Disney CEO Bob Iger shed a little more light on the upcoming young Han Solo movie at a USC event Thursday, providing details about the “Star Wars” universe film centered around the pilot iconically played by Harrison Ford.
In an interview with USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Dean Willow Bay — also Iger’s wife — in Santa Monica, he said the still-untitled film, scheduled for release on May 25, 2018, will cover Solo’s life from the ages of 18 to 24 and show him finding the Millennium Falcon, meeting Chewbacca and obtaining his name.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are directing the movie, which stars Alden Ehrenreich as the title character. The film also features “Atlanta” star Donald Glover, who plays Lando Calrissian, “Game of Thrones'” Emilia Clarke, “Westworld’s” Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson, Joonas Suotamo and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Iger also said that this year’s “Star Wars” film, “The Last Jedi,” will not be changed on account of the death of Carrie Fisher, who played Princess-turned-General Leia Organa in the movie franchise. He added that Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, will have a substantial speaking role in the film.
Earlier Thursday, Iger agreed to a one-year extension to his contract as Disney’s chairman and CEO, which will extend his term to July 2, 2019.
7 Actors Who Would Kill It As Lando in Young Han Solo Movie (Photos)
Of course the young Han Solo spinoff movie would have to include Lando Calrissian. What we don't know, however, is who's going to take on the role alongside Alden Ehrenreich's Han. Billy Dee Williams was 42 when he shot "The Empire Strikes Back," so we looked for actors younger than that to play Lando in his prequel days.
Nate Parker
After impressing in "Red Tails," "Non-Stop" and "Beyond the Lights," Nate Parker is about to rack up a pile of Oscar nominations for "The Birth of a Nation" -- which he wrote, directed and starred in. He's more than got the range to take on Lando.
Corey Hawkins
The "Straight Outta Compton" star is also about to become a household name as he takes over from Kiefer Sutherland on "24: Legacy." Hawkins has the sort of detached wariness you'd want to see from Lando in his earlier years.
Daveed Diggs
What better way for the Thomas Jefferson of "Hamilton" to transition to big screen stardom than by taking on Lando? He's definitely smooth enough to pull it off.
Marque Richardson
He broke out with lengthy runs on "True Blood" and "The Newsroom" and by landing a spot in "Dear White People." This would be a big step up, but "Star Wars" films love to catch rising stars, from Daisy Ridley to Jon Boyega.
A bona fide movie star, we think Michael B Jordan should be in everything. He's almost definitely too busy, especially with "Black Panther" coming up soon, but we can dream.
Keegan-Michael Key
The taller half of Key & Peele already played Lando once, in a sketch on their show. He's an offbeat choice, for sure, but the young Han Solo movie is coming from "Jump Street" directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller -- and in their hands, we think Key would work perfectly.
Ludacris
Almost no chance of this happening, and fans would definitely hate the idea, but the "Fast/Furious" star would fit Lando like a glove.
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Lando’s cape won’t fit just any actor, but these guys could slip into it quite comfortably
Of course the young Han Solo spinoff movie would have to include Lando Calrissian. What we don't know, however, is who's going to take on the role alongside Alden Ehrenreich's Han. Billy Dee Williams was 42 when he shot "The Empire Strikes Back," so we looked for actors younger than that to play Lando in his prequel days.
