"A really good script. The opportunity to work with JJ [Abrams], who I admire. It just seemed like a good idea," he said.
Ford refused to answer questions about his character Han Solo's love life, or details about the film's plot.
"I can't go that far," he said.
Meanwhile, Ford's co-star said she cried when she watched The Force Awakens for the first time.
The 23-year-old actress - who plays the female lead Rey in the upcoming movie - admitted she was overwhelmed when she saw herself in the film.
She said: "I came out [after the movie] and was like, 'Yeah, I'm cool. And then in the car I was like crying the whole way, and then the whole way home - a 10-hour journey. It's the first time I've ever really seen myself do something."
John Boyega - who plays Finn - was thrilled with the movie, saying it is "so good".
Speaking on Good Morning America, he said: "It's so good. This is a great reminder that 'Star Wars' is back after so long, and it's a great balance between the new generation and the old.
"Full of action, full of passion, and it's quite emotional. I enjoyed it."
The Force Awakens opens in New Zealand on December 17.
- nzherald.co.nz
