For my final post, I wanted to do something that was absolutely iconic to the Star Wars universe. I honestly spent probably the larger part of the week thinking about what I could possibly do, and then it hit me: I could analyze the most iconic relationship in the Star Wars films! The relationship between Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa is something that literally every single Star Wars fan loves. I have never met a Star Wars fan who did not like the relationship between Leia and Han (they exist, but most people tend to agree with this relationship). Han and Leia’s relationship is a staple of the original trilogy, and without it, the series may not have been the same. In this post, I will analyze the relationship, the characters, and what the series may have been without the relationship.
When Han and Leia originally meet, they definitely do not like each other. Actually, it would be more fit to say that Leia does not like Han. Han tends to be a bit of a scoundrel (it’s literally what he’s famous for), and Leia cannot handle this. However, we later find out that this is what attracts her to him in Empire Strikes Back. Initially, the two constantly banter with each other, and many fans are drawn in by the absolute chemistry between the two (even when they’re fighting!).
At this point, Han is not really the romantic type. Han has been working as a smuggler pilot, and is not really the type who’s looking for a relationship. Neither is Leia, as she’s trying to carry out a mission for the Resistance. When I first watched the original Star Wars films, I don’t think that I expected Han and Leia to pursue a relationship together, and I think that’s what makes the relationship even better! It’s something that first time watchers really are not expecting, and this makes it all the better.
In Empire Strikes Back, Han finally makes his move and kisses Leia (which most fans are absolutely thrilled about when it happens, but then they’re promptly interrupted by C-3PO). This is the part at which we learn that Leia actually likes that Han is a scoundrel. When I first watched the movies, I absolutely loved this — the two are perfect for each other at this point! When Leia originally kissed Luke (for those who haven’t seen the movies but know the story — yes, that happened), I thought for sure those two would end up together, but finding out that Luke was Leia’s brother and she was pursuing a relationship with Han was honestly one of the most exciting moments of the series.
Throughout the rest of the original trilogy, the two maintain their relationship, but when the new trilogy rolls around, things begin to go downhill. In The Force Awakens, it is revealed that Leia and Han have had a son together, who turns out to be none other than the infamous Kylo Ren. It is also revealed that Kylo Ren’s turn to the dark side is what ended the relationship between Han and Leia. I’m not sure about you guys, but when I first watched The Force Awakens, I was crushed by the fact that Han and Leia were no longer together. They were just meant to be — it didn’t make sense that they weren’t together anymore! However, I respect the creative license that the writers have, and even if I was outraged at this decision, I think it actually followed the plot well.
Later, Han Solo is killed by his son, and Leia feels this happen (as it is later revealed that she is Force-sensitive). Leia still loved Han, but the audience learns via this scene that she just couldn’t be with him because it reminded her too much of her failure with her son. Throughout The Last Jedi, symbols of Han appear, and his character acts as a motif throughout the film for Leia.
Overall, even though it may not have ended on a fantastic note, we can’t say that the relationship ended on a horrible note, either. I think that Han and Leia did not get the happy ending that they deserved, but maybe that just isn’t realistic. What I appreciate is that the movies took a realistic approach, which is respectable. Despite this, Han and Leia will always be one of the most iconic fictional couples of all time. There are so many things about this relationship to love, and it will remain a personal favorite forever.
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