Words by Zoe Zorka
While Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the most recent movie in the Star Wars franchise was just “meh,” Lucas Films and Disney are going out on a limb with Solo: A Star Wars Movie, a spinoff film that tells the story of Han Solo before he met Princess Leia and Luke – and before he became known as one of the galaxy’s best fighter pilots. But can it fly alone, or will it crash and burn without being part of a series?
Critics seem to believe that the force is strong with Solo. (Solo cups among others have already put up major sponsorships and endorsements.) Here are some things to look for in the upcoming movie:
Han’s upbringing: Hints suggest that a significant portion of the movie will take place on Han’s home planet of Corellia. We do know that he was recruited into the Imperial Army, at least at first, based on a scene depicting him telling a recruiter that he wanted to be a pilot- “the best in the galaxy.”
The origins of the Millennial Falcon: The trailers appear to show a pristine white interior of the famous ship- a stark contrast to its grimier days in the original trilogy. Some speculate that it was won in a card game against Lando, who also makes an appearance in the film.
How Chewbacca and Han got linked up: The trailer and rumor mills hint that the two spent some time smuggling spice after Han freed Chewbacca from Imperial slavery.
Most importantly, the movie doesn’t exactly roll solo. It’s filled with Easter eggs about later films including whether or not he did indeed complete the Kessel run in under 12 parsecs as bragged about in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as well as flashes of iconic Han-isms including his famous gloves, his blaster, the famous gold dice, and more than a few deva vu-esque lines.
While the ties to the major Star Wars plot will be enough to drive fans to the box office, director Ron Howard calls the film “a heist movie,” a departure from the main chronological films. Either way, it appears to be worth filling up a solo cup, buying a ticket, and giving it a shot.
Alone or solo.