CT Why doesn't Han know about Jedi

The draft from January 1, 1976 made things sound a bit different (although Solo's statement in the Falcon's cargo hold remained essentially unchanged):

TARKIN
The Jedi movement is dead. You, my friend, are all that’s left of their wizard ways.

 

Solo had heard the stories and didn't believe in them, he sort of wrote them off as an urban legend. His statement in the cargo hold enforced his line of thinking, as he had more faith in a blaster then the force.

 

Think about the fact that Darth Bane was alive during the new Sith wars and still didnt believe that the Jedi could do what they did and HE had already realized that he had premonitions. Its a matter of not believing the specifics. So Han knows the Jedi exist he just doesnt think that they either had powers or he doesnt think that the Force is this God-like energy field. He does not say he disbelieves that the Jedi or necessarily the Force are real but rather the nature of how they operate. He doesnt like the possible implication of pre destination that comes with the idea that their is a all powerful energy field around all living things.