Last we reported on Disney and Lucasfilm’s Han Solo spinoff film, it appeared the companies had cast the net far and wide in search of the right actor to portray a younger version of Harrison Ford’s roguish smuggler – almost laughably so, with 2,500 actors reportedly considered. With a tentative May 25, 2018 release date in place, though, the House of Mouse has whittled down the initial (and sprawling) pool of talent to produce a shortlist of a dozen candidates.
Variety has the scoop, revealing that of the vast number that caught Disney’s attention, 12 remain. Granted, sources close to the nascent project reveal that the Anthology film isn’t likely to ease into production until January of next year, but that hasn’t quelled the company’s enthusiasm to lock down the correct lead.
[zerg]With The LEGO Movie‘s Phil Lord and Chris Miller locked in the directors’ chairs, the outlet claims that the current shortlist for the Han Solo offshoot comprises Whiplash breakout Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Dave Franco, Jack Reynor, Scott Eastwood, Logan Lerman, Emory Cohen (Brooklyn) and Blake Jenner. Barring Eastwood, the age range here stretches between roughly 20 and 25, meaning that the studio has certainly reined in the process from its initial haul which spanned the ages of 17 to 34.
Perhaps what’s most interesting is the real reason behind this accelerated pre-production. With still a full year to go before Lord and Miller’s movie even steps in front of the cameras, you’d be forgiven for wondering what exactly Disney is keen to secure its leading man so soon. Well, if Variety is to be believed, that’s because there are plans in place for Solo to appear in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story come December, itself taking place between Episodes III and IV in the Star Wars universe.
Whoever Disney and Lucasfilm select, we’ll be able to cast eyes on a younger version of the galaxy’s most endearing nerf-herder when Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s Han Solo film debuts on May 25, 2018.