I love Harrison Ford’s genuine attitude in interviews and promo tours. He truly just doesn’t give a shit. I attribute this to his age, his curmudgeonly personality and maybe his partaking in a particular herb that is outlawed in most states. Regardless of why, his attitude is refreshingly funny and frank.
Take this for example: when being interviewed by USA Today for his new film The Call Of The Wild, Ford was asked if his character, Han Solo, was a “Force Ghost” when he briefly appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. I know what a Force Ghost is, you know what a Force Ghost is. Many a-nerd know what a Force Ghost is: someone who uses the power of the mythical Force to visit people from beyond the grave. Now, I could tell you right now that Han was NOT a Force Ghost when he appeared before Kylo Ren in Skywalker because Han had never shown signs of being sensitive to the Force. He was likely just a figment of Kylo’s imagination and that’s totally okay, it was still a rather sweet moment in the film.
But Ford doesn’t have an opinion on the Force Ghost speculation. Nor does he have a desire to have an opinion. Here’s what he said when asked if Han was or was not a Force Ghost:
“A Force ghost? I don’t know what a Force ghost is.”
Whispering, he then followed it up with this gem:
“Don’t tell anyone. I’m not talking loud enough for your recorder. I have no fucking idea what a Force ghost is. And I don’t care!”
Delightful!
I love it. Just another example of Ford being Ford. And I can’t blame him. The man has been surrounded by rabid fanboys all of his career. And while he is obviously eternally grateful and proud to be part of Star Wars, he’s never been one to get wrapped up in the lore like, say, Mark Hamill. He doesn’t hate the backstories and built-in canon but he really just doesn’t want to be bothered about it. And, hey, he shouldn’t have to be! He’s doing his job and he’s doing it well. Save all the peculiar nerdy questions for the conventions.
But, seriously, Han was not a Force Ghost in The Rise Of Skywalker. I mean, if he was a Force Ghost then I guess that means damn near anybody can be one! Let’s not play fast and loose with the ability to use the Force, people.