Al Pacino is widely recognized as one of the greatest performers of his time, having appeared in films such as “The Godfather,” “Scarface,” “Heat,” “Serpico,” “Carlito’s Way,” and many more. But in the 1970s, he was on the verge of adding a beloved franchise to his filmography: “Star Wars.”
Yes, Pacino was almost cast as the rogue smuggler, Han Solo, alongside Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, and Peter Mayhew in a galaxy far, far away.
The 82-year-old actor was speaking at the 92nd Street Y in New York on Wednesday when he mentioned his brush with “Star Wars” (via Variety). He claimed that he was offered so many assignments since he was the “new kid on the block” at the time.
“Well, I passed down ‘Star Wars,” Pacino explained. I was the new kid on the block when I first came up. Do you know what happens when you first get famous? ‘Hand it to Al,’ they’d say. “They’d give me Queen Elizabeth to play.”
He went on to add that he passed on “Star Wars” because he didn’t comprehend it, though he didn’t specify what in the screenplay baffled him. He then remarked that because he didn’t portray Han Solo, Harrison Ford became famous.
“They sent me a screenplay called ‘Star Wars,” the actor explained. They promised me a lot of money. I’m not sure what you’re talking about. It was read by me. So I told them I couldn’t do it. “I gave Harrison Ford a job.”
Ford had previously had minor roles in films and television, including “American Graffiti,” “The Conversation,” and “Kung Fu,” but “Star Wars” catapulted him to stardom.
Pacino also shared a few stories from his career, such as the time he burned his hand on a revolver while filming the classic ending of “Scarface.”
“One day, we’re shooting, fighting, and I say, ‘Say hello to my little friend.’ I discharge thirty bullets, I get struck, the gun falls to the ground, and I’m supposed to be injured,” he added. I reach for the rifle and place my palm on the barrel. I had to go to the hospital because my hand became glued to it. I was out of commission for two weeks.”