Harrison Ford talks reprising Han Solo role in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Harrison Ford returns to play Han Solo in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

It's the now iconic role he originated in 1977 with the "Star Wars" movie that started it all. So why did he return almost 40 years later?

"You do it to serve the story. You do this because you agree that the story is well-wrought, you understand that your part has a contribution to make to the telling of the story overall," Ford said. "You believe in the captain of your ship -- J.J. Abrams in this case -- so you do what needs to be done."

Ford is joined by several newcomers to this galaxy, including Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Lupita Nyong'o.

"I think what moviegoers will feel, or be happy with, is the fact that this seems like a seamless continuation of the 'Star Wars' we know and love," Nyong'o said.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits our galaxy on Dec. 18.

Disney is the parent company of ABC7.