Bossk
Although only appearing via a throwaway, somewhat clunky reference made by crew member Val (Thandie Newton), the likelihood of the lizard-like bounty hunter’s inclusion in a future Anthology pic seems certain.
Typically regarded as a villain, it’s worth noting that Bossk is loyal to the highest bidder, whatever their morals. Will he stay on the side of his Mandalorian mentor in the James Mangold-helmed Boba Fett film? Or perhaps we’ll see him hired by Darth Vader to track down Old Ben Kenobi in Obi-Wan’s story?
Failing that, there’s also a chance that we could see him building his reputation for hunting Wookies. Which leads nicely on to…
Kashyyyk
As seen in Revenge of the Sith – which young Han Solo almost appeared in, actually – Kashyyyk is the Wookies’ homeworld and was also the site of the Republic’s, and the soon-to-be-Empire’s, final battle against the Jedi.
As revealed in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the Empire imprisoned the Wookies, utilizing their physical strength for slave labour or using them as hairier, more portable Rancors for execution. If we were to witness the Empire’s occupation of Kashyyyk in a future Star Wars film, something to say about it, Wookie-lover Yoda will surely have.
Lando
For many a Star Wars fan, Donald Glover smuggled the film out from under Ehrenreich’s nose with his portrayal of smooth criminal, Lando Calrissian. Indeed, there’s been talk of a standalone movie for the scoundrel himself ever since we got a glimpse of him in the first Solo trailer.
There’s certainly enough material to go at, too: How did Lando acquire Cloud City and transition into real estate? How’s about a buddy movie starring Lando and his loyal servant, Lobot? Or perhaps Lando goes on a mission to resurrect Robo-BAE, L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge).
To be honest, we’d even be happy with just 90 minutes of him cape shopping.
Jabba The Hutt
Both Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and Solo himself reference the fact that there’s a gangster on Tattooine. One who’s looking to recruit a crew to pull that infamous “last job” – a score so big that it will set you up for life, if you live through the inherent danger involved.
It’s more-or-less a given that the gangster in question is the wonderful human being known as Jabba the Hutt. The organic links are to the world of bounty hunters, so whether it’s a Solo sequel or the Boba Fett film, we’re bound to get more Hutt. Also, let’s have more Dengar while we’re at it, too, please and thank you.
Darth Maul
Of course, you have to save the best until last, right?
Still physically portrayed by martial arts aficionado Ray Park, but now voiced by Sam Witwer (as he was in Star Wars Rebels), Darth Maul always felt like he should have been so much more. Good thing that he’s back with mechanical legs and a modified lightsaber (also seen in Rebels) then, as well as a controlling share in crime outfit, Crimson Dawn.
Direct interaction with Solo seems unlikely, as Han’s skepticism in the hokey religion of the Jedi and the Sith needs to be kept intact for continuity with A New Hope. But either way, there’s probably more Maul on the horizon. Solo: A Star Wars Story certainly hints at as much.
For future films in the franchise, Maul is sure to have beef with Obi-Wan, and his inclusion in a Kenobi standalone movie should be enough to get fans queuing for tickets already. It’s almost enough to make you want to watch Star Wars: The Phantom Menace again. Almost.