'Han Solo' spin-off movie release date, latest news: Film officially begins production

The standalone Han Solo movie has officially begun production.

The film's co-director, Chris Miller, has taken to Twitter to reveal the news of the commencement of the film's production while also sharing the first image from the set of the upcoming film.

In the image, the movie's working title is indicated as "Red Cup," which is perhaps a pun referring to the red plastic cups made by the Solo Cup Company often used as drinking vessels at frat parties. In the photo, the working title is written in large red letters, and it can be spotted under "Star War's" official (and smaller) red logo.

As reported by Coming Soon, the screenplay for the Han Solo movie was written by the father–son duo Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan. The film's plot will reportedly focus on how young Han Solo transformed into the smuggler, thief, and scoundrel that Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi met at Mos Eisley in "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope."

Although details about the film are scarce, cinematographer Bradford Young has reportedly revealed, according to Collider, that the Han Solo spin-off movie will be "dirty sci-fi" and that the film will be "unexpected" as well as "dramatic."

Aside from Han Solo, the film will also see the return of Chewbacca as a featured character in the standalone film. Although still unconfirmed, Joonas Suotamo may be reprising the role of the iconic Wookie.

The official cast list of the Han Solo spin-off film includes Alden Ehrenreich playing the titular scoundrel, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Woody Harrelson as Solo's mentor, and Emilia Clarke in an undisclosed role.

The film is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Lawrence Kasdan and Jason McGatlin serve as executive producers, with Will Allegra co-producing.

The "Han Solo" spin-off movie is slated for release on May 25, 2018. However, there are rumors that the movie's premiere will be delayed until December 2018.