To say that the journey of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” to the big screen has been interesting would be an understatement. You know all about the contentious exit of original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and the extensive new rounds of shooting by substitute filmmaker Ron Howard. Let’s not forget the reports that the film was substantially overhauled, with Howard apparently filming more than was initially intended. Add to that rumors of dissatisfaction at Lucasfilm, and the last minute hire of John Williams to write the theme and we honestly have no idea what to think. But this first trailer is certainly going to be formative in shaping opinion.
Of course, Alden Ehrenreich stars as Han Solo, with Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca rounding out the cast. The story will explore Han and Chewie’s adventures before the events of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” including their early encounters with that other card-playing rogue from a galaxy far, far away, Lando Calrissian. Will we see the Kessel Run? Or how about the game that won Han Solo the Millennium Falcon? Or perhaps the return of Chewbacca’s family from “The Star Wars Holiday Special“? (Okay, probably not that). Here’s the official synopsis:
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.
For those of you concerned about Howard, it is worth noting he’s been good friends with George Lucas forever, and directed the Lucasfilm production “Willow,” so he knows that sensibility. Presumably, his touch is more in line with what Kathleen Kennedy and Lawrence Kasdan wanted than what Lord and Miller were delivering before they were axed.
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” opens on May 25th.
