Glynn Turman reveals he auditioned for Han Solo: “Harrison Ford owes me some of those residuals!”

Glynn Turman reveals a nearly made movie moment

Glynn Turman, whose career has spanned six decades, shared that he once auditioned for the iconic Han Solo role long before Harrison Ford took it on. The revelation adds a surprising footnote to his legacy.

His humor shines through as he fondly recalls the experience, showing that even near-misses can be meaningful chapters in a storied career.

A legend shows his lighter side

Turman, now gracing the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joked about missing out on Star Wars, but with upbeat reflection rather than regret. His easy laugh reminds us that hindsight often brings a sense of humor.

“It’s all part of the ride,” he said with a grin, emphasizing that longevity in the industry is built on resilience and a good attitude.

He jokes Ford owes him some credits

Turman quipped, “I don’t dwell on the past … I would like for Harrison Ford to give me some of those residuals,” earning chuckles and headline attention. The remark underlines both humility and wit.

His words capture the playful side of a veteran actor who’s comfortable enough to poke fun at his career, and at cinema royalty.

From Peyton Place to Star Wars audition

Before roles in The Wire, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Rustin, Turman was digging into auditions with everything on the line, including big franchise parts. He auditioned for the part of Han Solo, a role he didn’t get, but that story stuck with him.

That kind of audition, early in a career, can shape an actor’s outlook, especially when you’re chasing iconic roles on a long and winding path.

Turman almost met Lucas before casting call

Glynn Turman remembers a meeting with filmmaker George Lucas when Star Wars was still in early development. He said he auditioned in 1977, with no idea at the time which role he was pursuing.

Looking back, Turman laughed at his surprise in discovering it was for Han Solo, an audition that felt like a footnote until the franchise exploded worldwide.

He was surprised to learn the role

Turman recalled, “I didn’t see up there … which part I was [auditioning] for. So to me, I said, ‘Oh, they cut the part of the black guy out.’” 

His words highlight how even late in the process, casting conversations stayed undefined, and how the part slipped away as Star Wars entered pop culture history.

Lucas worried over interracial romance

According to George Lucas’s biography, the decision not to cast Glynn Turman as Han Solo was influenced by concerns over portraying an interracial romance between Han and Princess Leia. At the time, it was seen as a risky move in mainstream cinema.

Turman later reflected on the moment, saying the conversation itself was ahead of its time. It revealed how early blockbuster decisions were often limited by the cultural norms of that era.

He sees progress in franchise diversity

Turman praised the modern Star Wars universe for embracing diversity, pointing to actors like John Boyega as signs of meaningful progress.

He expressed pride in the franchise’s evolution, calling it “better late than never.” For Turman, the newer films represent long-overdue opportunities, ones he didn’t get but hopes will be available to the next generation of talent.

Turman recalls auditioning with George Lucas

Glynn Turman said he auditioned for Han Solo during early Star Wars development when meeting George Lucas. The session took place before the film became a cultural phenomenon, and landing the role would have forever altered his career path.

Turman joked about the missed chance, saying he’s not bitter, but admitted he’d appreciate shared residuals from Harrison Ford’s success.

He pokes fun at Hollywood’s financial side

Despite the missed opportunity, Turman kept things light and humorous. He quipped, “I don’t dwell on the past … I would like for Harrison Ford to give me some of those residuals.”

His remark drew attention not just to the drama of what could have been, but also to the long-term financial effects of iconic roles in Hollywood.

Turman reflects on industry boundaries

Glynn Turman acknowledged that social norms at the time heavily influenced casting decisions. He recalled that George Lucas was reportedly hesitant to cast him as Han Solo due to concerns over an interracial romance with Princess Leia.

Turman said this moment illustrated how even groundbreaking films were still limited by the era’s cultural expectations. Today, he views it as a sign of how far the industry has come.

He welcomes franchise diversity gains

Reflecting on how much the Star Wars universe has evolved, Turman praised the recent efforts to include more diverse actors in leading roles. He highlighted John Boyega’s portrayal of Finn as a strong example of progress in representation.

Turman believes that what once seemed impossible is now becoming a standard. He sees this shift as evidence that Hollywood, and its biggest franchises, are learning to better reflect the world.

He emphasizes lessons for today

Turman said his near miss taught him more than disappointment; it underscored the need for broader representation. He believes future casting choices should reflect real-world diversity, not just whitewashed expectations.

That message is stronger today. Turman hopes the industry will remember his story as a lesson: when doors close based on outdated thinking, creativity loses out too.

Turman credits new Star Wars leaders

Turman praised the creative teams behind recent Star Wars films for intentionally elevating diverse voices. He applauded directors and casting agents who champion talent across race and gender lines, something that would have been unlikely back in the ’70s.

He views today’s focus on inclusivity as more than symbolic. To him, it represents Hollywood finally prioritizing storytelling that mirrors society’s rich tapestry.

He urges ongoing vigilance

Still, Turman cautions that progress isn’t guaranteed. He said Hollywood must remain vigilant, not assuming that strides in diversity will continue on autopilot. Systems and attitudes need constant challenge.

For him, each new diverse role isn’t just a celebration, it’s a checkpoint. He hopes his journey reminds decision-makers: keep doors open, or risk leaving vibrant talent behind.

And speaking of emotional breakthroughs, Anne Hathaway recently revealed she “broke down” while filming A24’s intense drama Mother Mary. The moment stunned even the crew. Here’s what pushed the Oscar winner to her limit.

A veteran’s hope for future talent

Turman said he wants young actors of all backgrounds to dream without ceilings. His own experience, he noted, became part of his resilience, but not their burden.

He believes every “almost cast” story, including his, should fuel change, not frustration. Turman hopes this next generation will find paths cleared and creativity powered by diverse voices across Hollywood.

But while some fight to open doors, others face backlash for missteps, John Cusack just learned that the hard way. Hours after posting a controversial antisemitic meme, the actor deleted it, but not before it sparked intense criticism. Here’s how it unfolded.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.