Kurt Russell Reflects On His Luke Skywalker, Han Solo Audition

05/26/2017 02:46 pm EDT

There are certain roles in certain films which you simply can't imagine any other actor playing the part. Perfect examples of those roles are Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.

The Star Wars characters were played perfected by Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford. As it turns out, another iconic actor almost landed one of the parts. While speaking to press about his new role as Ego the Living Planet in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Kurt Russell revealed that he was in close consideration for either part.

"[I was] interviewing for the part of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo," Russell said. "On tape, it exists."

First of all, someone dig up that tape.

"I didn't have any idea what I was talking about," Russell said. "Something about a Death Star and a Millennium Falcon. I was actually pretty [close], in the final running, but I needed to give an answer to ABC to do a western show. I asked George, 'Do you think you're gonna use me?' He said, 'I don't know if I want to put you with him, or those two guys together.' I got to go to work, so I did the western. Clearly, made the right choice."

As the story goes, Russell took the TV role and the Star Wars gigs became global, immortal icons. Still, Russell's career hasn't exactly suffered since the choice.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in theaters now. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.

(via CinemaBlend)

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