Talk about dodging cinematic bullets. Imagine The Godfather without Marlon Brando. It almost happened. And then Star Wars with Kurt Russell (playing Han Solo). It was a real enough possibility, and here’s the audition tape as proof…
Related Content:
Star Wars the Musical: The Force is Strong in this One
Darth Vader’s Theme in the Style of Beethoven
We’re hoping to rely on our loyal readers rather than erratic ads. To support Open Culture’s educational mission, please consider making a donation. We accept PayPal, Venmo (@openculture), Patreon and Crypto! Please find all options here. We thank you! 
Open Culture scours the web for the best educational media. We find the free courses and audio books you need, the language lessons & educational videos you want, and plenty of enlightenment in between.
©2006-2023 Open Culture, LLC.
All rights reserved.
Dodging a bullet? Kurt Russell would probably have been a good Han Solo…at least, it’s easier to see him in the role than Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones…
Yeah, I don’t see the bullet either. I hind sight, this might even be type casting in regard to Kurt Russell. Mostly it seems like nothing gained, nothing lost. Russell is prettier, so that could enhance the love story attraction.
@Thom excuuuuuse me! but harrison ford is *was* way more handsome and charming than kurt russell.
i don’t think this is exactly a “dodge a bullet” situation… but i think harrison ford is han solo, and anyone else probably would have made the character less interesting. think about it, in one decade the man was han solo, indiana, deckard and john book. kurt russell doesn’t even come close that.