Harrison Ford on fighting for the environment and the appeal of Greta Thunberg: 'She represents the anxiety young people feel for their future'
Animal lovers have embraced The Call of the Wild, Jack London's reading-list staple about the adventures of Alaskan sled dog named Buck, since it was first published in 1903.
But for Harrison Ford, the boldest-faced name in the new CGI-driven movie adaptation, the story's exploration of nature — particularly "the power of nature" and "the relationship of man to nature" — was just as important.
As co-chair of Conservation International, Ford has become a tireless eco-activist, and the 77-year-old Star Wars and Indiana Jones icon sees environmental messages in his latest film.
"I think the majesty of nature is certainly expressed," Ford told Yahoo Entertainment (watch above). "The power of nature is there for people to appreciate and understand. And in the emotional context of this film. I think it has a powerful influence on people."
As a steadfast champion of environmental reform, it's no surprise that Ford holds Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old climate change wunderkind and Time Magazine's 2019 Person of the Year, in high regard.
"I think she represents the anxiety young people feel for their future," he said. "And she gives really strong, powerful expression to help us motivate a change in behavior that's absolutely necessary."
It's the messages she conveys and influence she holds, not her newfound status as a young leader of the climate movement, that's important, Ford explained.
"It's certainly not her ambition, I think, to be an idol. She's an activist, and she's encouraging activism from young people and I think that's appropriate and helpful."
The Call of the Wild opens Friday.
Watch the trailer:
Read more on Yahoo Entertainment:
Watch Harrison Ford meet his CGI canine co-star in a clip from 'The Call of the Wild' (exclusive)
Harrison Ford speaks out on his politics: 'Progress is made in the middle'
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