With the release of The Force Awakens edging closer, you can expect a raft of updates and news snippets relating to the saga. The latest nugget of info isn’t related to Episode 7, but it’s exciting nonetheless: not only will the latest Star Wars spinoff be about the early life of Han Solo (title as yet unconfirmed, although it will fall under the same Star Wars: Anthologies banner as all the other spinoffs see to be), but it will be directed by The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
Speaking to StarWars.com, they said, “This is the first film we’ve worked on that seems like a good idea to begin with. We promise to take risks, to give the audience a fresh experience, and we pledge ourselves to be faithful stewards of these characters who mean so much to us. This is a dream come true for us. And not the kind of dream where you’re late for work and all your clothes are made of pudding, but the kind of dream where you get to make a film with some of the greatest characters ever, in a film franchise you’ve loved since before you can remember having dreams at all.”
All in all, we’re happy with this choice. Han Solo provided the light-hearted humanity that the prequel trilogy lacked, and if nothing else, Lord and Miller have proved that they can do humour while retaining heart. Coupled with the fact that they will be working alongside the steady hands of Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon, and this is one prequel that is in good hands.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said of the news: “It’s not just any filmmaker who can tell the story of such a beloved icon like Han Solo, and I’m excited to say we’ve found the perfect team to handle the task. Larry and Jon know all there is to know about the character, and Chris and Phil will bring their wit, style, energy and heart to tell Han’s story.”
The Star Wars Anthologies Han Solo spinoff will be released on 25 May 2018. Download the Star Wars: Original Trilogy – Complete Manual digital edition now.
