When Disney first laid out plans for its budding Star Wars universe, both the numerical mainline trilogy and the adjacent Anthology films, casting for Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s embryonic Hans Solo origins tale fast became one of the hottest talking points in town.
In fact, reports revealed that the House of Mouse was left with a pool of 2,500 actors to consider, though thankfully the company has now whittled down its list of candidates to around a dozen stars: Whiplash breakout Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Dave Franco, Jack Reynor, Scott Eastwood, Logan Lerman, Emory Cohen (Brooklyn) and Blake Jenner.
[zerg]And though he declined to comment on the progress of Miller and Lord’s Han Solo film – scripted by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan – The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams had some words of wisdom for those candidates that do wind up on the final shortlist. Per Variety, Abrams refused to address the purported list of finalists that the outlet revealed earlier this week: “Nope. I wish I had something to say, but I don’t. I haven’t turned my attention to that.”
Hypothetically, then, how could one go about preparing to tackle such a beloved character? For Abrams, it’s simple: “Watch ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’ll all be right there.” Truth be told, it’s difficult to imagine anyone but Harrison Ford playing the part of the roguish nerf-herder, but this overhauled Star Wars universe is off to a cracking start with The Force Awakens, so we’re willingly to lend the head honchos calling the shots the benefit of the doubt.
Whoever Disney and Lucasfilm pluck for the role, there’s murmurings that the young Han Solo will make his bow in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It makes sense, too; Gareth Edwards’ prequel takes place between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, and a cameo – however brief – would lay the groundwork for a greater synergy across Star Wars‘ Anthology series.
The Force Awakens taught us that Disney isn’t too keen on the post-credits stings when it comes to a galaxy far, far away. Even still, news of the company narrowing its search for Han Solo could indicate that squeezing in a Rogue One cameo is at least on the cards before the film’s December 2016 bow.