GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

George Lucas Talks About Why Greedo Shot Han Solo First

"When you're John Wayne, you don't shoot people [first]."

206 Comments

Star Wars creator George Lucas has shed new light on his decision to change the 1977 original's cantina scene to show that it was Greedo, not Han Solo, who shot first. In an interview with The Washington Post, Lucas says Han Solo shooting Greedo in cold blood runs counter to what his principles should be.

No Caption Provided

"Han Solo was going to marry Leia, and you look back and say, 'TShould he be a cold-blooded killer?' Lucas questioned. "Because I was thinking mythologically--should he be a cowboy, should he be John Wayne? And I said, 'Yeah, he should be John Wayne.' And when you're John Wayne, you don't shoot people [first]--you let them have the first shot. It's a mythological reality that we hope our society pays attention to."

These new comments from Lucas provide some interesting insight into his decision to change the scene for the movie's re-release. But it's unlikely to put the matter to bed. "Han shot first" will most definitely continue to be a controversial topic for years and years.

But Lucas isn't reading your comments. He tells The Washington Post that he has avoided the Internet since 2000. He doesn't have a Facebook or Twitter account, and he doesn't use email.

The full Washington Post profile of Lucas is a good read. It also touches on Lucas' thoughts on not being involved with The Force Awakens, a film that he says strays from his original vision for Star Wars.

"There is no such thing as working over someone's shoulder," he said. "You're either the dictator or you're not. And to do that would never work, so I said 'I'm going to get divorced.' ... I knew that I couldn't be involved. All I'd do is make them miserable. I'd make myself miserable. It would probably ruin a vision--[director J.J. Abrams] has a vision, and it's his vision."

The Force Awakens opens on December 18.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 206 comments about this story