Walt Disney Pictures has announced that on February 20 principal photography officially began at Pinewood Studios, London, on the as-yet-untitled “Star Wars” prequel focusing on the early years of outlaw smuggler Han Solo. The character was made famous by Harrison Ford in the original “Star Wars” trilogy from 1977 to 1983, and again in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015. But in the new film Ford’s younger self will be played by breakout star Alden Ehrenreich (“Rules Don’t Apply,” “Hail Caesar!”).
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The new film will follow Han Solo during his adventures before the events of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” and it’s being directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, best known for helming “The Lego Movie” (2014). They said in a statement, “Watching such inspired people from all over the world, with such unique voices, come together for the sole purpose of making art, is nothing short of miraculous. We can’t think of anything funny to say, because we just feel really moved, and really lucky.”
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The film’s cast also boasts Golden Globe winner Donald Glover as a young Lando Calrissian, a role originated by Billy Dee Williams in “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980). Other co-stars include “Game of Thrones” star Emilia Clarke, Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson, “Westworld” star Thandie Newton and “Fleabag’s” Phoebe Waller-Bridge. And let’s not forget Joonas Suotamo as the beloved Wookiee Chewbacca.
Are you excited for the next chapter in the “Star Wars” universe? You’ll be in suspense for quite a while: the Han Solo film doesn’t open until May 25, 2018.
