George Harrison Originally Cast as Han Solo in Star Wars: Fired for Attacking R2-D2

Did you know that Beatle George Harrison was given the role of Han Solo in the original 1977 classic movie “Star Wars”. He was fired after three days of filming for punching R2D2’s stunt double. Of course the role was then given to actor Harrison Ford.

George Harrison

In 1976 George Harrison was basking in the success of his latest album, “Thirty-Three & 1/3”. Harrison was in a good place after getting rid of his ex-wife Patti. George traded her to Eric Clapton for a guitar. He spent his time traveling with his new girlfriend Olivia and dabbling in other projects. George was helping his friend Eric Idle work on a Beatles mockumentary, “The Rutles”. Idle introduced George to Director George Lucas who asked Harrison to appear in a new space movie he was filming.

Han Solo

Lucas was a huge Beatles fan, as was basically every member of this generation. “The man was a Beatle for chrissake” said Lucas. “George was always my favorite so I was honored to have him in my movie. I had already hired Harrison Ford to play Han Solo but he was a nobody so I fired him.”

Everything went smooth the first day and Harrison fit the Han Solo suit perfectly. However, the next day there was trouble on the set. The movie featured a robot named R2-D2. R2-D2 is an astrohemorrhoid droid that looks like a trash can on wheels. Kenny Baker a 3 foot 8 actor played the role and he and George got along swimmingly. Unfortunately, Baker’s stunt double rubbed Harrison the wrong way.

River Thames

The tiny stunt double, Lloyd Russell was an obnoxious drunk wannabe rockstar. Russell was always asking George to listen to his songs or introduce him to industry big wigs. When George refused to sign Lloyd to his Dark Horse record label, Russell peed in Harrison’s boots. After finding the little creep, George picked him up and put him under his arm like a football. Harrison then proceeded to punt the little bugger into the River Thames.

The poor little guy almost drowned and Lucas himself had to jump in to save him. Concerned with lawsuits and protests by the Little People Association, Lucas had no choice but to fire Harrison. Lucas immediately rehired Harrison Ford and the rest is history.