Photo credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

When we originally found out that Harrison Ford was injured, it was asked if his role had been decreased in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII.’ Now it looks as if his injury may have delayed shooting for the film! As a matter of fact, it sounds like “a number of sources” on the film say if certain shots can’t be rescheduled, the film’s release date would have to be pushed back until Harrison’s leg is healed.

Is it wrong of me to suspect that somehow Chewbacca was at fault?

Originally, it was thought that Ford just suffered an ankle injury, but it was soon revealed that part of the hydraulic door of the Millinneum Falcon malfunctioned during filming and fell on his left leg. The break was severe enough to require surgery.

Since his surgery, Ford has been confined to a wheelchair while he recovers. The injury makes us all wonder if he and the ship is still in any shape to do the Kessell Run. Ford will be undergoing rehabilitation in the United States while he recovers from the accident.

According to the actor, he is now a “battered old Ford” but still prefers to do his own stunts, even if those stunts are just opening the door to the Falcon. He feels he should do them himself:

“I keep on coming back for more. If it doesn’t look real on the screen then an audience does not believe what it sees.”

I highly respect the man for that! He knows better than to do everything though and adds, “Although I do my own running, jumping and falling, I always try to keep myself from being hurt. So I know what will work and what won’t.”  Hopefully he’ll continue to know what works for a long time to come!

While shooting may be being pushed back at this time while Ford recuperates, according to Lucasfilm, “There is no change in the release date.” So while that doesn’t mean the film can’t be pushed back later, we’re still looking at a December 2015 release date. Honestly with how much time the movie has to film, there is a lot of wiggle room as it has a longer production schedule than most Hollywood blockbusters would have these days.

However, if ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ is forced to change release dates, it’ll be interesting to see where it goes. Currently there are two Marvel movies slated for a summer 2016 release with the first ‘Star Wars’ stand alone film set for December of 2016. Almost every other viable release date would have strong competition. While it is doubtful anything would stand up against what will surely be a juggernaut of a film, I have no idea if the fine folks at Disney want to hedge their bets to obtain the same box office smashing numbers that they’ve become used to with their Marvel properties.

Do you think the film may have to have a changed schedule for Mr. Ford to heal? Share your thoughts below and may the force be with his speedy recovery!

‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ starring John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker premieres on December 18, 2015.

Sources: Jedi News, Daily Mail