30 iconic Star Wars roles that almost went to different actors

27. Han Solo (Al Pacino)

Longstanding rumors about Al Pacino’s potential involvement with the original Star Wars trilogy were confirmed by the actor back in 2013 during An Evening With Al Pacino in London. At the time, he was discussing roles he had passed on and revealed to the audience why he lost out on the opportunity to play Han Solo. And it’s a surprisingly simple reason. Pacino explained that “It was mine for the taking but I didn’t understand the script.”

While Star Wars was the launchpad for Harrison Ford’s career, Al Pacino was already a household name following the success of The Godfather in 1972 and Serpico in 1973. He would have brought star power to the role, which may have overshadowed the other actors.  But the famous Princess Leia line, “Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?” would have taken on an even more humorous angle if Han Solo had accompanied Luke Skywalker, considering Pacino is only 5’6”.

Al Pacino wasn’t the only big-name performer who had been considered for the role. Reportedly, Jack Nicholson, Chevy Chase and Bill Murray were some of the other names being considered by George Lucas for Han Solo. Harrison Ford had previously worked with Lucas, which probably helped him book the part.