5 Actors who could have replaced Woody Harrelson as Tobias Beckett
By Jacob Craig
Here are five actors who could have played Tobias Beckett if Woody Harrelson had turned down the role in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
As the seasoned Star Wars fan may remember, veteran actor Woody Harrelson recently portrayed the role of Tobias Beckett in Solo: A Star Wars Story, yet it almost wasn’t that way.
The actor recently admitted he initially turned down his role as Beckett, and only changed his mind because he is a big fan of his co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It seems strange that a character played so excellently by Harrelson was almost given to someone else, however, I do think I know of a few people who could have done Han Solo’s mentor just as much justice.
Here’s a look at five actors who could have played Tobias Beckett instead in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
1. Kurt Russell
Actor Kurt Russell. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
While Kurt Russell and Woody Harrelson may not have a lot in common when it comes to appearance, I feel like their acting styles are quite similar. They both have the ability to play grizzled, cynical characters, yet at the same time they can still pull off an older hot-shot action hero.
Tobias Beckett ultimately turned into a villain in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which is why I think someone like Russell would have an advantage in the role. He is excellent at playing both action heroes and menacing villains. Kurt Russell has always reminded me of an older Han Solo, and that description fit Beckett to a tee.
2. Robert Downey Jr.
Actor Robert Downey Jr. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Robert Downey Jr. may be a bit prettier to look at than Woody Harrelson, but they tend to play similar characters. You may know Downey Jr. from his portrayal of Tony Stark, a devilish rogue with questionable morals who plays by his own rules, and that is exactly the type of character Tobias Beckett is as well.
It may not seem like it, but RDJ is only a few years younger than Harrelson, and I think that he truly excels in roles where he plays an idol or a mentor. Being the epitome of good looks and bad boy persona, it would make a lot of sense for Han Solo to get his style from someone like Robert Downey Jr., and adding him to the Star Wars universe would have been an epic experience.
3. Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
When it comes to characters who are rough around the edges, I don’t know if anyone does it better than Jeffrey Dean Morgan. John Winchester, The Comedian and Negan are all characters that you either hate to love or love to hate, and he could have brought that signature quality to Star Wars in the form of Beckett.
He is also an actor who can seamlessly transition between heroes and villains, so pulling that off in the same role would be nothing. Morgan has played several Han Solo-type characters before, and I believe he has proven that he could be a worthy mentor to the man himself.
4. David Harbour
David Harbour. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
David Harbour hasn’t quite made a name for himself as a movie star just yet, but that is soon to change. Obviously everyone is familiar with his beloved Stranger Things character Jim Hopper, but he is also hitting the big screen as Hellboy next year, so it’s only a matter of time before he is seen as a popular action star.
However, he might have gotten the recognition he deserves sooner if he was given a chance as Tobias Beckett. Harbour is sure to be believed as an older, gruff criminal, and I could fully see him as a character who inspired everything about Han Solo.
5. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt. (Photo by Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures )
Certain aspects of Tobias Beckett’s personality actually reminded me a bit of Brad Pitt’s Inglourious Basterds character, Lieutenant Aldo Raine. They are both tight-jawed, calculated individuals, and often make plans and give orders that suit their own agenda.
While Brad Pitt usually doesn’t play villainous characters, I feel like that would make Beckett’s betrayal all the more surprising. Pitt being a famous, hot-shot action star would be perfect for inspiring Han Solo, and while him and Harrelson may be two completely different actors, I feel like they fit into the same character mold perfectly.
What do you think? Who would have made the best Tobias Beckett? Let me know in the comments!