Mayhem With The Millennium Falcon
Yup, the most exhilarating sequence in Solo was undoubtedly when Han and co. detoured into the Akkadese Maelstrom to avoid capture by the Empire. It was hilarious to witness the posse of smugglers scrambling to get out of their increasingly desperate situation. And of course, seeing Han and Chewie take control of the Millennium Falcon for the first time was a true delight.
It’s a scene which echoes many of the somewhat slapstick sequences of The Empire Strikes Back. And there definitely needs to be more of these kinds of moments in any potential sequel to Solo.
Certainly, watching the Millennium Falcon repeatedly break down has several uses. Firstly, they’re amazingly fun to watch. Secondly, they lend tension to Han and Chewie’s relationship, as well as any action scene. And thirdly, the Falcon’s failures could serve an important narrative purpose.
Han may be a tad more seasoned by the end of his first standalone movie, but he’s still a far cry from the veteran smuggler that sidles into that cantina booth in the years to come. The Falcon’s an aged vessel, and its temperamental nature is legendary. Therefore, having it consistently fail on Han would serve as a fitting obstacle for him to accept and overcome through the course of his career.
Plus, in the same way that Solo provided us with the origin of the ship’s eccentric computer, a sequel could explain what Han’s “special modifications” were. In short, another Han Solo film would embellish the history – and the audience’s understanding – of pop culture’s most enduring and iconic spaceship.
