Star Wars: The Force Awakens has not even been out for a month, yet here we are discussing the next set of Star Wars films gearing up to hit theaters. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will premiere at the end of 2016, while principal photography for Episode VIII kicks off later this month. But what about the upcoming character “anthology” films – one of which is set to chronicle the adventures of the young Han Solo. The “Untitled Han Solo Anthology Film” is still over three years away, but with the arrival of Rogue One, the famed smuggler will need to make an appearance much sooner than that.
A recent report from Variety claims that Disney has narrowed down the young Han Solo shortlist to a dozen actors, which includes the likes of Dave Franco, Scott Eastwood and Miles Teller. Also in consideration are several less-known actors, including Ansel Elgort, Jack Reynor, Logan Lerman, Emory Cohen and Blake Jenner. Casting is underway because Rogue One, which takes place in between the events of Episodes III and IV, would be appropriate for a young version of Han Solo to make an appearance. This maneuver will be similar to how Marvel is introducing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War before his solo film.
Now the matter comes down to who will be handed the coveted role. Franco, Eastwood and Teller are all charming, talented actors, but some argue that Solo’s role should be handed to an unknown – much like Harrison Ford himself. Ford was carpenter in his late 30s when he took on the role and ended up playing the smuggler with a laid-back confidence that translated well on screen.
Then again, casting an inexperienced actor could be potentially dangerous for Disney. After all, Han Solo is a bit of a smug bastard, and if the new actor doesn’t play him with that snarky, but irresistibly cool attitude, it could horribly backfire. No one wants to watch an overly cocky whippersnapper whine for two hours.
If Disney decides to go with a random, they should be sure to cast someone who not only looks, but sounds like Han Solo. 25-year-old Anthony Ingruber – while not having much of a resume – has dazzled audiences of YouTube with his slick smuggler impressions. The video below has nearly 850,000 views and has some demanding Ingruber’s selection. No word yet on whether Disney is actually considering, or even knows who Ingruber is, but it’ll be difficult to ignore with almost a million hits.
Who’s your choice for the young Han Solo? Let us know in the comment section below!
