Han Solo’s 5 most memorable Star Wars moments bring them nostalgic feels
Photo Credit: [Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back] Lucasfilm
3. “I know,” The Empire Strikes Back
"He’s no good to me dead"
The Empire Strikes Back is, without a doubt, the darkest of the Star Wars films. The fate of Han Solo in the middle installment of the original trilogy is both frightening and uncertain. After being captured by Vader and the Empire on Bespin, Han has been ransomed off to the bounty hunter Boba Fett, who’s planning to return him to Jabba the Hutt for a hefty payday.
Vader has no interest in smugglers and is most interested in detaining Princess Leia. And so, Han is to be frozen in carbonite for easy transport to Jabba’s Palace on Tatooine.
Throughout the entirety of The Empire Strikes Back, Han and Leia’s relationship develops from a blossoming ‘will-they-won’t-they’ into a full-fledged romance. From their first argument in the Echo Base hallway on Hoth, to their first ‘C-3PO interrupted kiss’ on the Millennium Falcon, it becomes evident that Han and Leia are meant to be together.
Unfortunately, Han’s buddy Lando betrays him, turns him over to the Empire, and the rest is history.
But before Han is frozen in carbonite – a process that he may not survive – Leia spills the blue milk. She proclaims her love for Solo, in front of Vader and all. Han’s response to Leia’s admittance of loving him? “I know.”
Maybe the most Han Solo-esque line ever, “I know” shows Han’s rugged confidence, fly boy cockiness, and soft affection all at once. Leia definitely knew that he loved her back.