By Josh Bate
To find the perfect young Han Solo for Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lucasfilm went through a grueling 3 year process, watching the auditions of over 3,000 young actors. Eventually, Alden Ehrenreich was chosen for the role, ironic given that he was the very first person to audition for the part. Ehrenreich’s unique performance in the title role, while at the same time staying true to the character of Han Solo, made him a hit with the fans. Since the release of the film, many have taken to social media to demand a sequel.
Promoting his new show Brave New World, premiering exclusively on NBC’s new streaming service Peacock tomorrow, Ehrenreich was asked by Esquire’s Matt Miller if a return to a galaxy far, far away was on the cards. Ehrenreich, who debuted as Han Solo in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, remained in the dark about a sequel to the film:
“No, I don’t know anything about that. I mean, you know, I think our movie was kind of the last of the conventional-era Star Wars movie release time.”
However, when pressed if he had heard ???????????????????????????????? about reprising his role, Ehrenreich states that he had “heard soooome stuff, but nothing concrete.”
Judging by this quote, a Solo follow up, most likely in the form of a show, may or not be on the cards. That Ehrenreich says he’s heard some whispers of reprising his role as Han, while at the same time not knowing anything about a Solo sequel, may suggest that he could return to Star Wars without being the lead or central character. This would line up with previous rumors about a Crimson Dawn show that would focus on Maul and Qi’ra, as Han could certainly show up in a supporting role. At the same time, Ehrenreich could also be playing coy as to not let any secrets slip, akin to Ewan McGregor claiming for four years that he didn’t know if he would come back as Obi-Wan.
Since Solo’s release in 2018, fans have been vocal about wanting a sequel to the film, especially given how it sets up so many possibilities with Han, Chewie, Qi’ra, and Maul. If Ehrenreich does indeed return as Han Solo one day, in a supporting role or as the lead character, the wishes of many fans will come true.
Images courtesy of Lucasfilm, Esquire, & Disney+.
Alden Ehrenreich photographed by Melanie Shaw for Esquire, 2020