The upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story feature in Empire magazine reveals details on the world of Kessel, and it’s infamous “run” that made Han Solo famous.
Han Solo and his claim to fame begins and ends with the Millennium Falcon; the very vessel that made the Kessel run in less than 14 — I mean 12, parsecs (or so he claims). Empire magazine and its coverage of Solo: A Star Wars Story is quite detailed, including information on Imperial spice world of Kessel.
The spice mines of Kessel make their first “appearance,” when C-3P0 mentions the very world in A New Hope, at the beginning of the film while (ironically) evading capture from Imperial forces.
"“We’ll be sent to the Kessel spice mines or smashed into who knows what.”"
Outside of a brief cameo in Star Wars Rebels, the spice mines of Kessel are things of legends, until now. Thanks to Empire magazine, we know more about the harsh world and Han Solo’s connection to it.
"Description: Hot, lush, industrial, luxury for the elite, poverty elsewhere.A hyperspace heavy route designed to allow space smugglers to evade Imperial (and other) pursuits, was meant to take 18 parsecs. Han, harnessing the power of the Falcon, could do it in just 12. Well, so he claimed."
We know that a parsec is… well we aren’t entirely sure what in the Force it is. It’s distance, speed, or maybe a bit of both.
For years, I believed the Kessel Run to be some style of race, like Podracing, but, it’s evidently something else entirely. I was hoping for Han Solo to exclaim, “now THIS is podracing.” Oh well.
I also assumed the “race” took place at the planet’s surface, but from what we’ve seen in the Solo: A Star Wars Story trailers, that’s not the case at all. The inclusion of wind storms, space creatures (of some kind), and the fact it’s an inhabitable space makes the Kessel Run even more intriguing.
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The final portion of the description “well, so he claimed,” hints that there is much more to Han Solo’s claims. Someone or something undoubtedly aided him in his great accomplishment.
How amazing would it be if the Force intervened, with a lot of simple tricks and nonsense intervening?
I’m also convinced that the Kessel run record’s achieved once Han Solo liberates Chewbacca from the spice mines, with the duo running for their lives from the Imperials.
"” I’ve outrun Imperial starships, not the local bulk-cruisers, mind you. I’m talking about the big Corellian ships now. She’s fast enough for you, old man.”"
We may see that very thing take place during the Kessel Run and I cannot wait. Two things I’ve wanted to see, the Kessel Run and the Sabacc match for the Falcon are about to come to fruition. Is this real life?
Next: Solo wins the Falcon playing Sabacc, but what exactly is it?
Solo: A Star Wars Story drops in theatres May 25, 2018, worldwide.
Learn how you can join the fun, journeying alongside Han Solo with the ultimate Denny’s experience!
Read all of the behind the scene goodies from Empire magazine here.