Discovering The Magic Kingdom

#49. Robert Englund, who became Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street films, was down at the studio to audition for Apocalypse Now (1979) in the late 70’s for the production company American Zoetrope. American Zoetrope was founded by George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. Lucas had used the company when he made his films THX 1138 (1971) and American Graffiti (1973) before he made Lucasfilm a substantial company when he came out with Star Wars (1977) (although he did use Lucasfilm for American Graffiti as well). After Robert auditioned for Apocalypse Now, the production company sent him across the hall to audition for the role of Han Solo. They took a Polaroid photo of him and sent him on his way. The role ended up going to Harrison Ford, who also got a role in Apocalypse Now. When Robert was leaving the casting office he noticed the signs for the auditioning of Luke Skywalker. He went home and found his roommate laying on the couch watching the Mary Tyler Moore show. Robert told his couch-surfing friend about the role and that he should audition for it. His friend called up his agent and set up the audition. The friend on his couch was Mark Hamill.