'Han Solo' spinoff news: Harrison Ford sits down with Alden Ehrenreich for the ultimate double take on the 'Star Wars' iconic character
Eras collide for the most loved smuggler in the entire galaxy with the original and upcoming iteration of Han Solo — Harrison Ford and Alden Ehrenreich, respectively — come together for a casual meet-up.
This week, a somewhat blurry shot of Ford and Ehrenreich made the rounds online when a fan with the handle @nicosotomayor00 took a paparazzi-like photograph of the two in a restaurant and posted it on his Twitter account. Obviously, as everything slapped with "Star Wars," the picture sent everyone into a bubble of excitement for the Han Solo spinoff knowing that the original did some pep-talk with the young actor geared up to put on the iconic jacket or vest.
What is fascinating about the occurrence is that Ford was mostly nonchalant about the prospect of a new actor taking over the Han Solo mantle for the character's standalone film. But seeing him taking the time to sit down with Ehrenreich is a treat, to say the least, for fans who are still hesitant about getting a new iteration of the beloved space scoundrel.
With the rejuvenated franchise of "Star Wars," it is very important that continuity is not only in terms of narrative but in how folks involved in it gather together to tie-up the past, present and future of the iconic saga. Ford and Ehrenreich's meeting was actually reminiscent of a similar occurrence with J.J. Abrams and George Lucas sometime before "Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens."
Prior to the emergence of the photos that had everyone buzzing about the untitled Han Solo prequel spinoff, casting rumors were the topic of conversation regarding the movie. As it turns out, Woody Harrelson is tipped to play the role of a young Han Solo's mentor, Variety reports. Not much is known in terms of the character given the new canon does not necessarily delve into the backstory of the nerf herder. But the Expanded Universe now dubbed Legends has a couple of names like Garris Shrike and Alexsandr Badure who can be a prototype for the mysterious role.
Christian Bale is said to also be in the running for the character but fans are arguably leaning more toward Harrelson as the better fit for the role given his superb comic timing and overall vibe. At this point, the role is presumably someone who would show the young Han the ropes into smuggling and how he became the indifferent, money grabbing and cocky pilot in "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope."
It is important to note that at this point, the people from Lucasfilm and those from Harrelson's camp have yet to react on the matter so nothing yet is confirmed regarding the alleged casting.
The Han Solo anthology film directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller is originally scheduled to hit theaters summer of 2018 but rumors of a December release instead is also making the waves online.