Thousands of Star Wars fans have flocked to the Sydney Opera House, welcoming the galaxy’s favourite smuggler Harrison Ford.

Ford, 73, reprises his role as the debonair Han Solo in the seventh Star Wars instalment, The Force Awakens, set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi.

“In the passage of 30 years Han Solo has come to understand more about the nature of the force than he did in the first film,” Ford told a packed forecourt, adding that the film franchise transcended culture and countries.

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“For that I’m grateful.”

Asked about the new Star Wars Ford said, “its a real ride” adding that there was “substantial emotional exercise involved”.

“I think basically it’s stories about growing up, independence, responsibility, loyalty, doing the right thing. It’s a hero’s journey.”

After heckling from the crowd, Ford said his next project would be the next instalment of Blade Runner.

The Opera House played host to a fan event ahead of the premier of Star Wars: The Force Awakens next week.

The hotly anticipated film has been shrouded in secrecy, its two leads Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, relative unknowns.

Ridley plays a scavenger called Rey and Boyega a redeemed First Order storm trooper called Finn.

Fans of all ages packed into the Opera House forecourt, some waiting since the morning.

Clever Star Wars reference #StarWars#TheForceAwakens#HarrisonFord#hansolo#operahouse#redcarpetpic.twitter.com/SlHoKTs21E

— Chris Calcino (@chriscalcino) December 10, 2015

Slow mo of some of the fans getting ready to see Harrison Ford this evening @SydOperaHouse#StarWarspic.twitter.com/pLvGHnOkHx — 702 ABC Sydney (@702sydney) December 10, 2015