Solo: A Star Wars Story: Why the Millennium Falcon’s look is different

Why does the Millenium Falcon have a much different look in Solo: A Star Wars Story? 

Solo: A Star Wars Story features the most iconic character in the Star Wars universe. No, we’re not talking about Han Solo or even Chewbacca, but the Millennium Falcon. She’s appeared in six of the nine Star Wars live-action films to date — including a brief cameo in Revenge of the Sith. 

Until now, this hunk of junk is worn down and aging, but in Solo: A Star Wars Story, she’s got the look — so fresh and so clean, clean. With only an estimated decade between Solo and A New Hope, why is there such a drastic variation in the ship’s overall appearance?

Jon Kasdan, co-writer of the screenplay for Solo: A Star Wars Story with his father Lawrence Kasdan, reveals their reasoning on the Falcon’s changes in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly’s Star Wars expert, Anthony Breznican.

"“The Falcon should always reflect the personality of its captain.”"

Lando Calrissian was more into keeping the Millennium Falcon as a luxurious, party ship, while Han Solo has reasons for letting the cargo vessel lose its clean look — according to Alden Ehrenreich, Han Solo himself.

"“It’s safer in the galaxy to fly something that looks like a piece of junk. People underestimate you — especially if you’re up to no good. Kinda like how you’re more likely to get pulled over if you’re driving a Lamborghini.”"

Last week, the Star Wars Show revealed that original artwork from long-time Star Wars concept artist Ralph McQuarrie provided the Kasdan’s with inspiration Solo’s version of the Falcon.

It’s entirely possible that the legendary Kessel run, which we’ll see in full-effect in the movie, may have something to do with the Falcon’s rough appearance — which seems to have many obstacles and dangers through its path.

Who knows, maybe illegal spice shipments Han Solo is pushing for Jabba the Hutt, accidentally spills all over the interior — where Han Solo makes up a more acceptable excuse of being boarded by the Empire.

Or, Han Solo and Chewbacca may just be party animals, throwing keg parties every Friday night. Nevertheless, get ready to add a third Millennium Falcon to your personal collection and expect to have some fun watching this film — with the Millennium Falcon as the life of the party.

Next: Original trilogy characters who might appear in Solo

Solo: A Star Wars Story premieres May 25, 2018, worldwide.