The 10 Greatest Anti-Heroes: #6 Han Solo

Movie: Star Wars triology
Actor: Harrison Ford

Smart, sarcastic and possessing of a certain cocksure charisma—Han Solo defines the maxim “shoot first, ask question later.” Only, when A New Hope was re-released in 1997, he didn’t shoot first in his iconic showdown with Greedo in the Mos Eisley cantina, to much wailing and gnashing of teeth on the part of series diehards. (They even started circulating fan-made t-shirts emblazoned with “HAN SHOT FIRST.”) That might seem like a bit of an overreaction, but think about it: Han Solo is the archetypal sci-fi antihero, whence all others came. Without his roguish charm, would an entire generation have watched Star Wars and turned their living rooms into the Millennium Falcon? Of course Han shot first.

Han Solo Quotes:

“It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. I’ve outrun Imperial starships. Not the local bulk cruisers mind you, I’m talking about the big Corellian ships now. She’s fast enough for you old man. What’s the cargo?”

“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

Han Solo Video:

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The 10 Greatest Anti-Heroes: Introduction