Han So-Low! Harrison Grumpy As Ever At ‘Star Wars’ Premiere
Harrison Ford piloted his way to Sydney, Australia, for the first premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" — and quickly reminded his fans how much he hates the spotlight! Harrison was clearly only doing his duty to promote the upcoming blockbuster that brings him back to the multiplexes as heroic Han Solo. The movie star grimly waded through the crowd in an appearance that was sadly familiar to old "Star Wars" fans.
"Everyone laughed when Harrison announced he was 'delighted' by the new movie," laughed a veteran sci-fi insider. "Everybody knows that Harrison hasn't been delighted by 'Star Wars' ever since he cashed that first paycheck!" In fact, added the source: "The real buzz for a new 'Star Wars' film began when Harrison did a sketch with Chewbacca for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' back in 2011. Everyone knew he'd never agree to that unless someone had approached him with big bucks about the franchise!"
Harrison might also have been grumpy about how "The Force Awakens" strained his 73-year-old body. He had only been filming a few days on the new production when the star had a bad run-in with Han's spaceship, as the set of the Millennium Falcon fell and fractured a bone in his left leg. "In a weird way," said "Force" director J.J. Abrams, "it was the greatest gift to the movie — in that, once it was clear Harrison would be okay, the way that the crew came together."
Fortunately, Harrison lightened up once he was safely inside the Sydney Opera House for the film's first public screening — and safely away from the fans outside. He still has a lot of grueling promotion to do for "The Force Awakens" in the State, though. "It won't be pretty," said the insider, "but maybe Disney will put more pressure on Harrison to put on a smile!'
