Going Rogue Going Solo I: Kasdan
Jan 15, 2023
Lawrence Kasdan, a legendary screenwriter and director known for his work on The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark, delves deep into his unexpected involvement with the Han Solo film. He shares insights from his pivotal Skywalker Ranch meeting, the struggle for Han's character identity, and the creative influence of Harrison Ford. Kasdan reveals the challenges of blending Western and noir elements and discusses the complications that led to Solo's underwhelming reception, painting a nuanced portrait of the film's tumultuous journey.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Kasdan's Reluctant Commitment
- Lawrence Kasdan originally declined to write another Star Wars film but agreed to write a Han Solo movie after being asked in person at Skywalker Ranch.
- He accepted on condition he could mentor Episode 7 and later co-wrote Solo with his son Jonathan Kasdan.
Who Decides Han Solo?
- The episode frames the central problem as: who defines Han Solo's character across creators and eras.
- Conflicting interpretations of Han made a single coherent origin story almost impossible.
Uncredited Writers Shaped Han
- Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz substantially rewrote Star Wars dialogue and injected much of Han's humour.
- Their uncredited punch-up shaped iconic lines and Han's persona in A New Hope.