The Star Wars universe is on the verge of exploding and expanding in ways that many of us have only dreamed about while playing in the sandbox with action figures. After the release of The Force Awakens, we will be getting a Star Wars feature film every calendar year for the foreseeable future. In 2016, we will be treated to the first spin-off with Star Wars: Rogue One. In 2017, we will get the sequel to The Force Awakens, which is currently shooting with Rian Johnson at the helm. The film coming in 2018, will also certainly get the attention of fans.

Earlier this year, comedic directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord (21 Jump Street, The Lego Movie) were granted the keys to the Han Solo legacy. They will be directing the second spin-off from the Star Wars universe. Lawrence (The Force Awakens, Empire Strikes Back) and Jon Kasdan are crafting a script about the younger years of the character, that was first brought to life by Harrison Ford. Not many details have come out of their camp in regards to the story, however thanks to a report by THR, we have gotten a vague indication that the role is wide open for interpretation. According to THR:

“Disney and Lucasfilm are scouring the galaxy in what some are calling the widest casting search ever for the actor who will play a young Han Solo in the planned Star Wars spin-off movie. According to sources, more than 2,500 actors have met on the project or put themselves on tape, with casting director Jeanne McCarthy running point on finding the man to fill the vest made famous by Harrison Ford in the first Star Wars trilogy and The Force Awakens.”

The casting net is large, however not unprecedented. Even more interesting are the names that were revealed to have either officially auditioned or formally submitted themselves for consideration, including but not limited to:

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Avengers: Age of Ultron)
• Dave Franco (Neighbors)
• Miles Teller (Whiplash)
• Ansel Elgort (The Fault in Our Stars)
• Logan Lerman (Fury)
• Colton Haynes (Arrow)
• Max Thieriot (Bates Motel)
• Chandler Riggs (The Walking Dead)

Judging just from the handful of name actors on this short list, it seems that Miller and Lord are leaving the door open to a wide range of styles, acting experiences, and ages. It’s clear that they are open to actors anywhere from a late teens to early thirties in age. They are also open to either film or TV actors to fill the iconic shoes of Harrison Ford. Ford has a unique presence, candor, and swagger, that is immediately identifiable and hard to replicate. Since the casting is so wide, it would make sense that they are searching for an actor who can embody those characteristics, yet make the role their own.

The approach seems to be much more fluid for this movie. Where as J.J. Abrams seemed to make a concerted effort to cast new leads in The Force Awakens, such as Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, who may have an easier time disappearing into their roles. Whether we end up with a complete newcomer, Quicksilver, or Carl Poppa, in the iconic black leather vest, we are likely to get a Star Wars film that is quirkier and funnier than anything that has come before it.  

The Star Wars Han Solo spin-off is scheduled to open in theaters on May 25th, 2018.

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Source: CBM