Harrison Ford’s Humble Beginnings: How Much He Earned for His First Role as Han Solo

Before becoming one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history, Harrison Ford’s first appearance as Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) came with a surprisingly modest paycheck. At the time, Ford was relatively unknown, and the film’s eventual cultural and financial triumph was far from guaranteed. Ford was paid $1,000 per week for his role—a salary he initially considered too low and reportedly declined before accepting.

However, Ford’s earnings didn’t stop at the weekly wage. He also secured a percentage of the film’s profits, a savvy arrangement that significantly boosted his income once Star Wars became a blockbuster phenomenon. Though exact numbers remain undisclosed, this profit-sharing deal contributed substantially to Ford’s financial success from the film.

The contrast between Ford’s initial earnings and his later paychecks is striking. By the time Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) hit theaters, Ford commanded a salary reportedly between $10 million and $20 million. Meanwhile, his co-stars Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher each earned about $1.5 million for their roles in the same film.

Ford’s modest initial salary on A New Hope highlights both the unpredictable nature of Hollywood success and the meteoric rise of a star whose portrayal of Han Solo has become legendary. From a thousand dollars a week to multimillion-dollar contracts, Ford’s career trajectory mirrors the enduring legacy of the Star Wars franchise itself.