Woody Harrelson talks “perfect” casting of Alden Ehrenreich in Han Solo spinoff film
By Corey Smith
Woody Harrelson is set to play a criminal mentor to Alden Ehrenreich’s young Han Solo in the latest Star Wars spinoff film and is very, very excited about that.
Being part of a Star Wars film has to be a dream come true for many an actor, young or old. It certainly is for Woody Harrelson (The Hunger Games, Edge of Seventeen).
The as-yet-untitled Han Solo spinoff film only just began filming last month, but according to USA Today Harrelson is already enjoying his time on set in a galaxy far, far away:
"It’s going to be really good… We’ll try to make the best one."
With such a talented cast (Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke and Michael K. Williams among others), it appears hard not to make the spinoff a great movie. And regarding Ehrenreich’s pivotal role, Harrelson doesn’t appear to be worried that the up-and-coming actor is only the second person to fill the legendary shoes of Han Solo.
Alden Ehrenreich arrives at the “Hail, Caesar!” Los Angeles Premiere held at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, CA on Monday, February 1, 2016. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador)
"He’s really talented, he’s really committed, he’s a really smart and capable actor. He reads a lot of books, he’s a bit of a cinephile. He went through a very intensive auditioning process and I think they came up with the perfect guy. He’s not out partying every night. He’s really focused."
It certainly has to be slightly intimidating to step into a role long occupied by the iconic Harrison Ford. But Ehrenreich appears to at least have made Harrelson a fan of his performance. That’s a good sign.
Speaking of icons, Harrelson also commented on the roominess of that cast photo taken in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, saying, ” I wouldn’t say it was roomy.” Hey, it fits a Wookiee, it should be roomy enough, right?
Image Credit: Lucasfilm
Details of Harrelson’s exact role remain unknown, but Harrelson did comment that although his character is a criminal, he is also a mentor to the young Solo. He added, “I wouldn’t know who to compare him to necessarily.” Harrelson says “criminal” like it’s a bad thing, but Han Solo was a smuggler when we first met him, so Harrelson’s character might not be evil per se.
Next: Star Wars Rebels seemingly confirms Luke Skywalker is the Chosen One (or does it?)
Harrelson was set to return to England to yesterday, March 21, to continue filming the Han Solo movie. The film’s expected release date is May 25, 2018.