Ah, the classic “Han shot first” debate—this is one of the most famous controversies in Star Wars fandom, and it’s all about a very specific scene in Episode IV: A New Hope. Let me break it down carefully:

The Scene

• Han Solo is in the Mos Eisley Cantina.
• Greedo, a bounty hunter, confronts him about a debt Han owes to Jabba the Hutt.
• They have a tense standoff at close range.

What Happened Originally (1977)

• In the original 1977 theatrical release, Han Solo shoots Greedo without being shot at first.
• Han’s action is portrayed as preemptive self-defense—he’s the one who fires first, and Greedo never fires a shot.

The Change in 1997 Special Edition

• George Lucas made changes for the 1997 Special Edition re-release.
• Now, the scene was edited so that Greedo shoots first and misses, and then Han fires back.
• Lucas’s reasoning: he wanted Han to seem less “cold-blooded” and more morally upright—a reluctant hero rather than someone who kills first.

Why Fans Say “Han Shot First”

• Many fans argue that the original Han Solo was a roguish, morally gray character, and his “shoot first” attitude is core to his personality.
• The 1997 change felt like it undermined Han’s character and was unnecessary.
• “Han shot first” became a rallying cry among fans who prefer the original version and resist Lucas’s retroactive edits.

Cultural Impact

• The phrase is now shorthand for defending the original material and resisting changes that alter characters’ personalities.
• It’s also become a meme, symbolizing debates over artistic edits and “canonical purity.”