Speculation about Solo: A Star Wars Story has been disconcertingly negative ever since Lucasfilm, and original co-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller parted ways over “creative differences,” which resulted in the Disney subsidiary bringing aboard two-time Academy Award winner Ron Howard to see the picture through its remaining production schedule. That being said, the situation regarding Solo’s success didn’t become dire until it was reported that a source close to the film was criticizing Alden Ehrenreich’s portrayal of the titular protagonist.
Roughly three weeks ago, an unnamed cast member allegedly disclosed that the actor’s performance as Han Solo was “just not good enough.” Don’t fret, though superfans; the informant did appear to support Ehrenreich’s abilities throughout the backstabbing, saying that “Alden’s not a bad actor,” it’s just “trying to mimic Harrison Ford is really tough.” To further complicate things, a recent rumour suggested that an acting coach was brought on board the production to help the star nail the part.
Well, as far as Lucasfilm and director Ron Howard are concerned, Alden Ehrenreich was precisely the Solo they were looking for. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Howard divulged that, from the get-go, a Ford impression was never going to happen.
“It was always clear from the beginning, before I was involved, that it was not going to be an impression of Harrison. No one wanted that.”
The director then went on to discuss the role of Han Solo and Ehrenreich’s approach, saying:
“Part of Han Solo’s character is sort of a vibe and a feel and a body language. I think from the minute Alden knew he was doing it, he began thinking about that and working with it.”
Solo: A Star Wars Story will have its world premiere at the 71st Cannes Film Festival before opening worldwide on May 25th. Co-written by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan, the origin story stars Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton and Paul Bettany.
