Very few actors can claim the level of global recognition that Harrison Ford has maintained for half a century. The actor’s popularity peaked after his portrayal of Han Solo in the ‘Star Wars‘ saga. Then came ‘Indiana Jones,’ which solidified his reputation as the evergreen screen icon.
Besides two monumental parts, Ford had several prominent sci-fi roles, including ‘Blade Runner,’ multiple performances as Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and several critically acclaimed thrillers. And yet, there is one particular embarrassing TV project from the Star Wars universe that remains a permanent blot on his career, which the actor completely refuses to acknowledge.
The Unwanted Ghost Of Space Opera Past
While ‘Star Wars’ launched Harrison Ford into stardom, an old contract with its creator led to absolute humiliation and became the dark spot in his legendary filmography. Fortunately for Ford, he is not the only person trying to forget about that particular project.
Related: “Only My Head Would Do”: Harrison Ford Demanded A ‘Star Wars’ Co-Star Be Fired On The Spot
Over time, the 98-minute-long ‘Star Wars Holiday Special,’ which aired in 1978, has gained legendary status among fans for being completely unrelated and inferior to George Lucas’ original space opera.
Nobody could have predicted at the time the first movie came out that it would smash box-office records, win eight Oscars for technical achievements, and create a billion-dollar franchise. Still, Ford’s famous abrasive personality has made him especially allergic to franchise nostalgia over the years.
However, the actor couldn’t help but look back at this holiday special movie with nothing but utter disappointment. For Ford, the bizarre 1978 television show, featuring the original film’s cast and such unexpected guests as Bea Arthur and the rock band Jefferson Starship, is completely nonexistent.
The Non-Existent Holiday Special Remains Strictly Sealed
Pressed by reporters about his memories of the low-budget cheesy TV event, Ford responded in his usual fashion and cut off all conversations on the topic. “None whatsoever. No, it doesn’t exist,” he said.
In Case You Missed It: The Real Reason Why Harrison Ford Rejected Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’
Can we blame Ford, who was simply not happy with CBS imposing a weird variety-show format on Lucas’ franchise? Being completely unrelated to the plotline, this version involved wookies grunting at each other in their living room.
Adding more to the disappointment were bizarre musical numbers and awkward celebrity cameos in place of standard space adventures. So, Ford’s cold-hearted denial makes sense despite its current status as an integral part of pop-culture folklore.
Fortunately for the actor, George Lucas also hates this one-off musical catastrophe as much as he does. Since November 1978, when the special was first broadcast, it has remained strictly sealed in the studio archives and has not undergone any official reruns, video releases, or streaming distribution.
Because Lucas is never willing to broadcast it and Ford does not even want to mention it, the possibility of obtaining a remastered anniversary release is zero. However, the very attempt to deny everything is keeping the fans glued to it.
You Might Also Like To Read: Jake Gyllenhaal Says This Ryan Reynolds Role Was Robbed At The Oscars
