Star Wars fans were absolutely devastated after witnessing the death of Harrison Ford’s Han Solo. But more than the viewers, Adam Driver was even more terrified that he had to cause that pain. His character, Kylo Ren, driving that lightsaber into Han Solo was the most depressing cinematic scene.
Driver admitted feeling pretty shaken about the whole thing. Still, he had to do and deliver what he was hired for – to play the role of an unpredictable villain.
Adam Driver Felt Terrified Shooting The Scene Where Kylo Ren Kills Han Solo
In the behind-the-scenes documentary The Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey, actor Adam Driver revealed how he dreaded the scene where he had to kill Harrison Ford’s Han Solo. Despite the fear, he also felt the adrenaline rush. He stated (via The Digital Fix):
“It was the scene that, I think, terrified me the most. I wanted to avoid that scene as much as possible, and then I was also very excited to do it. But to go to that place, what it brought up in myself, was a lot. You have all these things that are going on in your head, but that really goes away when you’re staring across from that other person.”
Ford originally suggested his character’s exit in the original trilogy, though he finally got his wish in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Driver had a couple of projects before his stint as Kylo Ren, but surely this role will forever be the most notable in his career. He continued:
“I remember a specific time walking on set with Harrison and him saying, you know: ‘Look what we get to do’. And for me, that was like an amazing moment because he’s someone who’s accomplished so much. He’s just as in awe at the process and feels so lucky to be involved in it. It’s a very inspiring thing.”
Driver’s career has never been the same after his appearance in the Star Wars franchise. Indeed, he truly nailed the role with the help of his veteran co-stars.
Adam Driver Was Scared Of Fans’ Reactions To Han Solo’s Death
Because Han Solo is a beloved character by many Star Wars fans, Adam Driver could only imagine the hate he would get after they witnessed their favorite hero’s death. As expected, the actor felt anxious about it. He told GQ:
“When I watched the premiere, I felt sick to my stomach… Immediately, I thought I was going to puke. I was holding my wife [Joanne Tucker]’s hand, and she’s like, ‘You’re really cold. Are you OK?’ Because I just knew what was coming – I kill Harrison Ford – and I didn’t know how this audience of 2,000 people was going to respond to it, you know?”
Needless to say, the fans were not pleased. Many harbored ill feelings towards the villain character. But, of course, Driver was just doing his job, and he did it really well.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens ended up becoming a massive hit, both critically and commercially. Even Ford admitted his character’s time had come, though Driver’s nerves paid for it.
