Al Pacino recently revealed that he turned down a role in the original "Star Wars" film, citing his inability to understand the script as the primary reason. The legendary actor, known for his iconic roles in films like "The Godfather" trilogy, "Scarface," and "Heat," humorously stated that he might have been responsible for launching Harrison Ford's career by passing on the role of Han Solo.
According to Pacino, he was offered a "fortune" to take on the part in the mid-1970s, following his appearance in "The Godfather Part II." However, after reading the script, he found himself completely perplexed by the space opera's narrative and complex terminology. "I thought, I must be out of space myself," Pacino joked, reflecting on his initial reaction to the screenplay.
Unable to decipher the script's intricacies, Pacino sought advice from his friend and mentor, Charlie Loughton. "I looked at this thing, and I sent it to Charlie Loughton, my friend and mentor, actually," Pacino explained. "I said, 'What do you make of this?' He was pretty wise, and he said, 'I don't get it, Al. I dunno. I don't get it.'" With Loughton equally baffled, Pacino felt justified in his decision to decline the offer. "They offered me a fortune, but I don't know. No, I can't play something if I don't speak the language," he added.
Pacino also reminisced about his connection to the "Movie Brats," an unofficial group of pioneering New Hollywood filmmakers that included Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, Brian De Palma, Martin Scorsese, and "Star Wars" creator George Lucas. He recalled visiting the San Francisco headquarters of American Zoetrope, the production company founded by Coppola and Lucas, before he even worked on "The Godfather."
While Pacino admitted to admiring the work of these filmmakers, he was already committed to a Broadway show when the "Star Wars" script was presented to him. The combination of his stage commitment and his inability to grasp the script led him to turn down the role, paving the way for Harrison Ford to achieve global stardom.
Despite missing out on what would become one of cinema's most beloved franchises, Pacino seems to harbor no regrets. With his characteristic wit, he remarked, "I think I'm in the mood to make Harrison Ford a career." He has continued to enjoy a remarkable career, earning numerous accolades and remaining a respected figure in both film and theater.
Currently, Al Pacino stars in "The Ritual," a thriller directed by David Midell, which was released on June 6 and also features Abigail Cowen. Meanwhile, he is also slated to appear in Gus Van Sant's upcoming thriller, "Dead Man's Wire," a project based on a real hostage situation in 1977, with an ensemble cast that includes Bill Skarsgard, Dacre Montgomery, Myha'la, Cary Elwes, and Colman Domingo.
