Very interesting. Perhaps he originally supposed to survive the battle, and this was going to be his reaction to victory?

Maybe but I feel like even in the 80’s they wouldn’t make that mistake

Having watched ANH countless times, I never thought he was smiling or happy.

The freeze frame looks a bit like a smile but freezing facial expressions can often throw out some weird looks.

I never pay attention to little things like that when I watch movies, should probably re watch and see for myself lmao