Can he act like a scoundrel? This actor might be the next Han Solo

By Rick Marshall April 14, 2016

alden ehrenreich — Universal Pictures

Don’t get cocky just yet, Star Wars fans, but we might be closer to seeing the new, younger face of everyone’s favorite scruffy-looking nerfherder.

An unconfirmed report indicates that Hail, Caesar! actor Alden Ehrenreich is now the leading contender to play a young Han Solo in the upcoming, still-untitled spinoff movie that will explore the popular Star Wars character’s early years. The film is set to be directed by The LEGO Movie and 21 Jump Street filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

According to Deadline, Ehrenreich’s performance during the most recent screen test pushed him to the lead in the competitive audition process, which had him competing against Kingsman: The Secret Service star Taron Egerton and Transformers: Age of Extinction actor Jack Reynor (among other actors) for the role.

There’s still no official word on who will play Han Solo, though, but the outlet suggests an announcement will come soon.

Related: Stream Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Amazon Video

Ehrenreich most recently appeared in Hail, Caesar! as a western star in 1951 Hollywood, and has also portrayed characters in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Chan-wook Park’s Stoker, and the 2013 young-adult adaptation Beautiful Creatures. The 26-year-old actor was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for his Beautiful Creatures role.

Little is known about the plot of the still-untitled Han Solo movie, which is rumored to be set during the character’s formative years as a smuggler and all-around scoundrel in the Star Wars universe. It has been confirmed, however, that the film will also feature Han’s copilot Chewbacca, and will likely provide an origin story of sorts for their partnership. Joonas Suotamo, who played Chewbacca throughout much of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is expected to reprise the role for the Han Solo movie.

Longtime star Wars franchise veterans Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan are providing the script for the film, which is scheduled to hit theaters May 25, 2018.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

A veteran journalist with more than two decades of experience covering local and national news, arts and entertainment, and…

Entertainment

What Star Wars fans want to see from Obi-Wan Kenobi series

Split image of Obi-Wan watching over Luke and concept art battling Darth Vader

Outside of a sequel trilogy, a solo Obi-Wan Kenobi movie or TV series has arguably been the most in-demand Star Wars project among fans. Especially given the timing, the very concept seems like a slam dunk for Lucasfilm, as Ewan McGregor's turn as the titular Jedi Master was perhaps the best thing to come out of the prequel trilogy and the actor is at the perfect age to take on such an endeavor. The vague premise and concept practically write themselves and, after years of speculation and outright lies from the star himself, Obi-Wan Kenobi is finally a go at Disney+ in a limited series format -- and it premieres in just about two months from now.

Series director Deborah Chow and writer Joby Harold have quite the task on their hands, but the long-awaited trailer for the show is dripping with promise. Chow, in particular, has already tested her mettle on the acclaimed The Mandalorian, so veteran Star Wars fans should be hopeful of the final product. Though the concept of Obi-Wan Kenobi is clear as day on paper, there are certain boxes to tick and hurdles to jump to help ensure the series measures up to the Jedi's storied legacy in the Star Wars universe and in pop culture. Here's what we'd like to see from the Obi-Wan Kenobi series.
1. A story unconcerned with excessive fan service

Entertainment

Calm down about The Rise of Skywalker: Why can’t I just like a movie anymore?

questions star wars the rise of skywalker needs to answer

I have a confession, one that will 100% get me drawn and quartered on the Internet: I liked The Last Jedi. I also liked Solo. Rogue One was fine. The Force Awakens was fun.

If you didn’t like these films, mazel tov. You also engaged with the culture and have an opinion about it (and I’m sorry for the loss of your $15). You are very welcome to disagree with me. What you’re not welcome to do is dox me, stalk me, or threaten me because I liked a Star War that you didn’t like.

Entertainment

Arsenal vs Chelsea live stream: Can you watch for free?

top tech stories 08 04 2017 weekly rewind soccer goal getty8 4 17

Locked in an impossibly tight three-team battle for the Premier League title, Arsenal face Chelsea in an important mid-week fixture today at Emirates Stadium. Though the Blues are in the midst of a disappointing season, they still certainly have the talent to play spoiler as the Gunners chase their first league title in 20 years.

This one is starting very soon, at 3:00 p.m. ET, and will be televised on USA Network in the U.S. But if you don't have cable or don't have that channel, we've put together all the different ways you can watch a live stream of Arsenal vs Chelsea for free or cheap.
The Best Way to Watch Arsenal vs Chelsea Live Stream