When Harrison Ford made an appearance during the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, the room at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim erupted in cheer, according to those who were present.
The actor, who returns to reprise the role that propelled his career into stardom, Han Solo, was not present because he is still recovering from a plane crash last month. Luckily, after surgery, the veteran star is said to be on his way to mending.
We can’t be sure if director J.J. Abrams decided to give fans a peek at Harrison Ford because he was not present at the exciting event or it was planned like that from the beginning. Whatever the reason, fans were more excited to see an older version of Han Solo and his mate, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew).
while I’m sure it played huge at home, when Han Solo showed up at the end of the teaser the entire room lost its mind and it was amazing
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 16, 2015
During the Star Wars Celebration panel, Abrams spoke briefly of Harrison Ford’s plane accident and his heroic efforts to land his vintage World War II aircraft safely. The 72-year-old is credited with not only saving his own life, but that of several nearby residents as he maneuvered and crash-landed on a Southern California golf course on March 6.
In keeping with his reputation of being a no-nonsense type of guy, J.J. Abrams said Harrison Ford was busy when he wanted to pay him a visit to see how he was recovering. During his appearance on the Star Wars Celebration panel, the director elaborated about his star.
“I was texting him yesterday and I was gonna go over and see him, but he didn’t have time for me.”
“He sends his best and he’s doing great and working hard. I’ve never had more respect for a guy than to see how he landed that plane. He’s more of a hero with that move than he is in any of the movies he’s been in.”
Despite the fact that Harrison Ford couldn’t be present for the unveiling of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, he was on the screen and was the only one of the original trio that also included Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) — who only speaks in the video — and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) to be featured. “Chewy, we’re home,” Ford says at the end of the trailer. Watch it, it’s worth it.
[Image via Disney]