Disney and Lucasfilm Narrow Their Search For a Young Han Solo: Shortlist Revealed
After reportedly seeing thousands of actors for the coveted role of a young Han Solo for the upcoming untitled Han Solo anthology film, Variety is reporting that executives have narrowed down that list to a group of guys you can count on your fingers (and a couple toes). Hit the jump to see the names that sources close to the project say made the cut for the shortlist…
From Variety:
NDAs and test deals are still being worked out, but producer Kathleen Kennedy and directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will begin testing the new group with a decision expected in the next couple of weeks.
The film does not shoot until next January, but sources close to the situation say the reason for such an early decision has more to do with another “Star Wars” film currently shooting, rather than the untitled “Han Solo” pic. While insiders were unable to confirm, the new Solo could have a small cameo in “Rogue One: A Star Wars [Story]” before appearing in his own standalone pic.
“Rogue One” still has a month of shooting to go and is supposed to be set between “Episode III” and “Episode IV,” making this new Han Solo age appropriate for an appearance in the film. Disney and Marvel used the same strategy for their new Spider-Man by casting Tom Holland early in order for him to cameo in “Captain America: Civil War” before appearing in his own film.
Variety reports that about a dozen names made the cut for the shortlist and apart from one of the actors, all seem to be in the 20-25 age bracket. Only eight names were mentioned in the article, so let’s assume that the other four are unknowns. Without further ado, here are eight young men that made the cut…
What do you make of the shortlist? Which of these actors can you see picking up the mantle of the Corellian-born smooth-talking smuggler? Or are you still hoping for one of the wild cards (not listed) to make an impression? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Jordan Pate is Co-Lead Editor and Senior Writer for Star Wars News Net, of which he is also a member of the book and comic review team. He loves all things Star Wars, but when he's not spending time in the galaxy far far away, he might be found in our own galaxy hanging out in Gotham City or at 1407 Graymalkin Lane, Salem Center, NY.
I’d like the Solo cameo to be like the Wolverine one in First Class. Maybe the main character is trying to recruit people to the Death Star team, and Solo has a quick “No thanks” scene with possibly a Chewie roar. I’d be okay with that and it would be fun.
In ‘no one asked for this’ news, we are replacing one of the handsomest, most charismatic and talented actors in history with a bunch of short-ass potato heads.
You bet, I am hoping for wild cards.
Boy, I HATE being negative, I always try not to be – but this list left me depressed. I hope Disney and Lucasfilm know something I don’t, after all, they hit it out of the park with Boyega, Ridley, Driver and Isaac.
LOL. I’m more depressed for men everywhere than I am for this film. Where has the alpha male gone? :'(
Hopefully, the whole “alpha male” concept is long forgotten (or is going to be, soon).
Why, what’s wrong with it?
Nothing is clearly wrong with it. Some people are omega by nature unfortunately.
😛
Actually I’d go a step further and say that is is HIGHLY grounded in reality and has been since time began. Not everyone has the same personality and skill level. Some people are more skilled and have higher leadership abilities than others. That’s an alpha. Go to any business meeting and you’ll see Alpha, Beta, Gamma on full display. In fact go anywhere where people meet and gather and you’ll recognize these variations. As for Harrison Ford, he is so Alpha it’s maddening. I find it interesting that people would deny this.
“As for Harrison Ford, he is so Alpha it’s maddening. I find it interesting that people would deny this.”
That’s why I half-jokingly commented that it was unfortunate Disney couldn’t find more talented alpha male-types who looked reasonably similar to Harrison Ford.
Basically, the fact that it’s a pointless and useless idea that is in no way grounded into reality (when it comes to human beings, clearly).
Hmm. Anyway, what I was getting at was that none of the actors in question really struck me as having that raw manly vibe that Harrison Ford had in his youth. They felt more like adult boys by comparison.
What? Han solo was a lean guy in tight trowsers with juicy lips, floppy hair and a nice butt. Hardly Arnold Schwartznegger. And that’s what made him so sexy.
I’m not talking about body build but the vibe a lot of young men used to give off.
Can’t tell much from a headshot. They’re actors after all.
Issac would have been a decent pick for Han Solo, regrettably. Not complaining though, he’s awesome as Poe.
I hate the idea of this movie but its clear they’re going for someone who can play the part and just happens to atleast resemble the character.
The problem is I don’t see any of them having charm and charisma that even slightly approaches young Harrison Ford. The fact that none of them resembles him and that some of them are 5’6” is secondary. Unless they were trying really, really hard to hide the charm and charisma for some reason… 😉
Well, I try not to be negative either, but I’ve not been particularly sold on this whole idea from the beginning. Yeah, when it comes to the Star Wars brand, Han Solo is a marketing yahoo’s dream, just a wee bit short of Darth Vader. But man, I really don’t see how an origin movie (or whatever this is supposed to be) for Han is going to be anything more than a cringe-fest.
Especially if they don’t cast somebody who looks and acts like Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Han. IMHO, the only way they pull this idea out of its inherent flat spin before it plows into the ground is to somehow produce a lead actor who we can instantly buy as a young Han Solo.
I haven’t the first clue as to who any of these actors are (though I assume that Dave Franco is James Franco’s brother.) Few of them bear even a passing resemblance to our favorite ol’ Corellian scoundrel, though, and IMHO that pushes us a good way into “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” territory right there.
Honestly, I don’t get the animosity toward Ingruber. “Acting chops! Acting chops!” Yeah, yeah… look, this is Han Solo we’re talking about here. As a role, we’re not exactly talking about Othello here, are we? Hell, Harrison Ford’s big gripe about the character for years was that Han was so damned one-dimensional. Now, I think there’s a BIT more to the character than wisecracks and blaster shots… but not all that much more. What makes Han Solo is the attitude and charisma that Harrison Ford brought to the character.
Can Anthony Ingruber replicate that attitude and charisma? Well… can any of these other actors?
Because I’m sorry, but the modern-day “DudeBro” persona isn’t going to cut it here, and I’m really afraid that whoever they cast in the role is basically going to play it like a run-of-the-mill frat-boy douchebag like damned near every other young actor out there. God love Chris Pratt, and Guardians of the Galaxy was fun for what it was, but when his name was being bandied about as a possible Han, that’s all I could think of… smarmy frat-boy douchenozzlery in a vest and a pair of flight gloves.
I have no real dog in the Ingruber fight, but at least the kid LOOKS a bit like Han Solo. I don’t see a single guy on this list who really does.
Lady M, I’m 100% with you on this, both your reticence about the whole concept, and your hope that there’s a wild card choice out there who will end up breathing some life into this project.
(Sorry folks, this one just really bugs me. I grew up on Han Solo, and the last thing I want to see is for the character to get its ass Jar Jarred.)
This is Anthony as young Harrison:
https://youtu.be/MqxTfzgIvSY
Fuck! That´s young Ford!!! 🙂 OK – he should play young Han Solo!!!!!!
First time I’ve seen Ingruber doing Harrison other than that video impression of Han that we’ve all seen.
“He was good. He was very, very good.”
What is it that everybody’s cracking on this kid for? He’s got the look, he’s got the voice, and he can convey a younger version of that old familiar Harrison Ford attitude.
If they MUST make a young Han Solo movie, how exactly is this not the guy to play Han?
I think he at least deserves an audition. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
If this is the best they can come up with, I just have one word of advice: wait.
Harrison Ford is not someone you can replace in a best-of-a-bad-bunch kind of way. He’s one of the most effortlessly charismatic actors of the last 50 years. Trying to manufacture that is doomed to failure. Instead, you wait. You wait however long it takes until, one day, an actor shows up at a reading somewhere and you go, “Wow. This kid reminds me of a young Harrison Ford.” *Then* and only then do you make the movie.
I’m not filmier with any of these guys so they are all unknowns to me, but the one that looks the most like a young Han (IMHO) is Blake Jenner. As far as his ability, who knows.
Gonna have to pass on this one.
Oh, PLEASE not Miles Teller. Almost anybody but him.
Oh stop beating that dead horse, already. The guy did an impression! MOVE ON…
Amen, brother.
Eh? Miles Teller was the dude from Fantastic Four and Divergent. I’m not talking about the guy who did the impressions of Ford.
I hope Han doesn’t make a cameo appearance in Rogue One. Pointless.
Anthony Ingruber or Bust.
EXACTLY
Bust then, Ingruber is a hack.
right on!
I honestly think now that this spin off could become worse than the prequels for the sole reason of not having a han solo that is 100% like harrison ford
Teller: In Whiplash was really good, can’t see him as Solo though
Eastwood: Not yet convinced he can act
The Rest: Who?
Eastwood it is for me then.
I agree , the son of Clint Eastwood, he would definitely have the swagger and the cockiness and coolness needed to play Han.
All of them are awful.
Han Solo spin-off will be the worst Star Wars movie ever.
Recasting by itself is awful.
But these actors do not even look like Ford. Only tolerabled actor for me would be Anthony Ingruber. He at least looks like Ford.
But he doesn’t have the chops. You would want him trying to pull off Han Solo? I agree with everything else you said. Recasting alone is just…. no. Han Solo doesn’t need his own movie. It’s a cash grab, taking advantage of the character dying in TFA and the Han Solo open world video game rumored to come out around that time. I just seriously feel like on paper its primed to be the worst Star Wars movie by far, and just by the idea of making it, IMO.
I agree with you on almost everything.
Anthony Ingruber already was younger version of Ford in one movie.
He can pass as him and his Han Solo imitations where
convincing. But I dislike the whole idea about Han Solo movie.
https://youtu.be/mXrsag4XPPw
What chops does he really need? It’s Han Solo. It’s not that hard a role to play. Harrison Ford has practically said as much over the years.
IMHO this whole idea is a trainwreck waiting to happen. If they cast somebody as Han who doesn’t even look like the guy, they’re just jamming the locomotive’s throttle a couple notches closer to crunchville.
That’s…a stunningly poor understanding of both what Ford did with the role and what he’s said over the years. The character doesn’t really have anywhere to go, and he got bored of it quickly. That’s a different thing than “show up in a vest and we’re good to go”. Ask yourself how many ‘charming rogue’ characters we’ve seen in the 100+ years of film history. Now ask yourself how many of those performances are as effortless as Ford’s.
Look Crankster, this is Star Wars. I love SW as much as you do, but we’re not talking about a lot of complex acting here.
And Ford has said a lot more about the Solo character other than that he didn’t really have anywhere to go. He’s also called Han “dumb as a box of rocks” or words very much to that effect, and has also made it pretty clear that he preferred Indiana Jones because he was a more complex and interesting character.
If you think that it takes an Oscar-caliber actor to play Han Solo, then the stunningly poor understanding seems to be yours and not mine.
I just hate the idea of this movie.
The greatest adventure of Han’s life starts when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker walk into a bar.
Are you sure about that? “I’ve flown from one side of the galaxy to the other… seen a lot of strange stuff…”
Dear writer: the word is “ado,” not “adieu.” “Adieu” is French for “goodbye.” “Ado” means a “fuss” or “activity.” The expression “without further ado” is to say, “let’s not make any more fuss, and just say what we need to say.”
Thanks. Fixed the mistake. I bid you ado. 😉
*cringe*
Hehe, i lol’d
No Ingruber is the best thing about this list. Lucasfilm knows that impersonating Harrison Ford isn’t all it takes to be Han Solo. We need a really good and charismatic actor.
yeah, people get too confused thinking impersonating translates to acting and it absolutely does not. Hes not as a good as an actor as anyone on that list, and they’re going for talent. I make a great Obi Wan impression but I couldn’t play Obi Wan in a movie.
Ingruber looks like Ford though… I don’t know if I will be able to take any of these guys seriously… they look *nothing* like Ford… only a couple mildly.
Have you even seen Ingruber in the movie where he played a younger Ford?
yes, and I really wasn’t impressed considering that was being made to be his audition and I think he gave it up. I was rooting for him 100% till I saw it.
I agree. If we were talking about a flashback scene Ingruber would be ok. This movie requires a great actor not a lookalike.
I didn’t even think they had announced a Han Solo film when he filmed that role.
I don’t believe it was, but many like myself went to find that movie with excitement thinking he could prove he could pull it off, and I happen to believe he isn’t RIGHT for the role but looks a hell of a lot like Ford and can do good impressions, as I can as well. Totally differing acting when cameras are rolling in the big show.
In fact, I think by the time the movie came out, the Han Solo spinoff was already rumored, maybe not officially but it was already whispered and everyone thought of Ingruber right away
Totally agree. He doesn’t have a Harrison vibe at all. He just mimics.
I’d hope they at least gave him (Ingruber) an audition, he did play a younger Ford in a film last year. He looks more like Ford than any of these do, thus far. If it’s all about experience, how much experience did a lot of the other actors have they entered SW?
The movie itself is a huge risk which is why they are going for talent, and “names” and not depending on unknowns
The spinoffs are going to have established actors carrying the movies.
Who said?
It’s not only about experience, it’s about charisma. You need an actor who can carry on this iconic role.
Like I said, were you opposed to him even being given an audition?
Thousands of actors were auditioned. I’m sure he’s not even in the top 100. I have seen enough to know he doesn’t have the presence, the wit, the charisma, etc.
And you are a casting director? What is your success in life?
HF had been acting since college, had been a contract player in a bunch of films and television episodes, and had Graffiti and the Conversation under his belt already. Hamil had been doing soaps. Fisher, while not experienced, grew up in a Hollywood royalty family. Until a Youtube video a couple of years ago, Ingruber had been a pixel-pushing effects animator. It’s actually a pretty clear difference.
Living up to your nickname again I see.
Mrs. Ingruber, is that you? It’s okay, nobody is making fun of your little boy.
.
Look, you (rhetorically) asked what experience they had, and I answered you. This bogus ‘well, none of the big three had any experience either!’ line gets right up my nose because it’s wrong.
I actually don’t give a shit either way anymore.
You dont’ give a shit if you’re wrong, just as long as you get to keep shouting your ignoranance into the void? Yeah, no, I can buy that.
I’m not wrong, just have a different opinion. But I don’t care either way anymore.
Landed him a film role as younger Ford too, didn’t it?
Yes, in which he was fine as long as he had HF dialogue to ape. He was extremely awkward when left to try and create something new. And I LIKED Adeline.
Because HAN SOLO IS GOD OMG. They know fans go nuts over anything and everything Han Solo, and all they saw was dollar signs. Now we get Solo and Fett movies lol
I always thought fans went nuts over Harrison Ford REPRISING his role as the character. Han Solo is really only as cool as the actor makes him…do or do not Lord and Miller…there is no try for this one…
That’s what it was, because Harrison Ford = Han Solo. Ford says thats why he hated it, because he IS Han Solo. They don’t seem to understand that. They just see the love for the character and think it will make them alot of money… and it will sadly
Don´t be so sure. I think the youg Han Solo movie will not be that succesful…
Define successful.
They’re not expecting these spinoffs to bring in the same cash as the saga films. Heck they already know Episode 8 and 9 probably won’t make as much as The Force Awakens.
I’m not sure but 150 million might be what they’re aiming for and would be considered a “success” for them.
In that case it really doesn´t matter who they cast. It will be a low budget and some curious nerds will find their way to the cinema anyways…
Wrong. Harrison Ford´s Han Solo is GOD. The rest……you will see the difference 🙂
Elgort & Jenner are the only ones who look remotely like him. WTF is Disney thinking with some of these choices though?
Blake and Ansel look the part the most to me. I have no idea if they are talented. Not sure if I’ve ever seen their work or not.
If I had to pick one, It’s Ansel Elgort. He resembles a young Harrison Ford, and has the natural charm that would be required to play the part. He has that going for him. I guess he would be MY pick. If they throw in Jabba, Fett, Maz Kanata, Lando and show the kessel run, how he got the Falcon and how he slaved Chewie… MEH I’d watch it.
I think more females would prefer Blake… if they are trying for that audience. Sorry Ansy!
That said… I’m still a bit nervous about the whole thing just not feeling right. One of my gripes about the PT is it just doesn’t feel like Star Wars to me. TFA managed to feel like it again.
I fear this new one wont feel apart of it again. Or at least it’ll be hard to convince me it’s really Solo.
Elgort? What, in your version of reality was Han Solo played by a time-travelling Mark Zuckerberg?
That was Jesse Eisenberg.
Dave Franco as Han Solo? Really? Come on…Seriously? No?! What?
I can´t decide qich actor from thi list is the worse option 🙂 I´m sorry…If I don´t believe the new guy IS Han Solo, then the movie has no value to me. You can learn the moves and the voice and everything, but you have to look the same as younger Ford, and you can´t be 1 foot shorter :-)) otherwise this is but a joke..
Anthony Ingruber looks like Harrison Ford, but hes not that talented of an actor who drips charisma and charm
Right now if you ask him to do a Han Solo, he’ll give you an impression of when Han Solo met Luke and Obi Wan at the bar
When they’re on set and roll the cameras and tell him to display the same charm and charisma thats required to play Han Solo with entirely new dialogue that we’ve never heard from Han Solo, in a totally different time in his life, he might be a babe in the woods.
Right now theres some people who just want someone who looks like Ford, but it takes alittle bit of that, and alot of someone who can just it off. It’s a tough task and the reason i think its setup to be a disaster of a Star Wars film.
Spot on except for the ‘might be’ part – he proved in in Adeline.
I agree with what you’re saying, but the visual connection is very important, as well. When I watch Anthony’s youtube video or see him in Age of Adeline I get a sense of nostalgia. That’s magic, and that can’t be duplicated just because some guy who ‘slightly resembles’ Ford is a better actor. I’m not saying that isn’t important, but none of these guys speak to me as Han Solo, and I’m quickly losing interest in this film. Star Wars needs to be able to capture this magic. I guess only time will tell…
Is Blake Jenner related to the Kardashians? (might be the first time that name has entered the comment section of this site – Sorry) If so, GTFO.
He’s not… thank the maker!
Who ever they go with the actor should be at least 6′ tall. Dave Franco is 5’7″ so he would not work.
OTOH, you could get just about anybody to play Chewie in that case 🙂
nice list, def a lot of talent up there but Franco and Teller (whom I really like on the other hand) seem very out of place. my heart is broken by the absence of Ingruber, we’ll see how it goes.. at the same time i have full confidence in Lord & Miller regardless who gets the part, they will deliver a HELL of a movie
…..a CAMEO? Here we go again, Disney. Universe Marvel is the example, right? NOw we will insert cameos of those who will star in the next one….I thought I could enjoy Rogue One. But if there´s some strange choice pretending to be Han Solo ten years younger then in ANH…but that is just impossible, right? If the movie is about stealing the plans…he would be 35 already….so what cameo are they talking about?
It’s rumor, and we know ALL rumors turn out to be true. 😉
I’m not really bothered who is cast… Lord and Miller and Larry Kasdan? Count me in. I know nerds are prone to act as if they’re entitled to all the perfect movies in their heads, but people are actually moaning about more Star Wars?
I think fans have every right to be wary of a prequel 😛
It’s just a totally different set of standards. We are comparing them to the original characters. Where new people… are just that. We get to meet them for the first time. We’re not prejudging them.
If it’s cold, runny dogshit? Yes, why wouldn’t they?
Well the guy that already played a good younger Ford in Age of Adeline earlier this year isn’t on the list unless he’s one of those not named. Anthony Ingruber
If they do this movie (which I’m hoping the whole idea gets scrapped all together) then to me he would be the only acceptable person to take on this role..
If Rogue One is suppose to take place right before ANH wouldn’t Han Solo be Harrison Ford, and not his younger self? Since the Rebels just stole the Death Star plans, unless they like held onto them for a couple of years (makes no sense) and did the stealing years prior. I don’t know, Han Solo not played by Harrison Ford, is a Han Solo I don’t want to see.
This part of the rumor doesn’t make sense. 🙂
AH, yes, very good point ! Kasdan has implied a young Han, in his 20s ; Rogue One and ANH would put him in his early 30s.
I can imagine Dave Franco in a Han Solo vest making a dick joke. I then hang myself from the nearest tree.
Disney: Hey guy, remember that emotional send off you just got from Harrison Ford playing Han Solo in The Force Awakens?
Us: Yes
Disney: Well, what if we tell a new Han Solo story. Where Dave Franco plays him and gets into all sort of hyjink? Wouldn’t that be great?
Us: Uhhhh….
Cast Rob Riggle as young Chewie
As someone already said – having one Star Wars movie every year with a two years break – that´s not a tragedy…
No, just an unavoidable diluting of the brand and forfeiting the whole ‘event film’ status of the franchise. One year to write, shoot, edit, and do post on each new SW film – what could possibly go wrong?
Its more like 2-3+ years to write, shoot, edit and do post.
It’s more like 2 years from when Disney is announcing these things, then 6 months of dithering before they actually sign anyone to write and direct. TFA is the perfect example – the fastest turnaround on ANY SW film to date. This idea of churning out a film a year, every year, until people scream for Disney to please dear god make it stop is exactly what went wrong with the Trek franchise.
“its exactly what went wrong with the trek franchise.”
Star trek(reboot)- 2009, into darkness- 2013, beyond- 2016. time wasn’t the problem with trek, crappy ideas and screenplays were.
The old franchise, not the reboots (I presume).
No, you missed my point. The period PRIOR to the reboot was what I was talking about. Seemingly endless entries into the franchise, each one made cheaper, with less care and time invested. Trek 2009 was a cinematic defibralator for the franchise – it was fun, where the previous films had become dour, self-important slogs nobody but rabid fans wanted to see. ID however was awful, no debate there.
ah, my mistake. seems like most trekies think of the current films as the death of trek. 😉 though to be fair i have waaaay more faith in kathleen kennedy to over see this speed run of films then i did rick berman.
“FUCK you Rick Berman! You ruined this too!? Wait, you’re not Rick Berman! What is it with Ricks?”
Almost 3 years of JJ developing Episode VII, having been hired in January 2013. Rian was hired in June of 2014, almost 3 years before Episode 8. Not to mention the treatments and development that was done prior to hiring these two. With Rogue One they hired Edwards in May of 2014. So at least 2 and half years of work on that one. For the Han Solo one, Kasdan and son have been developing that for quite sometime. Colin is already at work on Episode 9.
You obviously are just hating on Disney to ignore the facts of the development of these pictures and the timeline it takes. Once script is in working order, with todays technology it doesn’t take long for filming and post production. Episode 8 having been in development for at least the last 2 years(yes, even some before Rian was hired) will do filming and post production in a year and a half which is more than enough time.
Oh dear god – they’re all hideous.
Ugh, anyone but Ansel Elgort… Then this movie would have a feel like a teenage girl movie…
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Ansel Elgort looks most like young han!
Not sure I see it, but Emory Cohen looks like a Picnic Ham – does that help at all?
I thought he looked like a young Ray Liotta.
Well, SPAM in a suit at any rate – we’re agreed!
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm712291584/nm5052065?ref_=nm_ov_ph
No! PLEASE, we need Anthony Ingruber!
…to stay far, far away from this film.
Seriously? Those clowns? Anthony Ingruber or I’ll pass…
This movie is going to be awful.
A-N-T-H-O-N-Y I-N-G-R-U-B-E-R
Would Lucasfilm want an impressionist to carry on the iconic Han Solo? I don’t think so.
No, but like I’ve said none of these actors brought the same feeling of nostalgia that Anthony did when watching his video or seeing him in Age of Adeline. If they are going to cast someone else, I think looks are important and they seem to be missing that point. I could never see any of them as Han, but I already kind of see him as a younger Han.
Please make it an animation film… PLEASE.
This would really smooth things over, wouldn’t it? Come to think of it, Lord and Miller have primarily done animated films together. I also don’t recall ever hearing confirmation that this anthology film will be live-action (I could be wrong though). What a blessing this would be. Instant relief.
Exactly! And another big element: Kathleen Kennedy has proven to be a pretty smart producers and knows well the sensibility of the brand. Sounds pretty lame to me that she would go for a live-action Han Solo film starring another actor, because Han Solo is, among all, Harrison Ford.
Well, she’s also the one who has already said that, yes, LFL will someday go back to making Indy films, so I wouldn’t put a whole lot of faith in her to honor much of anything. Even if she wanted to, her dark master, The Mouse, is calling the shots now.
Anyone but Teller!
Penn then? Not sure I see it.
with lord and miller directing it, i’d give dave franco the edge. now, for young lando(who damn well better be in this film) i’d go with michael b. jordan.
miles teller is a great actor but how he is even on this list is absolutely appalling.
Well, if you think he’s a great actor, why shouldn’t he be on the list?
Being a great actor doesn’t automatically make someone right for a role. I dont think he is right for the part but if you do thats cool. He blew me away in Whiplash but I really cant grasp Miles as Han Solo.
What, no Michael B. Jordan?
Melissa McCarthy. There’s no reason the Han Solo movie should alienate 50% of Disney’s customers.
Like many of you, this list has me worried. I actually think Garrett Hedlund would make a good Han Solo, and in my opinion would be better than anyone on this short list. His portrayal of Hook had me thinking Han at so many moments (minus the accent).
He had some moments, but though I thought the film was actually not too bad, I never really warmed to his Hook – felt awfully forced “Look at me being a charming rogue! Look, I’m doing it mom!” most of the time. Ford’s genius in that role is how effortlessly his charisma comes across, balanced perfectly with that wry cynicism – it never feels like he’s working at it (except for some stuff in Jedi). You have to agree with the guy that the scripts never gave him much to work with, but in terms of just creating a character, Ford nailed something very, very few actors have been able to.
Yeah, he was definitely forcing it sometimes. He had enough moments for me, though, that let me think that with good enough direction he could maybe pull it off. You’re right, I’m not sure there is anyone who could pull off the charisma and cynicism that Ford managed so effortlessly.
I’m okay with Franco, he has a similar vibe to young Ford, but Ingruber has the mannerisms down well. I’m sure they’ll do the best, but I honestly wish they weren’t making this film.
Franco the Dwarf? 🙂
On that list I only see Jack Reynor that could potentially play Young
Han Solo, other than that they need to bring Anthony Ingruber. Whip him
up into physical shape and he’s worthy to play the part.
Lots of people seem to be worried about these guys, but remember, the shortlist apparently contains 4 others not mentioned in the report, being unknowns!
Jake Lloyd… easy
Ummm… Shouldn’t Chuck Norris be on this list?
He has to look like Solo and sound like Solo with that similar tone to his voice. Ingruber is the only person who fits the bill, he has BOTH qualities. But if he’s not too great at acting then it’s a waste of time. Anything less than that though and I just don’t see how I’m going to feel as if I’m watching a young Han Solo, and not just a young recast Han Solo… I do worry about this film. A pretty big risk and the one spin off film I’m going into expecting it to disappoint.
We’re on the casting stages of this thing and you’re already condemning it. Way to be a fan. That being said, Ford himself already said that whoever gets picked shouldn’t worry about playing the character like he did, they should play Han like themselves. Soooooo…. good luck with being a grumpy gus.
He has the right to be a little be worried. And for the record, he could literally be giving this movie a 0/10 already and he would still be a Star Wars fan. My number 1 pet peeve is when people seem to think that you have to love every single piece of Star wars-related media to be “true fan”.
Rubbish. He needs to be an actor who can capture the essence of the character, like River Phoenix in The Last Crusade. I’m more worried about the directors, Lego and 21/22 Jump Street!
If the actor is way much younger than the original, you can talk about “capturing the essence”. But if the original was 35 in ANH and you need someone around 25 – that´s another story – the guy is a full grown man and absolutely needs to look like Ford, if they are about to adventure into this…..From my part – if I don´t believe from the first second the guy IS Han Solo, it will be one time watching and ignoring the movie for good….
Not a bad list but I don’t know about Miles or Emory…
Breznican came out and said there are more than 12 being considered. I wouldn’t sox out too much about this until someone is actually cast for it.
I don’t actually know any of these people. Going superficially, none of them look like Ford, the closest is Blake Jenner, and he gives me the creeps. :/ we’ll see how the role preparation works out.
And out of nowhere Adam Driver wins the role
what a twist!
Ansel Elgort is the best. Anyone who’s seen The Fault in our Stars will know what a great actor he is, and how much of a Han Solo-type attitude he can have.
He looks like a weed, one of those kids who was always being beat up for his lunch money…and you’d cheer for the bullies. Nope.
Obviously you haven’t seen his six pack. Or the fact that he’s six feet tall. Just watch The Fault in our Stars and tell me he isn’t kind of channeling some Han vibes.
Nothing masculine about that movie so…
No
Thank you for being so understanding and actually watching the fucking movie like I suggested, rather than passing judgement instantly.
Oh wait…
Never said I wasn’t forced to watch it…
it’s good to hear ALL the movies we watch have to be defined by their masculinity. Thank the movie gods for inventing romantic comedies or women would have nothing to watch, bless ’em!
Hey, hey, hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; women don’t even watch movies.
They’re probably to busy cooking.
No but if you are talking about han solo it’s a whole different animal..
Context MF’R CONTEXT!!
But that’s not the point that was being argued, was it?. It was about an actor’s range or ability to channel “han vibes”, not whether or not a movie was masculine/feminine/whateverine (FYI: I’m not a fan of Younger Han-movie to begin with. Even with Phil Lord and Chris Miller at the helm, the worst possible thing they could do is just lock in on “good ford impression.” If there’s one way to screw up the casting, this is the ultimate ball-drop).
As far as context goes:, WHY is the han solo-thing a whole different animal? Han is not defined by his masculinity, but by his devil-may-care attitude and his journey from egocentric smuggler to rebel hero. Before you start, no, I’m not arguing that they should cast a FEMALE Han or some such, just that his cool doesn’t come from him being male.
In fact I’ll argue that none of the star wars cast -really, not a single one- is defined by their gender. Do this mental exercise: flip the genders of the entire cast around, nothing changes storywise and characterwise.
Disney’s flubber is ALSO auditioning…
And it can do a better Han than 80% of this list…
🙂
I really couldn’t care less about his ‘six-pack’ – he looks like a whiny little turd. I double down on my ‘nope’ to you, sirrah.
I have to agree with you. Of the actors announced on the list, he is the only one I could see pulling of some semblance of the character. He can give us the right attitude and has the right look. He also has this natural half smile that he does, much like Ford. But will it feel right? I’m still not convinced this movie will work. I have no doubt it will be a commercial success. I want to love it…but I hate the whole idea of it… We’ll see…we’ll see…
I’d prefer Ingruber, but out of those names, Elgort kinda looks the part the most. Eastwook looks the “coolest”, but he just does not look like Ford. He looks like, well, Clint!
Han was kind of like Clint’s amoral Joe/Blondie/Man-With-No-Name from the Dollars trilogy, so that would be an interesting multigenerational link, but I still like Ingruber.
Anthony Ingruber. He was amazing in The Age of Adeline
Oh yeah, all 5 of his lines were perfect.
Haha forgive me man but I’m not sure if you’re being sarcastic or not 😉 as I also thought they were great as well but then again he wasn’t in the entire movie
I was being sarcastic, but it’s kind of true. He played his small part well.
You’re not a fan of the guy?
He seems to play Harrison Ford well, but he should be able to have his own charisma without the need for impersonating someone else. i’d still be satisfied with him as young Han though.
you prefer seeing someone that looks like harrison ford or someone who looks nothing like him as Han?
You mean classic lines like “Miss? Miss!” – yeah, what a thespian.
Down to a final list for the lead of a movie out 2 years from now and the sequel to the main installment due next year still hasn’t announced or hinted at casting. Hilarious.
Ansel
Going by those pictures and the fact I’ve only just heard of this… None of the stood out to me as a possible Han until possibly the last photo. Thank god they’re not going younger, cause they look almost teen, and that I would not like.
I don’t know any of these guys’ movies. How they could even consider Teller, Lerman, and Cohen based on looks alone I don’t even understand. Jenner and Eastwood maybe. As far as all of the ‘experts’ declaring Ingruber can’t act or doesn’t have the chops, other than the very little we’ve seen of him how do you know??? He’s got the look, he’s got the mannerisms, he’s got the intonations in his voice (almost), and (as Ford has often said) Solo isn’t exactly the most complex of characters. There’s plenty of time for him to learn to ‘act well’. None of these guys are going to magically learn to look like Ford. The fact that Ingruber hasn’t even made this shortlist is astounding to me. I hope he has a good agent…or gets a good one. I hope he gets a shot at it, if that opportunity is missed I’ll personally be very disappointed.
As an aside, a friend who was ‘in’ TFA (believe me or not, I’m not fussed, needless to say he kept his mouth shut for 18 months until the movie was released), suspects the actor for this role has been finalised but he wasn’t sure. I’m 50/50 on this myself. Needless to say, I showed him a couple of the Ingruber videos and despite the fact that they’re a few years old and unpolished, my acting friend was astounded. Take that for what you will.
Dude can act. Not perfect, but not at all bad either. This isn’t easy material, it’s pretty heavy, much heavier than any SW anthology stuff is likely to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqnl7eq1AC0
Okay, so why do we keep talking about actors that aren’t on this list. I guess you can dream if you want but I don’t think they’re going to change their minds. It’s like I said in my earlier post, their casting directors, I think they know what they are doing and know what they are looking for. Look at any comedian that does impersonations. They often don’t even look remotely like the people they are impersonating. People who are actors, transform themselves mentally and sometimes physically to become the part.
Why would background dude who was in TFA have any handle on LFL’s casting process for a completely different movie? Glad you’re not ‘fussed’, but come on – that’s a bit a of a stretch.
I never seen Eastwood act but from a purely appearance standpoint he looks like the only one who could pull it off. But Ive been thinking and I think their biggest challenge is not to find the next Han Solo, but the next Harrison Ford. I mean Ford is the last of his kind, its like finding the next Kirk Douglass or the next Charleston Heston. Whoever they get needs to be the perfect blend of gruff and charming. I do not envy the producers of this thing, they have a monumental task at hand.
That is EXACTLY the problem. Ford is what elevates that character from just the cookie-cutter, sarcastic, rogue-turned-hero that so many films have flopped trying to emulate since ’77. That role has been written ad nauseum, and there’s been one actor who has pulled it off in the last 40 years without coming across as forced, obnoxious, or both.
Yes! That’s one thing I loved and admired about TFA is that they didn’t make Finn or Poe the new Han. Like that character has been done to death since 77. I just really hope they can find the next Ford because I think the industry is desperately crying out for his successor.
I’m fine with them recasting a younger version of the character, but there will only ever be one han solo
Oh lawd anyone but Miles Teller
Unless they provide CG-MAKEUP to make the guy look like Harrison, IDGAF about this cheesey spin off.
I have no idea how to pick actors..
I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
Shit…Disney you forgot to Zac Efron! WE WANT ANTHONY INGRUBER!
…AND RAM HIM UP THE COLLECTIVE ASSES OF INSANE FANS WHO WON’T SHUT UP ABOUT HIM.
Haha…You have to have a hard time, deducting on you’re writing tone. I’m sorry, I hope you can find some ‘peace.
Bad move for Disney to make this movie. I will tell you now no one will be happy. Yes Han Solo is one of everyone’s favs but Han Solo is Ford. Ford made Han. I hope to be wrong but I think this movie should be. Scrapped. A Yoda movie could have worked because a puppet can be done by anyone but Han no. This movie will make money but will be thumbs down even if it is done well written well filmed well. The standalone movies should. Have been done as rouge one with new characters that we don’t know, or an Obi wan played by ewen since we have seen him in the character and know him in it. Bringing in a young Han unless as a kid and teenager will work since he was already young in ANH.
Why can’t they just make a new story with a new character that happens to be a smuggler (or another type of criminal). Then that actor will “become” the character, the galaxy is expanded (instead of always shrinking), and our impression of Han Solo by Ford does not have to be fiddled with. A “STAR WARS” film about a smuggler captain and his crew flying through Imperial blockades feat. new planets, new designs, etc. I would pay for that, but I’m definitely *not* paying to see a Young Han Solo Chronicles movie.
It’s called Firefly
No, no, he said “new story” not “change the names and call it a day”.
No, no, no, no, no, no and no
Please Disney, don’t make stupid decisions. We have a name, and it’s the name: ANTHONY INGRUBER
This is going to have only two results. Absolute disaster… or pleasantly surprised. There is no middle ground. Not sure it’s worth the risk Disney. Why tamper with Han? You had him in 4 good movies… and it completed his arc. Going back and messing with that lucky formula seems unnecessary.
I’m not super against this… but I feel like I’m about to have another Star Wars that I’ll have trouble considering canon.
I have a bad feeling about this. One does not simply replace Harrison Ford. Better make Old Republic movie or something new and leave Han Solo alone. We got his story and it was great, move on!
only two actors that have that han solo vibe are Jack Reynor and Scott eastwood. while i love some of those other actors they dont have that “I dont give a F$$$” vibe
From my understanding, Rogue One filming has wrapped so how would he get a cameo. I guess during pick-ups.
What retard was put in charge of the casting?
That’s the short list? What a fucking terrible short list.
To be honest though, The Force Awakens was fun, but of course this is all just a fucking cashcow and we shouldn’t expect much out of it, but who am I kidding? People are totally gonna eat this stuff up and that’s the problem. Congratulations on being the reason the studios don’t wanna take risks developing new properties.
Also I bet good money Han Solo is a time traveler, because that’s the only way to explain how he could physically travel a certain amount of distance in less time (parsec is a measurement of distance not speed). If I were Disney I would actually work that angle and use it as a way to introduce the ancient Sith Empire and such.
It actually has to do with a lot of black hole mumbo jumbo, but you can look that up yourself.
Not very excited about that shortlist, if it is indeed legit.
These are not the Hans you’re looking for.
Tye Sheridan (Xmen apocalypse, Mud, Joe) is 19. Think; that’s 16 years between his age and the age Harrison was in ANH. This is an age gap I’d buy and this guy is talent.
What, are we looking for a young Christian Slater doing a young Jack Nicholson doing a young Harrison Ford now? Pull the trigger, douche, I dare you.
There’s no way they’re going to please everyone, with this topic especially. Just glad that someone’s making lots of SW films; chances are everyone will like at least one.
Ummmmm… How about none of the above?
I just rewatched Anthony Ingruber’s impression of han, plus that scene he played a young han. He just looks exactly like a young harrison ford, there’s absolutely none of the guys above mentioned that look more like Harrison ford than him, and that’s a requirement for a such film. If this guy won’t be cast, or no guy that looks 100% like han, I want thus rather to be an animated movie rather than having someone who looks THAT different. None of these actors even resemble han.
Elgort has a bit of his charisma though.
Yeah. I was thinking in terms of facial structure, I think he could pass for him too.
I agree. I still hate the very idea of this movie (although, I will no doubt be there opening day), but I think Elgort (of the actors revealed) would be the best choice. He can project the Han attitude pretty well and has that natural half-smirk grin like Ford. Have him work on the voice a little bit and put a scar across his chin and he just might work. But to quote like every Star Wars character ever at some point: “I have a bad feeling about this…” in general.
I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Not the list only, the whole Han Solo film…
Another disaster in the making. Bye, bye, Star Wars.
“Another”? TFA made some stupid, safe choices, but I’d hardly call it a disaster.
“Another”
ANOTHER?
Star Wars TFA has a 93% on RT, man. You may not like it, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive from nearly everyone else.
Riiiight! And global warming is “settled science”, and Obama has been a great President.
Sheeple is as sheeple do.
Dave Franco the only one with a vague look of Han. This is a poor list and not the direction Star Wars should go, in filling the gaps that aren’t needed to be filled. Do something new and look at the roots of the conflict between Sith and Jedi.
Really? No disrespect, I just don’t see it. I mean, stranger things have happened where I’ve proven wrong.
None of these guys come close to fords natural sardonic sarcastic tough guy charisma. Ford is Han Solo. Terrible idea. unnecessary movie. None of the young indys came close neither will a young Han. This is shameless disney product. Star Wars is three special movies. Everything else is expendable.
It’s safe to say that most posters on here look and sound more like Ford than any of these choices. Some are probably better actors too.
Most of these have the wrong eye color too. Who’s casting this thing?
Ever heard of colored contacts, genius?
If you want a cheap looking film. 9 times out of 10, You can tell it’s not their natural color and Han Solo isn’t the werewolf from Thriller or some meta-human. Plus, It’s hard on the actor’s eyes. Especially for a leading role.
They’ll be fine, believe me. Colored contacts have come a long way in the past few years, both in color and comfort.
I have friends and family who work at clubs where they are abundant and they always look unconvincing when someone is wearing them unless they are going for the Darth Maul look.
I have a dispeptic 20 year old cat who exudes more Harrison Ford charm than these asshats.
Less charm than Harrison in his interviews over the past 20 years.
Hey, hey now – I’ve never held his obviously uncomfortable, shitty interviews against the man (except that Halloween one with Fallon – Jesus, Harry, lay of the weed in public) – he hates the press part of the business, hates the intrusion into his life, but realizes it’s part of his job. I give him a free pass on his “grumpy Harrison” persona and judge him on his work.
Funny thing is that he never really had that problem till the last 20 years or so which is also about the time when his performances started to suffer. Having said that, He was probably better in TFA than anything he’s done since The Fugitive.
I am not entirely sold on a Han Solo movie yet. Mostly because I don’t think I’m quite ready to see anyone else in the role. I’m sure after I see pictures and trailers my mind can be changed though.
I talked about this and Princess Leia returning in Rebels here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d24N54uxY0M
I have a sad feeling about this crap!!!!!!!
And just why isn’t Anthony Ingruber on this list..?!
Exactly, he’s relatively new and has already proven his ability. It would be a crying shame to have anyone replace Ford so at least make it someone that looks vaguely like him.
Dumb idea all around. Ford is Solo. I don’t think that any of these look like him. Franco? Really?
Disney made Star Wars feel like Star Wars again by bringing back the originals. I don’t want to see a new Solo. This will feel like the new Star Trek movies. Get some new ideas. Be original.
Nah! None of the actors above can hold a candle to the extremely talented Anthony Ingruber #AnthonyIngruberIsHanSolo
For me, Ansel Elgort and Blake Jenner
could pass the part for looks in terms of facial structure. I think a lot can
be communicated through tone and facial expressions. I am always amazed at how a
comedian transform themselves in this way and yet look nothing like the person
they are impersonating in real life. I do think that facial structure and
expressiveness is going to be key, though. All of the others with the exception
of Eastwood, don’t pass butter for me but I’m no casting director.
NO!! This is fucking blasphemy! You can’t just have some new no talent actor replace one if the greatest characters of all time. Ford is solo! The one and only. We don’t need a backstory. He has a perfect story now. The OT and his sad death in force awakens. That’s how I want to remember Han Solo. The obi wan movie was a better idea. I much rather see him watch a young Luke from a distance. That would be cool but this is just wrong. Phil lord and Chris Miller are comedy directors?
Anthony Ingruber is the only one that can do that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bba_wPdLxp4