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Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

How Star Wars Made An Icon Out Of Han Solo

As we prepare for the arrival of Solo: A Star Wars Story, we explore how the Star Wars franchise made Han Solo into an icon.
This article is over 6 years old and may contain outdated information

“Scruffy looking nerf-herder.” The Kessel Run, in less than 12 parsecs. Who shot first?

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We all know who he is, without even hearing his name. Just these simple quotes and references are all that’s needed to conjure an image of a tall, roguish smuggler, swaggering through a galaxy far, far away – with a twinkle in his eye, and a Wookie by his side. But how did George Lucas turn a character on a page into one of the biggest icons in pop culture history? What strange alchemy delivered to us a film hero who made such an impact in his few franchise appearances that his story is about to be revisited in his own movie – Solo: A Star Wars Story?

A pinch of this, and a dash of that – added to a simple, basic dough – is what gave rise to the upcoming, highly anticipated Star Wars Anthology film – which has already been packed with drama, before it ever reached the theaters. But, it’s a recipe for success that’s rarely been seen anywhere else, since that magical May 25th, back in 1977.

Indeed, the character of Han Solo stands as a masterclass in the capturing of audience imagination. How do you make an icon that transcends the confines of his cinematic origin, though? Well, these are the ingredients you’ll need…


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Sarah Myles
Sarah Myles is a freelance writer. Originally from London, she now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband and two children.