Though we’re still months away from the premiere of Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens, news about other happenings from a galaxy far, far away continue to trickle in. This time, there’ve been some exciting developments regarding the second film in the parallel Star Wars Anthology series, currently slated for release on May 25, 2018.
Currently untitled, the film will be following the adventures of a young Han Solo, showcasing how he became the lovable rogue we know from the original trilogy. Early rumors seemed to confirm suspicions that the movie would be an origin story about galactic bounty hunter Boba Fett, but today’s announcement seems to indicate that plans have changed. However, given Solo and Fett’s contentious relationship in the series, there’s always the possibility that this movie will cover both angles.
In addition to this announcement, LucasFilm has confirmed that the film will be helmed by The LEGO Movie directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, and will be written by Lawrence and Jon Kasden. Lawrence, you may remember, is responsible for co-writing what many consider to be the best film in the series, The Empire Strikes Back, as well as Return of the Jedi and the upcoming The Force Awakens. His son, Jon, wrote and directed The First Time back in 2012, in addition to writing for Freaks and Geeks and Dawson’s Creek.
In a joint statement, Lord and Miller 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.”
Over at starwars.com, the Kasdens said, “We’re so excited to be working with Chris and Phil, who will bring a fresh new dimension to the Star Wars universe,” said the Kasdans. “They’re two of the smartest, funniest and most original filmmakers around, and the ideal choice to tell the story of Han Solo, one of the coolest characters in the galaxy.”
So far, no casting announcements have been made, so stay tuned for more news as it comes. For now, feel free to speculate wildly in the comments about who you would like to see play a young Han Solo.
