Just a few weeks afterproduction beganon LucasFilm’s highly-anticipatedHan Solo: A Star Wars Story, the cast keeps growing and growing. Today we have word thatMichael K. Williamsis in final talks to join the burgeoning cast, although no details were given as to whom he may be playing. It’s possible that his character may be related to, or have some connection withDonald Glover’s Lando Calrissian character, but that is only speculation at this point. LucasFilm recently released the first cast photo as shooting got under way in the U.K. a few weeks ago.
Varietybroke the news on this casting, although it wasn’t stated if he has already started filming his scenes for the movie, or if he will start filming at a later date. Very little has been revealed about the story at this point, except that it will provide anoriginfor Han Solo, set before the events of the 1977 classicA New Hope. Filming will last throughout the summer, as Disney and LucasFilm have already set a July 16, 2025 release, date, which is exactly 41 years after the firstStar Warsmovie hit theaters in 1977.
While no official plot details have been given, there have beenstory rumorsthat suggest the Millennium Falcon plays a huge part in this story. It is believed that one of the pivotal moments will be the Sabacc game played by Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), where Han won the Millennium Falcon from Lando. This Sabacc game was mentioned inThe Empire Strikes Back, but this spin-off will reportedly show the actual game as Han wins the ship. Still, those rumors haven’t been confirmed at this time, and it isn’t clear when the studio will release a true synopsis.
Michael K. Williamsjoins a cast that also includes Alden Ehrenreich asHan Solo,Woody Harrelsonas the title character’s mentor, Garris Shrike,Donald Gloveras Lando Calrissian andEmilia ClarkeandPhoebe Waller-Bridgein unspecified roles.Phil LordandChristopher Millerare directingHan Solo: A Star Wars Storyfrom a script byLawrence KasdanandJon Kasdan, withKathleen Kennedyproducing alongsideAllison Shearmur. It remains unclear how many more roles need to be filled out as production continues.
It was also recently confirmed thatJoonas Suotamowill step in as the new Chewbacca, taking over for the iconicPeter Mayhew.Joonas SuotamoandPeter Mayhewsplit their duties as Chewbacca inThe Force Awakens,. This 29-year-old basketball player from Finland was the actor who wore the Chewbacca suit during all of Chewie’s action sequences, sincePeter Mayhewhas suffered from knee problems for the past several years.Peter Mayhewwas still on board inStar Wars: The Force Awakensfor scenes that weren’t so physically demanding. NowJoonas Suotamois taking over the role on his own.Michael K. Williamsrecently starred inAssassin’s Creedand the ABC mini-seriesWhen We Rise, which debuted this week. Hopefully we’ll have more onHan Solo: A Star Wars Storyas filming continues.
