After 42 years it must be a surprise to watch one of the most famous scenes in movie history to see it’s changed, but that’s something that Greedo actor Paul Blake has done a number of times over the years, and it’s happened again as the word ‘Maclunkey’ has been added to his characters dialogue.
What does the man himself think about the scene? Greedo actor Paul Blake was contacted by Empire, who asked him a number of questions about his part in the film, and the new Maclunkey dialogue.
EMPIRE: You said the question you always get from fans is, ‘Who shot first?’ Are you ready for them coming up to you and saying ‘Maclunkey’?
PB: I’m looking forward to that a great deal! I shall say it was Greedo’s last gasp. It’s a Rodian thing. Just before you expire, every Rodian says ‘Maclunkey’. It’s some ancient tradition. I read there’s an interpretation that it means, ‘ma-dong-key’. ‘My donkey’, I think, is another reference to the horse waiting outside the Cantina that Greedo was in.
EMPIRE: The Han and Greedo scene has been tweaked so many times over the years. What do you think the bee in George Lucas’ bonnet is over that scene?
PB: I don’t know. I think it’s just because there’s a big hole in the movie there. That scene where Greedo dies, I’m there in the next scene. George’s explanation for that was very funny, ‘Well, all Rodians looks the same.’ What, they wear the same clothes? ‘Oh yes.’ George has a great sense of humour, so maybe that’s got something to do with it. But also, I think he’s pressurised a lot by people and wants to do the right thing by both the fans and the story. But god knows, your guess is as good as mine.
