Veteran actor Al Pacino has revealed that he once turned down an opportunity to be part of the Star Wars franchise, citing his inability to understand the script as the primary reason for his decision. The acclaimed actor’s admission sheds light on a potentially different trajectory for both his career and the iconic space saga.
The Star Wars franchise, which began in 1977 with George Lucas at the helm, has grown to include 12 films and has featured prominent actors like Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford. The series has become one of Hollywood’s most successful franchises, spawning numerous spinoffs and generating billions in revenue. Its growth also opened doors for many actors who became central to its legacy, even though some major names, including those originally considered, never made it to the screen.
During a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Pacino recalled receiving the script while he was performing in a Broadway show. “So I loved their work, but I was doing a show on Broadway at the time, and they handed me this script, and I thought, I don’t understand. I must be out of space myself,” the actor explained. His confusion about the material led him to seek guidance from his friend and mentor, Charlie Loughton.
Star Wars’ continued success without Pacino’s involvement
The decision to decline the role came after both Pacino and Loughton struggled to comprehend the script’s content. “I said, ‘What do you make of this?’ He was pretty wise and he said, ‘I don’t get it, Al. I don’t know. I don’t get it,” Pacino shared. Despite being offered what he described as “a fortune,” the actor stood firm in his belief that he couldn’t perform in something he didn’t fully understand.
The franchise has continued to thrive without Pacino’s involvement, with its most recent installment, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, released in 2019 under the direction of J.J. Abrams. Meanwhile, Lucasfilm has already begun laying plans for post‑Skywalker projects.
Pacino’s career has remained illustrious despite passing on the Star Wars opportunity. The actor has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood, with his latest project being The Ritual, directed by David Midell, which was released on June 6. The film sees him starring alongside Abigail Cowen, demonstrating his continued appeal in the industry.
This revelation joins a growing list of “what if” moments in Hollywood history, where major actors have declined roles in successful franchises. However, Pacino’s honest explanation, “I can’t play something if I don’t speak the language,” reflects his commitment to only taking on roles he fully understands and can authentically portray.
