**Star Wars Did Not Cast Jodie Foster As Princess Leia For A Simple Reason**
There was a period when the protagonists of “Star Wars” could have appeared quite different from Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. As George Lucas was planning what would turn into a cornerstone of ’70s fantasy cinema, Al Pacino nearly flew the Millennium Falcon. Luke Skywalker (who almost had a much grimmer name) was close to being played by Kurt Russell. Furthermore, before Carrie Fisher received the offer for Princess Leia, Jodie Foster, renowned for “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Contact” — one of the most accurate sci-fi films ever — was considered for the role.
It makes sense that, while taking on one of the largest risks in blockbuster history, Foster’s reputable name was seen as a means to add credibility to “Star Wars”. A burgeoning star who had already featured in “Taxi Driver” and “Freaky Friday,” she appeared well-suited for a journey in space. According to the film’s producer, Gary Kurtz, many names were examined in addition to Fisher and Foster.
“We had a multitude of candidates, hundreds, that we reviewed. It was a fast and straightforward process. You speak to each individual, jot down a comment or two,” Kurtz informed the L.A. Times. Are they rated a ‘five’ or higher? Should they receive a callback? On those lists were numerous intriguing candidates — John Travolta, Sly Stallone — who were excellent but simply not suitable. For example, I traveled to New York to interview Jodie Foster, but she was just too young for Leia. A lot of it hinges on luck and timing.”
**Princess Leia Was No Match For Foster’s Packed Schedule**
As later articulated by wise Master Yoda in “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Do or do not. There is no try.” This is pertinent to why, when it came to Foster being considered for Princess Leia, she simply did not have the availability to confront the Empire. During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Foster mentioned auditioning for the role that ultimately went to Carrie Fisher.
It turns out that her age was a significant consideration in the film’s early drafts. Additionally, there were simple scheduling issues. “They were looking for a younger Princess Leia, but I had a scheduling conflict. I was working on a Disney film, and I didn’t want to back out of the Disney project because I was already under contract.” Foster felt no resentment about missing out and was pleased that Fisher secured the role in the end.
Her sole worry was that she might not have successfully executed the iconic hairstyle that Fisher sported with those famous side buns. “And they did an incredible job,” Foster remarked. “I’m not sure how well I would have done. I might have had different hair. I might have gone with a pineapple.” Who knows? In another timeline, Foster could have been our Leia, but it might have been Fisher being confronted by Hannibal Lecter years later, instead.