From the co-production designer on The Force Awakens, Darren Gilford:
āThe 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. Iām coming back through the store, and I just happen to pass this person holding up a pair of ski pants, and itās Harrison Ford. I look at him, he looks at me and puts his head right down. I can tell he doesnāt want to be bothered; Iām sure from the look on my face he knew I knew who he was.Ā
So I walk past him, and after about 10 feet I think, āIf thereās ever a time to say hello to Harrison Ford, Iām building the Millennium Falcon!ā So I turn around very hesitantly and go, āHarrison, Iām sorry to bother you. Iām co-production designer on the new Star Wars, Iām just back from London, and Iāve been building the Falcon.āĀ A big smile came across his face, he put his hand out, and we had such a great conversation ā he couldnāt have been sweeter.Ā
As Iām walking away, he goes, āDarren!ā and calls me back. He goes, āThe toggle switches.ā I go, āToggle switches.ā He goes, āThe 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 wouldnāt hold. It drove me crazy. Please, make sure the toggle switches are fixed this time.ā I go, āNo problem! Iāll take care of it!āĀ
So months go by, Iām back in London, weāre getting close [to principal photography], and I get a phone call saying J.J.ās headed down to check out the cockpit, and Harrisonās with him. I run down there and I see J.J. in the passenger seat and Harrison in the pilot seat. Theyāre just giddy; theyāre 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, āPhew, minor victory. Take solace in that and move on. Next task.ā Thatās my favorite story.ā
HARRISON FORD SMILES WHEN MEETING CREW MEMBERS AND IS A NERD FOR FUNCTIONING PRODUCTION DESIGN