'Star Wars Episode 7' News Update: Should Film Move Ahead Without Harrison Ford?

Is Harrison Ford planning on skipping the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VII?"

The veteran actor recently made comments that have caused a great disturbance in the force and could potentially hamper the current production plans.

"[I have] not quite made the choice yet," he stated during an appearance on Graham Norton. "Frankly my kids couldn't give a [expletive]. Actually they've never really cared because they grew up in the sausage factory and it doesn't matter to them."

Right after, Ford expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for reprising the role of Indiana Jones in what would be a fifth film. This shift certainly created a tremendous amount of unease about his situation in "Star Wars."

Ford may be trying to avoid answering questions about "Star Wars" as he promotes "Enders Game."

But what if Ford is completely serious and has no intention of joining the latest "Star Wars" movie? Obviously director J.J. Abrams and everyone at Lucasfilm would do everything possible to bring back Ford, but what if he honestly has no interest in returning to the franchise? Is it worth it to bring back the original characters without perhaps the most memorable one of all?

The trio of Luke, Leia, and Han is imprinted in millions of minds and it seems unjustifiable to bring the characters back for fan service, but not to supply the full package. No information has been released about the new script but rumors have indicated that the original characters will make appearances in the new film and they will serve as a major link with the original trilogy. Without Solo, the connection would likely lose its sense of authenticity.

If this winds up happening, would Lucasfilm consider starting from scratch and changing the story? This would likely set the film back another year or so, but it would likely lead to a better result that does not leave the viewer with the bitter memory of missing a key character.

Ford may simply be bluffing to avoid questions from reporters and may have already signed a contract to join the new film. If he ultimately refuses, then the franchise may have to refocus the direction of the hotly anticipated sequel.