PerformerAlden Ehrenreichhad perhaps more pressure than any other actor in theStar Warsfranchise save forHayden Christiansen, as he had to fill the shoes not only of an iconic character like Han Solo, but lead an entire movie while doing so. By most accounts, Ehrenreich succeeds in the prequel spinoffSolo: A Star Wars Story, and whileHarrison Fordwasn’t involved in the making of the film at all, he did go out of his way to surprise Ehrenreich at the film’s press junket over the weekend, even seeming to give Ehrenreich’s performance his seal of approval.
During an interview with ET,SolodirectorRon Howardwalked into the room behind Ehrenreich with Ford in tow, and the reaction from Ehrenreich is priceless. The two actors met after Ehrenreich landed the job, withFord telling Ehrenreichto say to the press that Ford told him, “everything he needs to know,” and that he “can’t tell anyone.” That was reportedly the extent of their correspondence before filming began, although Howard did call Ford up when he took overSolofrom directorsPhil LordandChris Millerto get a bit of advice from the OG Han Solo.
But this surprise goes a long way toward showing Ford’s affection for a franchise he has somewhat shunned in the years sinceReturn of the Jedi, or at the very least his support for a young actor filling his shoes. The officialStar WarsTwitter account also shared some photographic snaps that reveal Ford and Ehrenreich having a private conversation away from the cameras, which seems to suggest this was much more than simply Ford making a “moment” for the cameras—he looks genuinely interested in chatting with Ehrenreich.
This is very, very sweet, and something Ford absolutely did not have to do. Check out the surprise below.
