The One Harrison Ford Role He Wants Erased from Existence—And Why He’ll Never Acknowledge It

For nearly five decades, Harrison Ford has graced the silver screen, building an iconic career that has spanned some of the most beloved franchises in film history. From Han Solo in Star Wars to Indiana Jones, Ford’s performances have made him a household name worldwide. His portrayal of Rick Deckard in Blade Runner, his multiple turns as Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy adaptations, and his memorable roles in classics like Witness and The Fugitive solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

But even the most decorated careers come with a few missteps, and for Ford, there is one role he wishes would simply vanish from history. His aversion to this particular project has become so pronounced that he has gone as far as to deny its existence altogether. That project? The infamous Star Wars Holiday Special.

Released in November 1978, The Star Wars Holiday Special was a made-for-TV spectacle designed to capitalize on the success of Star Wars: A New Hope. However, rather than becoming a cherished part of Star Wars lore, it has become notorious for its campy, over-the-top cheesiness and strange assortment of guest appearances, including Bea Arthur and Jefferson Starship. The special, which features Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo alongside the Star Wars characters, attempts to tell a holiday story set in the Star Wars universe, but it was met with harsh criticism for its low production value and disjointed narrative.

Ford, who reprised his role as Han Solo for the special, has expressed little fondness for the project over the years. In fact, he has been remarkably evasive when asked about his memories of the event. When pressed for recollections of the Holiday Special, Ford flatly replied, “None whatsoever,” adding, “No, it doesn’t exist.”

The actor’s response has since become legendary in Star Wars circles, as Ford is one of the few people involved in the Star Wars franchise to outright refuse to acknowledge the special. His desire to erase the experience from memory was further supported by Star Wars creator George Lucas, who has similarly expressed disdain for the production. Lucas, in fact, did not permit the special to be officially released on home video, and since its airing in 1978, it has never been shown again through official channels. No official streaming, no DVD release, and no remastered version—The Star Wars Holiday Special has been relegated to the depths of Star Wars obscurity.

Despite its lackluster reception, the Holiday Special has become a cult favorite among Star Wars fans, largely due to its so-bad-it’s-good quality. The special’s bizarre moments and awkward performances have garnered a following for all the wrong reasons, but as much as it is beloved in certain circles, its place in Star Wars history is all but erased by its creators.

For Ford, the Star Wars Holiday Special represents a dark spot in his career, one that he has made peace with by simply pretending it never happened. His stance reflects his broader frustration with the Star Wars franchise, especially after years of being constantly associated with Han Solo. And while the special remains a curiosity among Star Wars enthusiasts, the chances of an official restoration or remaster are slim, as both Ford and Lucas have made it clear that it is best left forgotten.

In the end, for one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, the Star Wars Holiday Special is a chapter he’d rather not revisit—an unfortunate blip in an otherwise stellar career that continues to captivate audiences around the world.