Archival Footage of Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill Doing a Screen Test for ‘Star Wars’ in 1976

Video editor 70sSciFiBoy (previously) shared amazing archival Star Wars footage of Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill doing a test read for Star Wars IV: A New Hope in 1976. Ford actually hadn’t yet been cast in the film but had been hired to read opposite those auditioning for the part. George Lucas was so impressed with Harrison’s skills that he eventually offered him the role of Han Solo.

In the mid-1970s, director George Lucas was casting for the now-iconic film Star Wars. Harrison Ford was hired to play the part of Han Solo (as a favour to Lucas, by reading opposite actors auditioning for the role). Harrison proved so good in the readings that he was officially offered the role of Solo.

Star Wars Screen Test 1976
Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.