke and Leia]. He’s got no mama. He’s got no papa. He’s got no future. He has no story responsibilities at this point. So let’s allow him to commit self-sacrifice,” Ford said in the Empire of Dreams documentary in 2004.
Other speculation that Han Solo will be killed in the new Star Wars movie is a bit more far-fetched.
The Las Vegas Guardian Express notes:
Speculation that Han Solo is going to be killed off in the new Star Wars movie started because of a small detail about the movie, which stated that Harrison Ford would be returning for a gigantic and expanded role. The word gigantic set off rumors that Ford was only returning to give his character the huge send off he always wanted.
But there are conflicting reports coming from the set. Ford’s personal trainer, Jake Steinfeld, said the actor is getting back into shape and in great spirits. Steinfeld added that Ford should be “even better than he was” by the time he returns to the set.
Fans who want to find out if the Star Wars rumor is true will have to wait a bit longer to find out the fate of Han Solo. Star Wars: Episode VII is due out in December 2015.
