Han Solo is one of the most iconic characters in any genre, and he is definitely defined byHarrison Ford, the only actor to ever portray the space pirate on screen. So when former candidate to take on the roleDave Francosuggests that Disney and LucasFilm are struggling to recast a younger version of Han, we can understand why. There are a lot of variables at play in recreating a character that is so ingrained in people’s imaginations. No matter who lands the job, some fraction of the fan base is going to be greatly upset. There is just no way around that.
Last week we heard thatAlden Ehrenreich, who steals plenty of scenes in this year’s Coen Brothers comedy caperHail, Caesar!, is the front runner to play the legendary smuggler in theStar Wars Anthology: Han Solomovie. But Disney and Lucasfilm have reportedlytestedalmost every young male actor in Hollywood for the part. IncludingDave Franco, brother ofJames. He recently shared some of the audition process withMTV. He had this to say about the experience.
“I went in one time for Jeanie McCarthy, who I’ve auditioned for a million times before, and we just had a really fun time together in the room. And then because of the nature of what it is, it just explodes everywhere. Everyone’s coming up and being like, ‘Dude what’s going on?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know, you know as much as me!'”
Dave Francocan’t do aHarrison Fordimpression. Nor is he particularly good at channeling Han Solo’s signature mannerisms. While some might think that should exclude him right away, that’s not exactly how things are working on this secondStar Wars spinoff. When asked if he had studied Harrison Ford’s Han Solo,Daverevealed this interesting piece of information.
“No, I’m not good with impressions or anything like that. I think that’s the reason why it’s so hard to cast this role. Do they want someone to perfectly embody who Harrison Ford is, or do they want to go a completely different route? Do they want someone to look really similar to him? I don’t know, I think they’re struggling with that.”
TheStar Wars Anthology: Han Solomovie already has a May, 2018 release date in place. And it will go into production shortly after the currently shootingStar Wars: Episode VIIIwraps. We should hear an official casting announcement soon. The movie is being directed byPhil LordandChris Miller, known for such blockbuster hits as21 Jump Street,The Lego MovieandCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.Lawrence Kasdanis penning the screenplay with his sonJon. The movie will show how Han Solo and his co-pilot Chewbacca became smugglers before their fateful run-in with Luke, Ben and their two droids.
