‘Stars Wars: The Force Awakens’: Why Harrison Ford Reprised The Role Of Han Solo

Harrison Ford agreed to reprise his role of Han Solo in the upcoming “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” because he liked the story, Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president, said. The actor was reportyedly impressed by the first draft of the film.

“I think what really got him excited was when he read the first draft, and he saw where we were going and what we were doing. He was immediately on board, and then he sat down and had a great conversation with J.J. and went through, in detail, what we were thinking about doing,” Kennedy said to Empire.

She also added that Ford took keen interest in developing his character and even collaborated with Abrams on the story of the film. Kennedy also revealed that Ford was not affected by the leg injury he suffered during the filming of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” He reportedly was more active while filming his part.

“He is running and doing more physical activity in this movie than I think anyone who knows he was injured would expect. Nothing was adjusted or lessened because of that accident,” Kennedy said.

It is not known how Ford’s character Solo factors in “Star War: The Force Awakens.” He last played the role in the 1983 film “Return of the Jedi,” where he was shown frozen in carbonite by Darth Vader in Cloud City. He was later named a general in the Rebel Alliance and led the attack on the imperial shield fortress on Endor.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will release in December 2015. It has been set 30 years after the events in “Return of the Jedi.” The film also stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker. Abrams has directed the film, and has also written the screenplay with Lawrence Kasdan.