While we all know Harrison Ford doesn't exactly jump at the chance to look back on his Star Wars days, an event that benefits the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will present a rare chance for fans to watch The Empire Strikes Back and then participate in a Q&A with Mr. Ford.

From Hero Complex at the L.A. Times:

"To celebrate the 30th anniversary of "The Empire Strikes Back," Lucasfilm is planning a yearlong charity campaign that kicks off on May 19 with the hottest fanboy ticket of the year: A one-night-only digital screening of the 1980 "Star Wars" sequel at the ArcLight Hollywood and an on-stage Q&A with Harrison Ford.

The ArcLight screening will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that persuaded the 67-year-old Hollywood icon to participate despite his long-standing reluctance to revisit the "Star Wars" universe and his role as rakish interstellar smuggler Han Solo.

Although almost every other cast member from the George Lucas films has worked the convention circuit or made appearances at themed film festivals and fan celebrations, Ford has shown little interest in revisiting his cinematic adventures with Jedi knights, wookiees and droids."

The full source article can be read here.
(Thanks to ForceCast fan Jake Y. for the link!)


Well, as I was putting the post together, TFN's Justin pointed out that Starwars.com has unveiled Lucasfilm's year-long charity plan commemorating the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. The event with Harrison Ford above is just one of many events planned that will ultimately benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Education Outreach at Chicago's Field Museum and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Click here for the announcement that includes scheduled events.


UPDATE: Hero Complex at the LA Times reports that a second theater has been added to the May 19th Empire screening at the Arc Light. While Harrison Ford can't do a Q&A in both theaters at once, interview session will be simulcast on the screen of the second theater. Click here for more details.


UPDATE #2: Our friend Bobby sent over the following news:

"Thought you should let people who live in LA know by updating the Harrison Ford story that the fan page of Star Wars actor Christian J. Simpson (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Christian_J_Simpson) is offering a free ticket to the screening at the Arclight, accompanying Mr Simpson!


Here’s that fan page
And here’s the direct link to the competition "

Thanks Bobby and good luck to those who go for the ticket!


UPDATE #3: Still interested in attending a screening of TESB and a Q&A with Harrison Ford at the ArcLight? More tickets remain in the second theater according to Lucasfilm:

"A limited amount of tickets have just been released for our charity screening of The Empire Strikes Back! The event will take place next Wednesday at the Arclight theater in Hollywood. Please note the main theater is sold out but tickets are available for the second theater where we’ll be doing a LIVE simulcast of the Q&A with Harrison Ford!"

Remember, the event benefits a great cause; the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.


UPDATE #4: Chewbacca and Han together again! Jay West of the LA Times Hero Complex reports that Peter Mayhew will be joining Harrison Ford at the Empire screening at the ArcLight Hollywood. Not only that, but those attending in the second theater can expect some "star attention during the course of the evening." Who that entails remains a mystery for now, but Jay just contacted me to let us know that the following luminaries will also be onhand in the crowd: Mark Hamill, Ewan McGregor, Billy Dee Williams and directors Christopher Nolan and John Farveau. We'll be sure to post links to coverage as well as some pictures from the event that Jay has promised to send our way. Thanks to him for all the news and help and we wish all those who attend to have a fantastic time.

And just for fun, notice the voice?