“We couldn’t be more excited to work with an artist with as much depth and range as Woody,” said the film’s directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. “His ability to find both humor and pathos, often in the same role, is truly unique. He is also very good at ping pong.”
Earlier this month, TheWrap reported that Harrelson was in early talks to join the “Star Wars” spinoff as Han Solo’s mentor. The directors did not reveal any character details in their confirmation.
Kathleen Kennedy and Allison Shearmur are producing the spinoff film, which is expected to begin production in January with Ehrenreich stepping into the Millennium Falcon in a role that Harrison Ford originated.
The film is slated to hit theaters on May 25, 2018.
The first “Star Wars Story,” “Rogue One,” has grossed more than $916 million worldwide since opening last month.
Harrelson next appears in “The Glass Castle” opposite Brie Larson, “Wilson,” and the highly anticipated “War of the Planet of the Apes,” in which he plays the new villain. He is represented by CAA.
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.
