In a Q & A hosted by Entertainment Weekly on Tumblr, the legendary actor answered a variety of questions related to his various roles, including Han Solo and Indiana Jones.
He discusses his relationship with cast and crew of The Force Awakens and his character’s emotional demise in the film. He also gave some intriguing, and sometimes hilarious insight into acting, filmmaking and his personal life.
Below are some highlights from the Q & A picked by starwarsunderworld.com.
Are you and John Boyega best friends?
Whatever John says…
What advice would you give to young aspiring filmmakers?
Figure out how to do it for themselves and not to take anybody’s advice.
What do you think of Adam Driver, what is he like to work with?
He’s an absolute pleasure. He works independently with real proper ambition. He brings a lot to the table. He’s a wonderful actor and a very kind, generous human being.
I have heard that you are also a pilot. What inspired you to be one?
I wanted to learn something. I hadn’t learned anything for a while and I thought it would be interesting and challenging. I always wanted to fly, but I wasn’t able to afford it at first. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Who’s cuter, you or Daisy Ridley?
Daisy Ridley. But it’s close.
Who did you have the most closest relationship with on the set of Star Wars?
JJ Abrams.
Out of any costume you’ve ever worn for a movie or a show, which was the most comfortable and which was the least.
Indiana Jones wears a leather jacket in the jungle…I’ve never had a proper explanation for that, but it looks cool. I’ll say that can sometimes be the most uncomfortable.
JJ is very active in the shooting of his movies, what is your favorite quality that he possesses?
A kind intelligence.
Who made the funniest joke on the set of the force awakens?
J.J.
On a film as big as Star Wars, with so many on-set explosions and green screens and CGI characters, are there tricks you use as an actor to stay focused and present and in character?
I focus on the kernel of story that needs to be given expression…serve the story.
Will you go to the Disney Star Wars park when it’s finished?
Sure. Why not.
Describe John Boyega in 3 words
Bright young man.
You’ve played a vast array of characters, traveled to numerous destinations, and met many influential people- but what remains on your bucket list that you’re most excited to cross off?
You know when you travel for work, you don’t reallly get a chance to experience the place you visit. I would like to go back to Sri Lanka, where we shot one of the Indiana Jones movies. I’d like to go back to most of the places I’ve been. I’d like to go back to Morocco. I’d like to go back with family.
We know Indiana Jones hates snakes, but what about you, Harrison? What do you think about snakes? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Ugh-get-’em-off-me?
No, I don’t mind snakes at all. Next to John Boyega, they’re almost my new best friends.
If I have a party when I get The Force Awakens on DVD, will you come?
No. But thank you.
How do you feel about the ending in The Force Awakens? (I myself am heartbroken)
I think it’s a fitting use of the character. I’ve been arguing for Han Solo to die for about 30 years, not because I was tired of him or because he’s boring, but his sacrifice for the other characters would lend gravitas and emotional weight.
Out of all the characters you’ve ever played, which one do you relate to the most?
Every character I’ve ever played is informed by my own experience, my own emotion, my own understanding.
Do you ever watch movies that you’ve starred in before?
Every once in a while, but not for fun.
If the cast of the force awakens was stuck on an island, who would be the leader and why?
I would be the leader. Just cause. Although we’d end up having to listen to Carrie because if Mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Mr. Ford, have you ever considered doing a voice acting role for an animated movie? You’ve got such a cool voice!
I’d love it. Waiting for a good fit.