Millennium Falcon differences explained for Solo: A Star Wars Story

We know why the Millennium Falcon looks so much different in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

The first time we see the Millennium Falcon in the Star Wars galaxy, she’s definitely seen better days. What a piece of junk, as Luke says, and boy she’s right. Han Solo reassures his “cargo” that she has it where it counts, and he’s not lying.

The freighter did make the Kessell run in less than 12 parsecs, or so Han Solo claims. Nevertheless, the Millennium Falcon sure has taken a beating since Lando Calrissian had ownership of the iconic ship.

Shown in the trailers/TV spots for Solo: A Star Wars Story, the Millennium Falcon is brand-spanking new in her appearance, looking like a ship of luxury instead of a beaten down smuggler’s ride.

We inspected the Millennium Falcon as carefully as Chewbacca and here are the variations we’ve discovered.

• Lando embraces his inner Outkast, keeping the exterior and interior so fresh and so clean — unlike Han Solo who could care less about keeping the Millennium Falcon flashy.
• The plates over the side of airlocks aren’t present, but in the Star Wars original trilogy extend out beyond the thruster.
• The Millennium Falcon boasts a single-turret gunner, instead of “souped-up quads.”

• The paint job includes blue stripes, which are absent in the later Star Wars films
• The frontend of the Millennium Falcon makes the ship look entirely different.

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Thanks to the Force Link 2.0 version of the Millennium Falcon, we now know why the anterior of the Millennium Falcon differs in Solo: A Star Wars Story from later in the Star Wars timeline.

The front-end feature is an additional cargo ship (or “escape craft”) much like the Phantom was for the Ghost in Star Wars Rebels.

But, why is this panel of the ship absent in the “later” Star Wars movies, yet present in Solo: A Star Wars Story? 

We can only speculate for now, but it’s likely Han Solo sold it to pay one of the many debts he acquires. Or, it’s plausible that someone makes a sacrifice using this “escape craft” to save the day in Solo: A Star Wars Story — which could explain why the droid L3 is no longer in Lando’s possession.

Your guess is as good as mine, but this explanation for the addition of the Millennium Falcon makes logical sense — plus could be used as a plot point in Solo: A Star Wars Story. I don’t know about you, but I’m purchasing this Millennium Falcon collectible, which will make a fine addition to my collection — “escape craft” and all.

Next: Solo debates Hera whose ship is best in the galaxy

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

Journey alongside Dork Side of the Force, Han Solo, Chewie, and crew with the Denny’s Solo:  A Star Wars Story experience!