10 Star Wars Controversies That Divide Fans

We’ve already discussed how George Lucas went about altering his original movies over the years. For the most part, these changes were inconsequential. But one change that will forever keep fans talking, is the infamous face-off between Han Solo and the bounty hunter, Greedo.

In the most readily available versions of A New Hope, Han is ‘forced’ to shoot Greedo, after he pulls a blaster on him. Dodging the bounty hunter’s shot, Solo returned fire with deadly accuracy. In the theatrical release, however, Solo blasted Greedo while the Rodian was flapping his mouth.

This all boils down to Lucas’ concern that he’d originally depicted Solo as a brutal killer. He altered the scene to make Han more sympathetic. Over the years this has been altered numerous times, with the firing rate being sped up or slowed down to make the scene more ambiguous.

Many agree with Lucas that Solo shouldn’t have shot first. If he had, he’d have been no better than all the other villainous scum in Mos Eisley. Most, however, would agree that it’s in fitting with Han’s character to shoot first. Solo is a rogue, and scoundrel. He’s an anti-hero, who through the course of the films has a change of heart, resulting in one of the most satisfying story arcs in the franchise.

For all you doubters out there: Han DEFINITELY shot first.