Harrison Ford feels full force of fan adulation at Sydney Opera House

THERE has been a Star Wars fan awakening, and Harrison Ford felt the full Force of their adulation on his Australian visit.

HAN was far from flying Solo at the Sydney Opera House last night.

He was at the centre of a crowd of some 3000 Star Wars fans, excited to see their roguish hero of 32 years in the flesh.

Actor Harrison Ford, 73, was the guest of honour at a packed event to promote the release next week of The Force Awakens, the seventh instalment in the saga that picks up from 1983’s Return of the Jedi.

Harrison Ford meets his adoring throng of fans at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Pic: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

The Opera House Forecourt was teeming with Star Wars fans, many in costume or brandishing colorful lightsabres that lit the evening as Ford walked the red carpet to greet them and take the outdoor stage.

The veteran “assistant storyteller”, as he dubbed himself, said the appeal of the space fantasy movie series lay in the fact that it transcended national borders and cultures.

Costumed padawans were out in Force at the event. Pic: Justin Lloyd

Grownups took the opportunity for some lightsabre training. Pic: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

“It’s stories about growing up, independence, responsibility, loyalty, doing the right thing. It’s a hero’s journey,” he said.

“These are family films that have been passed on from fathers and mothers to their children.”

Ford said audiences could expect “a really good ride with substantial emotional exercise” from the hugely anticipated new film, which opens next Thursday.

Harrison Ford is interviewed by Australasian actor Jay Laga'aia, who played Captain Typho in Star Wars Episodes II and III. Pic: Justin Lloyd

Earlier in the day, Ford had unexpectedly appeared in a darkened IMAX cinema to a standing ovation after media had been shown a single sequence of the new film, saying: “Let’s make a deal — don’t tell your friends what you’ve seen here today.”

The Opera House Forecourt was transformed into a fans’ heaven, with displays of full-size costumes of already popular new characters such as Captain Phasma and Rey, demonstrations of new Star Wars videogames, and stalls handing out exclusive promo merchandise.

A DJ in a Stormtrooper helmet spun funky remixes of The Imperial March after MC and Star Wars prequel trilogy actor Jay Lag’a’ia hosted a trivia contest.

Lag’a’ia welcomed Ford to the “Tatooine of the world”, referring to the Star Wars planet farthest from the bright centre of the universe.

Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher both reprise their classic roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

But Ford said he was loving his third trip to Australia, and said of his junket: “It’s important to the success of the film to get out there and beat the drum and meet people.”

Ford added that his next role is reprising his character Deckard in a sequel to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, which starts shooting late next year.

Originally published as Harrison Ford feels full force of fan adulation at Sydney Opera House