Sir Alec Guinness is a famous figure from a bygone era. The acclaimed actor, who died at 86, began his acting career on the stage, where he was able to hone the skill that further made him one of the greatest actors from the late 1940s onward. Although he took on a number of iconic roles during his career, none had a greater influence than his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the 1977 Star Wars movie, which also starred Harrison Ford as Han Solo.
Guinness is renowned for having established himself in a number of classic films in the 1950s, including Kind Hearts and Coronets, The Lavender Hill Mob, and The Ladykillers, which had a significant impact.
But, the late actor, known for his legendary stage performances, did not experience the same awe at being a part of George Lucas’ original Star Wars film, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, as many other franchise actors do today.
It might surprise you to learn that he never liked the movie despite playing one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
Alec Guinness Reportedly Hated Star Wars
The renowned actor, Sir Alec Guinness, known for his iconic roles and exceptional talent, was impressively honest and candid about his views on George Lucas’ Star Wars film. Unexpectedly, the late actor, who played the wise and mysterious Obi-Wan Kenobi in the 1977 space opera film, once acknowledged that he did not regard the movie as “an acting job.”
Guinness was a well-known actor by the time he took on the role of Kenobi in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope. He had previously starred in movies like Lawrence of Arabia, and The Bridge on the River Kwai. According to reports, he said the following during 1977’s Star Wars production:
“Apart from the money, I regret having embarked on the film. I like them well enough, but it’s not an acting job, the dialogue—which is lamentable—keeps being changed and only slightly improved, and I find myself old and out of touch with the young.”
He was a little taken aback and ultimately irritated by the insane amount of fame he gained for playing the wise old Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Also, Business Insider claimed that Guinness had earlier expressed some unfavorable opinions about Star Wars in a letter to his friend Anne Kaufman before accepting the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. According to reports, this was taken from Alec Guinness: The Authorized Autobiography.
“I have been offered a movie (20th Cent. Fox) which I may accept, if they come up with proper money. [The film will be shot in] London and N. Africa, starting in mid-March. Science fiction – which gives me pause – but is to be directed by Paul [sic] Lucas who did American Graffiti, which makes me feel I should. Big part. Fairy-tale rubbish but could be interesting perhaps.”
What Alec Guinness Had to Say About Harrison Ford?
With roles in the Star Wars film, the Indiana Jones series, Blade Runner, Apocalypse Now, and many other well-known films, Harrison Ford is now regarded as one of the most recognizable actors alive. This makes it difficult to believe that anyone, especially someone who worked with him, could have not so wise things to say about the Blade Runner star.
In addition to criticizing Star Wars, Sir Alec Guinness also had some negative things for his co-star, Harrison Ford. As per Alec Guinness: The Authorized Autobiography:
“[N]ew rubbish dialogue reaches me every other day on wadges of pink paper – and none of it makes my character clear or even bearable. I must off to studio and work with … Mark Hamill and Tennyson (that can’t be right) Ford. Ellison (? – No!) – well, a rangy, languid young man who is probably intelligent and amusing. But Oh, God, God, they make me feel ninety – and treat me as if I was 106. – Oh, Harrison Ford – ever heard of him?”
But, the actor also did not hesitate to acknowledge the franchise’s accomplishments, despite criticizing specific elements of the film that he did not like. Before he passed away at the age of 86, the actor expressed his respect for the film’s goals and his acknowledgment of its beauty as he stated:
“A marvelous healthy innocence. Great pace, wonderful to look at, full of guts, nothing unpleasant.”
Although it is possible that the actor was not a fan of the series, his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi solidified his legacy among the audience.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Source: The Guardian; Business Insider
