This image is like a tale of two cities. Sad, but true. Unfortunately for Harrison Ford he ended up in the wrong place, at the wrong time when filming commenced on some of his initial scenes reprising the role of Han Solo for Star Wars: Episode 7.
That being said, just what the heck is going on in terms of Disney’s next move with the production of this latest Star Wars big screen adventure? Are they going to consider delaying the release from December 2015, to May of 2016? Or, are they so hell bent on getting this out by that planned release date that they’d consider even writing the character of Han Solo out of this installment? They have to figure that fans would be outraged if they dumped the return of Han Solo, along with the fact it wouldn’t be the nicest way to do business considering it wasn’t Ford’s fault he got his leg almost crushed on set. You’d think on that merit alone they’d want to give Ford the support he needs, and allow him to heal in time to return to shoot all the originally scripted scenes.
However, not even a few days removed from news pouring out that Ford indeed broke his leg, versus his ankle, and there’s been chirping that Tom Cruise may be brought in for this film. Some outlets have speculated he’d (Cruise) just be in a cameo sort of role, but I have to wonder, is the brain trust at Disney honestly considering bringing Mr. Cruise aboard for a substantial part in the film to replace Ford? I can’t grasp it’s just a coincidence it was reported that Cruise and Abrams were chatting about him coming aboard after photos leaked of Ford being wheeled out of the hospital in a wheelchair, en route back to the US to heal.
Another glaring aspect to all of this is the fact news has been contradictory regarding what really happened. First it was said Ford broke his ankle, then it was “officially” his leg. One report said 6-8 weeks recovery for the acting legend, and then within another day various media outlets were reporting it was looking more like 6 months to heal. Additionally, how did the accident really occur? Did a door really come down on his leg stemming from poor set design (from a rushed release date no less), or was it something entirely different? I suppose we’ll never know the answer to that, but in the end Disney has some very tricky decisions to make as a result of this accident.
Moreover, even though hindsight is 20/20, it would be very easy to ask what Disney was smoking when they decided to center the story for Episode 7 around that of an almost 72 year old actor. I mean really, Ford (and I mean this with complete respect) hasn’t looked nearly as lucid and quick on his feet as he did even 5-6 years ago when he was in the 4th Indiana Jones film. I personally believe if a film was to be made with the old gang returning, i.e. Luke, Han, Leia, it should have been made at least 10 years ago, when they were all considerably younger.
Nonetheless, here’s to hoping Ford makes a proper recovery, and for JJ Abram’s sake, he’s not remembered as the director that oversaw the beginning of the end for Ford’s career not just as Han Solo, but potentially other “physical” roles he may have wanted to take on, and possibly won’t be able to now that he’s incurred a fairly brutal injury at his age. That doesn’t mean in any way it could have been Abram’s fault, but come on guys/gals, you know the media at large would love to place the blame at the hands of the director overseeing this production, even if Abram’s wasn’t even in the building at the time it occurred. Now, if Ford is able to make a full return, and the film is shot as scripted, then this whole freak accident will be long forgotten. In the end, time will tell how this all plays out….. Nuff said
Leave Us Your Comments.