Lucasfilm and Disney’s casting directors are hard at work locating the perfect actor to play Han Solo in the upcoming Star Wars anthology movie. The prequel is destined to make a star out of whoever snags the role of the galaxy’s roguish charmer, and so far, 2500 hopefuls have put themselves up for the part, hoping to holster that iconic blaster. And yet, we know little else of what to expect from the next Solo incumbent.
One thing that’s abundantly clear is how much influence Harrison Ford’s performance will have over the chosen actor. While he himself will not appear in the movie, or be involved in any capacity, his turn as the Millennium Falcon’s captain is a major component in the casting process. Whoever bags the part is going to have to behave a hell of a lot like Ford.
Here’s what the film’s writer, Lawrence Kasdan, told Vulture:
“You want someone who isn’t going to be exactly like Harrison, you want someone who suggests him. It’s like when you adapt a book, and I’ve adapted a couple: You don’t want to adapt it word for word, you want the essence to come through. With Harrison, though, it’s not easy to find someone with those kinds of qualities. He’s like Spencer Tracy, and what does a young Spencer Tracy look like?”
This echoes earlier reports which made reference to Ford’s iconic role as a measuring stick for all the actors testing for the part. In the first Star Wars Ford was 35, and based on what we know of the prequel spinoff, this younger iteration will be around 20. With practically every actor in Hollywood – and many more unknowns – testing for the part, Lucasfilm will no doubt find the right match. They’ve got plenty of time anyway; the Phil Lord and Chris Miller-directed movie is due to arrive May 25, 2018.