'Han Solo' is an upcoming science-fiction adventure film intended as part of the planned Star Wars anthology of standalone films. It is set to feature a young Han Solo as well as his loyal friend Chewbacca's origin story. It is rumored that a younger actor may replace original Chewie actor Peter Mayhew.
According to The Wrap, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger revealed during the Deutsche Bank 2016 Media, Internet and Telecom Conference that another iconic character in the 'Star Wars' anthology will be appearing in the upcoming 'Han Solo' spin-off film.
Iger confirmed that the male wookie warrior Chewbacca will be joining the young Han Solo in his standalone cinematic outing. He said, "We have others in the works, including one, which is an origin story about Han Solo and Chewy... And that'll come after 'Star Wars 8' in 2018. And then there'll be possibly be more thereafter."
Chewbacca was introduced in the Lucasfilm and Disney's series as a warrior, fighter and smuggler who allied with Han Solo and was his co-pilot aboard the Millennium Falcon. He hailed from the peaceful planet Kashyyyk but was captured by Tandoshan slavers during the infamous Clone Wars. He went on to become a military leader after his escape and eventually turned to a life of smuggling during the rule of the Galactic Empire under the employ of notorious crime lord Jabba the Hut.
He first appeared in 1977's 'Star Wars', also known as 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope', and was played by actor Peter Mayhew. Since then, Chewbacca has become one of the most beloved characters of the franchise. It is not known who will take up the role of the younger Chewie.
According to Inverse, Mayhew previously hinted at the surprise when he Tweeted photographs of his original script captioned, "Starting today I'll post a few pages from my original @StarWars script each day leading up to a big announcement." In J.J. Abrams' 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens', it was Joonas Suotamo who was in the Chewie suit for most of the action scenes. Speculations of Suotamo replacing Mayhew for the 'Han Solo' film have also come up.
Meanwhile, Han Solo himself remains without an actor but several talents have already been rumored as shortlisted candidates for the part. According to Cinema Blend, Miles Teller, Jack Reynor, Ansel Elgort, Emory Cohen and Dave Franco are among the favorites to play the younger version of Harrison Ford's iconic dashing human male smuggler turned leader.
Ford's character was first introduced in 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' and continued appearing in sequels including 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi'. The 73-year old actor reprised for the latest 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens'.
'Han Solo' is a yet untitled film intended as part of the planned Star Wars series of standalone films. It will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. It is scheduled to be released on May 25, 2018.
