Sylvester Stallone auditioned to play Han Solo in 'Star Wars' - but was rejected.

The action legend failed to impress director George Lucas when he tried out for the part in the first installment of the epic sci-fi series 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'.

After reading his lines, the young Stallone was told he wasn't right for the role.

Lucas gave the part of the intergalactic smuggler to the then relatively unknown Harrison Ford instead - who was catapulted to fame when the movie went on to became one of the most successful movies of all time.

Stallone spoke about his 'Star Wars' snub for the first time during an internet chat with film fans.

When quizzed on whether he tried out for the project, he said: "Yes, as a matter of fact I did and it didn't meet with much approval. When I stood in front of George Lucas he didn't look at me once, obviously being very shy.

"Then I said, 'Well obviously I'm not the right type.' But it all worked out for the best since I don't look good in Spandex holding a ray gun."

Not long after his failed audition, Stallone achieved critical and commercial success with 'Rocky' - in which he plays underdog boxer ROCKY BALBOA.

The movie - which was written by the now 64-year-old actor - was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning three including the coveted Best Picture Oscar.

Stallone's new movie 'The Expendables is out next month.