The force is extremely strong with the Star Wars franchise right now. With years before an actual J.J Abrams directed film hits screens, there is already talk circling separate movies being made focusing on characters from the galaxy far, far away.
Everyone’s favorite bounty hunter and smuggler/reluctant hero are due for their own standalone films. Entertainment Weekly broke the news, suggesting that the Han Solo film would follow his adventures when he was younger, set between Episode III and Episode IV. As for Boba Fett’s story, it would either revolve around his time between Episode IV and Episode V, or Episode V and Episode VI. The news story, however, did state that “it’s still very early in the process and, well, the deal could always be altered further.”
Keep in mind that while these are the first two spin-offs revealed at the moment, there was never any set amount that Disney was planning on making. They most likely will coincide with the release dates of Episodes 7, 8 and 9 in the saga but take place sometime during the original trilogy. It seems that Disney is doing everything they can to not associate with the most recent Star Wars films, Episodes 1, 2 and 3, which is good way to gain support from longtime fans who feel betrayed by Lucas’ most recent cinematic efforts, and it’s also a smart way to properly pay tribute to the best aspects of the franchise: the characters.
Expect Yoda and maybe Darth Vader to get their own movies too, but what about other characters who made an impact and deserved more screen time? Darth Maul is an easy choice thanks to his one of a kind appearance and fearsome combat abilities. There could even be a Lando Calrissian film, following his time on Cloud City and his struggle as a leader. Billy Dee Williams is past his prime (if he ever had one) but Idris Elba can always fit the role.
Expect a ton of more news in the next coming weeks detailing the spin-offs, which is a guarantee since a Star Wars story headlines entertainment outlets every other day. In the meantime, who do you think should be cast as Han Solo and Boba Fett and any ideas what their movies might be about?