The Poster Memorabilia blog

Meeting Luke Skywalker and Han Solo 40 Years Later

Forty years of Star Wars, one Orlando stage, and the signatures to prove it.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

Isn't it strange how little some people change over time? Take Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, for instance. Sure, their hair might've whitened, and their waistlines aren't what they used to be, but they're still Luke Skywalker and Han Solo after all these years. After 40 years, to be exact.

I had the honor of going to the 40th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in Orlando, Florida in 2017. Mark Hamill was the only one announced to appear at the event, so you can imagine our surprise when not only George Lucas, but also Harrison Ford went out on stage. They both received standing ovations and some of the loudest applause I ever heard.

The celebration was bittersweet since Carrie Fisher passed away only a few months prior. It was the first time all three men appeared together in public since then, but it was also beautiful seeing Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, take her mom's place at the event. And all of them paid tribute to the late Princess Leia at the beginning of the panel.

After a few solemn moments commemorating their late co-star, Hamill and Ford went back to their cheery, funny selves. I can't tell you how much I hollered listening to them roast Lucas about the script, and good on the director for taking it all in stride.

✦ ✦ ✦

Those moments really reminded me why I love the original Star Wars trilogy in the first place. These actors included a lot of light-hearted fun in those three movies, which made them much more enjoyable. The prequels and later sequels were just too serious for my taste. They didn't have Hamill and Ford's funny touch.

“I've waited all my life for the opportunity to see these men in person, and it finally came that night.”

Now, the best part was meeting them in person. They gave fans some time to meet with the cast after the panel, and I was there to ask them to sign my movie poster. It was the most excited I had ever been. I've waited all my life for the opportunity to see these men in person, and it finally came that night.

I'm happy to report that it was the best celebrity experience I ever had. All three of them were delightful and so nice. Hamill was just as funny up close as he was during the panel, joking around with fans as he took selfies and signed autographs. Ford was a little more serious, but nonetheless pleasant. As for Lucas, I found him to be a bit reserved, but I could tell he was grateful for the fans who were there.

My only regret is that I didn't hound them for their autographs much earlier. I might have gotten Carrie Fisher to sign the same poster, too. I can't even imagine how special this memorabilia would've been if it also had Princess Leia's autograph.

I'm still happy with this poster, though. It's more than just another piece of movie memorabilia. It's a celebration of 40 years of Star Wars legacy, and how this one space adventure movie changed the cinematic landscape forever.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

Guaranteed authentic for life • 90-day returns, any reason