From the co-production designer on The Force Awakens, Darren Gilford:
âThe Millennium Falcon was the first thing we were actually building. I had been in London and I came home back to L.A. for Christmas. So I go to Sports Chalet to do some last-minute shopping; I get there early, run to the back of the store, get what I need. Iâm coming back through the store, and I just happen to pass this person holding up a pair of ski pants, and itâs Harrison Ford. I look at him, he looks at me and puts his head right down. I can tell he doesnât want to be bothered; Iâm sure from the look on my face he knew I knew who he was.Â
So I walk past him, and after about 10 feet I think, âIf thereâs ever a time to say hello to Harrison Ford, Iâm building the Millennium Falcon!â So I turn around very hesitantly and go, âHarrison, Iâm sorry to bother you. Iâm co-production designer on the new Star Wars, Iâm just back from London, and Iâve been building the Falcon.â A big smile came across his face, he put his hand out, and we had such a great conversation â he couldnât have been sweeter.Â
As Iâm walking away, he goes, âDarren!â and calls me back. He goes, âThe toggle switches.â I go, âToggle switches.â He goes, âThe toggle switches on the Falcon. When they built it the first time, they bought cheap toggle switches without any springs in them. Every time I threw a toggle switch, it fell back; it wouldnât hold. It drove me crazy. Please, make sure the toggle switches are fixed this time.â I go, âNo problem! Iâll take care of it!âÂ
So months go by, Iâm back in London, weâre getting close [to principal photography], and I get a phone call saying J.J.âs headed down to check out the cockpit, and Harrisonâs with him. I run down there and I see J.J. in the passenger seat and Harrison in the pilot seat. Theyâre just giddy; theyâre having so much fun. And then I see Harrison look up, and he just starts throwing all the toggle switches: boom, boom, boom, boom. [Laughs.] And I remember thinking, âPhew, minor victory. Take solace in that and move on. Next task.â Thatâs my favorite story.â
HARRISON FORD SMILES WHEN MEETING CREW MEMBERS AND IS A NERD FOR FUNCTIONING PRODUCTION DESIGN