Editing Han Solo

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{{Character Infobox
| image              = Han_Solo_ANH.jpg
| image_size         = 250px
| caption            = Han Solo in the Mos Eisley Cantina.
| name               = Han Solo
| portrayed_by       = [[Harrison Ford]]<br>[[Alden Ehrenreich]] (in ''Solo'')
| first_appearance   = ''[[Star Wars: A New Hope]]''
| last_appearance    = ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]''
| affiliation        = Himself, [[Rebel Alliance]]
| signature_artifacts= [[Han Solo's DL-44 Blaster]], [[Millennium Falcon]], [[Han Solo's Holster]], [[Han's Dice]], [[Han Solo's Costume]], [[Medal of Yavin]]
| wikipedia_link     = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Solo
| imdb_link          = https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000005/
}}

'''Han Solo''' is a cynical smuggler and captain of the [[Millennium Falcon|''Millennium Falcon'']] who becomes a primary figure in the [[Rebel Alliance]]. Initially motivated purely by money, his character arc is defined by his gradual shift toward heroism, with his signature artifacts reflecting his roguish, pragmatic, and ultimately loyal nature.

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==Character Overview==
Introduced in the Mos Eisley Cantina, Han Solo is a hotshot pilot from Corellia, in debt to the gangster [[Jabba the Hutt]]. Along with his co-pilot, the Wookiee [[Chewbacca]], he accepts a charter to transport [[Luke Skywalker]], [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]], and two droids to Alderaan. Though he claims to only care about his reward, he returns at a critical moment to help Luke destroy the Death Star, revealing his heroic heart.

==Film & Television Appearances==

=== ''[[Solo: A Star Wars Story]]'' (2018) ===
This film explores Han's early life, showing his escape from servitude on Corellia, his brief stint as an Imperial pilot, and how he "fell in" with a gang of smugglers led by [[Tobias Beckett]]. Key events include his first meeting with his lifelong co-pilot [[Chewbacca]], winning the [[Millennium Falcon]] from [[Lando Calrissian]] in a game of [[sabacc]], and making the legendary Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.<ref name="solo_wiki">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solo:_A_Star_Wars_Story "Solo: A Star Wars Story"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: A New Hope|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope]]'' (1977) ===
As a brash smuggler for hire, Han and Chewbacca accept a charter to pay off their debt to [[Jabba the Hutt]]. Throughout the journey, his cynical exterior is gradually chipped away by Luke's optimism and Leia's idealism. His decision to return and provide cover for Luke during the Death Star trench run is his first truly selfless act and solidifies his place in the Rebellion.

=== ''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'' (1978) ===
Han accompanies Chewbacca on a journey to the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk to celebrate Life Day. Pursued by the Empire, he spends much of the special trying to evade Star Destroyers and communicate with Chewbacca's family. He successfully arrives at the end to join the Wookiee celebration.<ref name="holidayspecial_wiki_han">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Holiday_Special "Star Wars Holiday Special"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back|Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back]]'' (1980) ===
Now committed to the Rebellion, Han's leadership is tested during the evacuation of Hoth. While on the run, his antagonistic relationship with Leia blossoms into romance. He is ultimately betrayed by Lando Calrissian on Cloud City and handed over to the bounty hunter [[Boba Fett]]. In one of cinema's most famous cliffhangers, he is frozen in a block of carbonite to be delivered to Jabba the Hutt.<ref name="esb_wiki_han">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empire_Strikes_Back "The Empire Strikes Back"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi|Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi]]'' (1983) ===
Rescued from Jabba's Palace by Leia and Luke, Han suffers temporary blindness from hibernation sickness but quickly recovers. Now a General in the Rebel Alliance, he leads the strike team on the forest moon of Endor to destroy the second Death Star's shield generator. After the battle is won, he celebrates with his friends, having completed his transformation from selfish loner to selfless hero.

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens|Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens]]'' (2015) ===
Decades later, Han has returned to his old life as a smuggler following a personal tragedy: his son, [[Ben Solo]], has turned to the dark side and become [[Kylo Ren]]. He and Chewbacca reclaim the Millennium Falcon from [[Rey]] and [[Finn]]. Han is convinced by Leia to try and bring their son home. In a final, tragic confrontation on Starkiller Base, Han pleads with his son to leave the dark side, but Kylo Ren kills him with his lightsaber.<ref name="tfa_wiki_han">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Force_Awakens "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"]. Wikipedia. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>

=== ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker|Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker]]'' (2019) ===
Han appears to his son one last time as a memory, following Ben's duel with Rey on the wreckage of the Death Star. This memory of his father helps Ben find the strength to reject the dark side and complete his redemption arc.

==Signature Artifacts==

=== [[Han Solo's DL-44 Blaster]] ===
* '''Description:''' A powerful, heavily modified DL-44 heavy blaster pistol, built on the frame of a real-world Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" pistol. The prop was dressed with a scope and a distinctive flash-hider.<ref name="dl44_prop">[https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/86/554/han-solos-dl-44-heavy-blaster-pistol-from-star-wars-a-new-hope "Han Solo's DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol From Star Wars: A New Hope," Rock Island Auction Company].</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The DL-44 is the perfect extension of Han's personality: rugged, reliable, a bit old-fashioned, but deadly effective. His readiness to use it, as seen in the "Han shot first" debate, establishes him as a survivor who doesn't hesitate to take decisive, morally ambiguous action.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' It is Han's primary tool for navigating the galaxy's underworld. He uses it to intimidate, defend himself in firefights on the Death Star, and clear a path for the Rebels. The blaster is a constant presence, symbolizing his self-reliant and action-oriented approach to problem-solving.

=== [[Millennium Falcon]] ===
* '''Description:''' A heavily modified Corellian YT-1300 light freighter. Described by Luke as a "piece of junk," its unassuming, battered exterior hides a powerful hyperdrive and numerous secret compartments. The design was famously inspired by a hamburger with an olive on the side.<ref>''The Making of Star Wars'', documentary, 1977.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The Falcon is Han's home, his livelihood, and a direct reflection of himself. Like its captain, it is scruffy-looking on the outside but surprisingly fast, resilient, and full of tricks. Han's constant tinkering with the ship shows his deep personal connection to it.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The Falcon is the primary setting for much of the film's second act and the vessel that allows the heroes to travel the galaxy. Its "special modifications" are key to their escapes, and its secret smuggling compartments are used to hide from Imperial patrols. Its dramatic return during the Battle of Yavin is a major turning point in the climax.

=== [[Han Solo's Costume]] ===
* '''Description:''' A simple, iconic outfit designed by [[John Mollo]], consisting of a black vest over an off-white shirt with a deep V-neck, and dark trousers with a distinctive red "Corellian Bloodstripe" down the side.
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The costume perfectly captures Han's identity as a space-faring cowboy. The vest is practical and gives him a roguish silhouette, while the simple shirt and pants are the clothes of a working man, not a soldier or a diplomat. It's a look that is cool, casual, and projects an air of effortless confidence.<ref name="sw_costumes">Brandon Alinger, ''Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy'', Chronicle Books, 2014.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The costume visually separates Han from the other characters. He isn't in a uniform like the Imperials, robes like the Jedi, or royal attire like Leia. He is an outsider, and his clothing reinforces his independent, anti-authoritarian status throughout the film.

=== [[Han Solo's Holster]] ===
* '''Description:''' A custom-made, low-slung leather gun belt and holster rig. The design is unique, dropping low on the right thigh, allowing for a fast draw. It was created by a local leatherworker and not a film prop house.<ref name="sw_holster">"The Han Solo Belt," The Dented Helmet. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The holster is pure gunslinger iconography, immediately establishing Han as a fast-drawing cowboy in the mold of classic Western heroes. The low-slung design is not just for looks; it's a practical choice for someone who lives and dies by their ability to draw their weapon first.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' As the carrier for his signature blaster, the holster is a constant visual reminder of the danger Han courts and the violence he is capable of. It is a key part of his intimidating presence in the cantina and his readiness for action on the Death Star.

=== [[Han's Dice]] ===
* '''Description:''' A pair of gold-plated dice connected by a small chain. The prop was a simple set of dice spray-painted gold for ''A New Hope''.
* '''Relevance to Character:''' The dice represent Han's luck, his gambling nature, and his past. In ''Solo: A Star Wars Story'', it's revealed he used them in the sabacc game where he won the Falcon from Lando. They are a memento of his origins and the moment that set him on his path.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The dice are seen hanging in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon in ''A New Hope''. They become a major symbolic object in the sequel trilogy. Luke takes the physical prop from the Falcon to give to Leia as a memento of Han after his death. The projection of the dice is the last thing Kylo Ren holds before they fade, symbolizing his final connection to his father's memory.

=== [[Carbonite Block]] ===
* '''Description:''' A large, rectangular block of solid carbonite with the frozen, life-sized form of Han Solo on its surface. The prop was created from a full-body cast of Harrison Ford.<ref name="carbonite_prop">"The Carbon-Freezing Chamber," StarWars.com Databank. Accessed July 12, 2025.</ref>
* '''Relevance to Character:''' This artifact represents Han at his most helpless. For a character defined by action and quick-thinking, being frozen into a static "wall decoration" is the ultimate imprisonment and a symbol of his capture by forces beyond his control.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' The carbonite block is the central MacGuffin of the first act of ''Return of the Jedi''. It is the reason for the entire mission to Jabba's Palace, serving as the catalyst that reunites the heroes and sets the stage for the film's final act.

=== [[Medal of Yavin]] ===
* '''Description:''' A heavy, gold-colored medallion on a brown ribbon, formally known as the Medal of Bravery. The prop was designed by costume designer [[John Mollo]].
* '''Relevance to Character:''' This medal is Han's first formal recognition as a hero. For a character who initially claims to be motivated only by money, receiving this honor marks the completion of his arc in the first film from a selfish smuggler to a valued member of the Rebel Alliance.
* '''Relevance to Plot:''' Awarded in the final scene of ''A New Hope'', the medal is the physical reward for Han's heroism during the Battle of Yavin. It visually confirms his change of heart and solidifies his place alongside Luke and Leia as a celebrated hero of the Rebellion.

==Behind the Scenes==
Harrison Ford, who had previously worked with George Lucas on ''American Graffiti'', was initially brought in just to read lines with other actors auditioning. However, Lucas was so impressed with Ford's gruff, charismatic delivery that he cast him in the role. Ford famously ad-libbed and adjusted lines, including the memorable exchange with an Imperial officer on the Death Star, contributing significantly to the character's charm.<ref>J.W. Rinzler, ''The Making of Star Wars'', Del Rey, 2007, p. 145.</ref>

==Trivia==
* The sound of the Millennium Falcon's failing hyperdrive was created by mixing the sound of an old biplane engine with the noise from a dentist's air jet.

==See Also==
* [[Star Wars: A New Hope|''Star Wars: A New Hope'']]
* [[Harrison Ford]]
* [[Chewbacca]]
* [[Luke Skywalker]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters in Star Wars]]
[[Category:Smugglers]]