When it comes to the upcoming Star Wars movies–owned by Disney, logistically disowned by George Lucas, partially corrupted by sub-par prequels, and an aging Harrison Ford–most fans of the franchise are split between semi-religious release at the thought of a continuation to the universe the epic tale has weaved, or abhor the idea of seeing some favored actors limp around on stage for what may amount to nothing more than symbolic mania, deadening the old trilogy’s significance.
PROFESSIONALISM IS NEITHER ANTIQUATED NOR DISTANT
Wherever you happen to fall on the Star Wars fan spectrum, please know that these actors are alive and kicking. Literally. Harrison Ford, who recently sustained serious injuries when he crash landed his plane at a Los Angeles golf course in March, made his first public appearance for the fans’ ogling pleasure at a Comic-Con Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel. He showed up at the end as a pleasant surprise.
FORD PLEASED TO GREET HIS FANS
At the popping San Diego Convention Center, Ford’s entrance sent the crowd into hyper-drive as Harrison Ford joined fellow re-un-ex-costars Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill. Ford missed an earlier Star Wars event that came too soon after his flight mishap, but he certainly looked pleased to stand in solidarity with his cast and fans, despite what looked like an awfully painful limp.
HARRISON FORD UNDAUNTED BY PLANE MISHAP
The moderator, Chris Hardwick, made a point to inquire about the fictitious vigilante’s health, but was curtly redirected by Ford’s subject-changing responses, e.g., “Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you very much.” When a fan asked about his foot from the wild crowd, Ford simply responded, “My foot? I just walked here,” rhetorically ending that conversation. In pain or not, it seems Ford is here to work. However, perhaps he should keep Chewie closer for his next flight.
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During the talk, Harrison Ford became slightly emotional when the group discussed the strangeness becoming more endemic of 21st century Hollywood of returning to a franchise this big, and this culturally affective, after such a long break. Ford reflects: “It should have felt ridiculous. That was 30-(something) years ago and I sort of grew up. And yet, there I was doing something I did so long ago. I will tell you that it felt great… The original Star Wars…was part of the beginning of my work life. I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had in that film and for the success of that film.”
