‘Han Solo’ Film Director Talks Alden Ehrenreich’s Grueling Audition Process

AldenEhrenreich

Earlier this year, Alden Ehrenreich was introduced as the new Han Solo at Star Wars Celebration in London. The actor who will play a much younger version of the swashbuckling role made famous by Harrison Ford, had to go up against a ton of actors that were in consideration. Recently, directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller sat down with USA Today to talk about Ehrenreich’s grueling audition process. Read on for more!

 

As we move closer to the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in December, the next Star Wars spinoff film led by the directing team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller is right on schedule for its May 25, 2018 theatrical debut as well. The new film will focus on a young ‘Han Solo’ before he met Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi on Tatooine in the original 77 ‘ Star Wars movie. The filming is expected to start in late January.

 

USA Today had a chance to chat with the two directors about Alden Ehrenreich. Miller spoke about how Ehrenreich made you believe that he could turn into the Han Solo we all know and love down the road:

 

“That guy pretty much went through an audition pentathlon; it was like an acting steeplechase. He went against a lot of very strong competitors and was very consistently the guy from minute one. He was the first person who auditioned out of thousands, and just out of the box, made you believe that someday he’d grow into the character we know.”

 

 

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Here’s to hoping that Ehrenreich can pull off a few of Harrison Ford’s famous mannerisms as well as bring something new and unseen to the Han Solo character. 2018 can’t  come soon enough!

 

Han Solo: A Star Wars Story is set for release on May 25, 2018, with production scheduled to begin in early 2017.

 

 

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82 thoughts on “‘Han Solo’ Film Director Talks Alden Ehrenreich’s Grueling Audition Process

  • October 6, 2016 at 5:02 pm
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    Oh yeah, well I call it luck

  • October 6, 2016 at 6:08 pm
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    Still not interessted in this movie at all. Han Solo is Harrison Ford and noone else. Unless the movie gets raving reviews, im not gonna watch it.

    • October 6, 2016 at 6:53 pm
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      I’m not crazy about a Han Solo movie, but I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I wasn’t going to go see it. I suspect that’s the truth with anyone who visits this site. And really, what’s the worst that’s going to happen? You’ll be out $10 and a couple hours. Big deal. Go see a Star Wars movie with some friends.

    • October 6, 2016 at 7:47 pm
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      Quite honestly, I predict that even if you personally don’t go and watch it…you won’t be able to avoid the hype, advertising, website coverage, trailers, merchandising and all the Star Wars hype shoved down your throat between now and then. You may as well just give up the fight now and try to enjoy the ride. In spite of my concerns of having someone else step into the role, I certainly have zero plans of boycotting the movie.

      • October 6, 2016 at 7:56 pm
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        Im not boycotting either. As I said if it gets great reviews Im gonna go and watch it. But still, a young Han Solo movie? What is this, Disney Chanel? Is this really the best they could come up with?
        Do we really need to see this story?

        • October 6, 2016 at 8:09 pm
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          I guess I’m more of the type to withhold all judgements, bias and reservations until I’ve seen the movie in 2018. Then I’ll decide for myself. Of course I have my concerns but I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt since Disney has already successfully re-vitalized the franchise and keeping the films coming for years to follow. $15 and 2 hours/year isn’t what I’d call a life-changing waste of time even if I wind up hating this movie, or anything else they put out. Couldn’t be any worse than the shoddy scriptwriting GL came up with for the prequels, and I even sorta liked those.

        • October 6, 2016 at 10:42 pm
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          I don’t see how a Han in his early 20s story has anything to do with the Disney Channel.

        • October 7, 2016 at 6:26 am
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          I don’t understand how people keep making connections to Disney when it doesn’t even make sense

  • October 6, 2016 at 6:10 pm
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    A story that no one cares about…and a movie that no one wants!

    • October 6, 2016 at 6:28 pm
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      Stop fucking speaking for everyone. Despite what your narrow, hateful mind may think, there ARE Star Wars fans (such as myself) that DO want this movie.

      • October 9, 2016 at 1:29 am
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        Lol…calm down.

    • October 6, 2016 at 6:45 pm
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      What a useless comment. No one? Are you sure about that?

      • October 9, 2016 at 2:03 am
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        You’re correct. Just most.

        • October 9, 2016 at 8:16 pm
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          Still wrong. Try again.

    • October 6, 2016 at 7:28 pm
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      Even though I’m quite ambivalent about it, I want and care about it a thousand times more than those crimes against cinema episodes 1-3.

      • October 6, 2016 at 9:10 pm
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        Your sad, hyperbolic butt-hurt over decades old films is delicious. Nom nom nom.

        • October 7, 2016 at 5:13 am
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          The pretense you put on of being a cultured cinephile is exposed as fraudulent every time you criticize new Star Wars media yet defend the abject horror that are the prequel films.

          They’re bad movies. Everyone is allowed to like them. But to defend them as good, or mediocre, or to even call them film…Yeah, just bad.

        • October 7, 2016 at 6:27 am
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          So when does the statute of limitations go in effect when it comes to saying that crappy movies are crap? And for crying out loud, think of a new phrase besides, “butt-hurt.” The go-to, chronically overused phrase of internet posting board losers everywhere.

          • October 8, 2016 at 12:12 pm
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            I thought that was “salty much?” 🙂

        • October 9, 2016 at 3:38 am
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          Nah, what’s really sad is that you can’t ever let any criticism of the pt go, you just have to jump to their defence, like some… hmmm… let me see… oh yeah butt hurt bitch – must be why those pants are so cranky.

      • October 7, 2016 at 4:06 am
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        If episodes 1-3 were “crimes against cinema,” I wonder what he thinks of the ewok movies. Maybe he likes them.

        • October 11, 2016 at 2:13 pm
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          Battle for Endor is my 5yo favourite, among A new Hope. This will change this Christmas, when I let him watch Empire 🙂

      • October 9, 2016 at 1:30 am
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        I loved them…just saying this is a movie not needed IMO.

      • October 9, 2016 at 2:02 am
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        Glad for you…I’m just the opposite. I could care less about trying to explore all the back stories of the OT characters. I feel it’s just not needed.

        There’s a thousand things they could do original, and you’re hyped about a new guy trying to play Harrison Fords version of backstorise of an OT character?

        At least the prequels were telling a grand story. This is a limited scope they are pursuing.

        • October 9, 2016 at 3:28 am
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          No, I’m not hyped I’m ambivalent, oh and look, that’s what I said in my previous post. Would you like some basic comprehension for Christmas? Be warned though, it’ll probably ruin those prequels you’re so fond of.

          • October 9, 2016 at 4:13 am
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            Well, aren’t you the smart guy on here. Enjoy your Han, I’ll enjoy my prequels.

          • October 9, 2016 at 5:58 pm
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            It’s like talking to a brick wall. I guess ignorance is bliss.

          • October 10, 2016 at 6:43 pm
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            nice try.

    • October 6, 2016 at 8:00 pm
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      I care.

    • October 6, 2016 at 8:21 pm
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      For you.

      • October 6, 2016 at 8:59 pm
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        To poop on.

        • October 6, 2016 at 9:34 pm
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          Well played man. 🙂

    • October 6, 2016 at 9:19 pm
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      speak for yourself.

      • October 9, 2016 at 1:19 am
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        I did and many others.

        • October 9, 2016 at 1:25 am
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          Saying no one is interested is speaking for the fandom as a whole, not just yourself.

          • October 9, 2016 at 1:57 am
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            Lol, don’t read too much into it. I don’t presume to speak on behalf of everyone.

            I’m sure the new Disney SW fans will love it and want it…

            I’d rather not see his backstory and wish they would do old republic stuff, Reven movie, Bane movie, anything not rehashing every little detail of the big 3. Let some things stay unknown.

          • October 9, 2016 at 2:10 am
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            I completely agree but from a business standpoint leading with your most well know IPs is safest. Rogue one has the DS and Vader, then han, then either fett or obi-wan. All things the mass audience can recognize. Then, like marvel, I think we’ll get the deeper cuts we want in the second and third phases. Just need to be patient. 😉

          • October 9, 2016 at 7:58 am
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            Funny thing…I was really on board for the Fett film when it was first in line. As long as no origin movie and starts with him crawling out of sarlac!

          • October 9, 2016 at 9:52 am
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            we already got fett’s origin story in attack of the clones and on clone wars, so i think we’re safe. hopefully if we do get a fett/underworld movie it will either be fett in his prime or as you suggested, his triumphant return.

    • October 6, 2016 at 10:42 pm
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      Wrong.

      • October 9, 2016 at 2:03 am
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        Time will tell.

    • October 7, 2016 at 5:14 am
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      Out to make new friends again, eh Cw?

      • October 9, 2016 at 1:21 am
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        Lol…I got the love from that didn’t I.

  • October 6, 2016 at 7:13 pm
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    I thought Spielberg had sent him with a letter of recomendation…

    • October 6, 2016 at 9:16 pm
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      i think that got him in the door, but he still had to win the audition.

  • October 6, 2016 at 8:39 pm
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    I was hoping to hear more about what happened in the audition process because I haven’t heard much about it. I wonder if they had the actors read parts from a new hope or how they tested each one’s “solo-ness”

    • October 6, 2016 at 10:41 pm
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      Not ANH b/c Han is not that person yet. Probably a scene from the movie or a scene similar in tone.

  • October 6, 2016 at 9:03 pm
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    It’s almost comical the people who feel the need to read these articles about the new Han Solo movie only to say they won’t ever see it. What even compels you to read the article in the first place if you have no interest in it? How about reserving judgment until you see the movie, which we all know you will, and then weigh in?
    I would agree that this article is a non-story. The audition process was well documented. However, this website is committed to providing every tiny bit of Star Wars news they can find and I appreciate that.

    • October 6, 2016 at 9:17 pm
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      Because they’re mentally ill. Only a damaged mind would miss the irony of it.

    • October 6, 2016 at 9:18 pm
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      It is curiosity and lack of news from the small Star Wars world. We may actually see the movie eventually, but not in the cinema and not spending a dime for it. I am happy this will be your next great Star Wars experience. To me it will be one time viewing and then ignoring. The arguments agains this movie were widely discussed so I will not make that step. Don’t forget that every fan is allowed to express his oppinion here. Not only the cheers but the dissappointment as well….

      • October 6, 2016 at 10:20 pm
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        Yes, of course everyone gets to express their opinion… That is why I’m expressing my opinion that it is absurd you are disappointed about a movie you haven’t seen yet. BTW- My next great Star Wars experience will be Rogue One…. after that Episode VIII…. and THEN it will be this Han Solo movie. And I’m very happy that you won’t be there in the theater being buzz-kill talking about how you will never go see the next upcoming spin-off movie in theaters… or maybe, just maybe you will be there and then I’ll have to share my opinion again about how absurd you are.

        • October 7, 2016 at 2:12 am
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          No, I´m sorry, I won´t be there 🙂 really, I don´t want to mess with those who are happy about the upcoming movie, I will not tell you things about worshipping every fart Disney push out, I understand there will always be people who looks forward to see anything Star Wars. But to be a fanboy doesn´t mean to be happy about everything. And yes, you can be dissapointed about a movie you never saw. I´m sure you know why but let me tell you this once more: it is a dissappointment that one move was wasted using a character we already known for long time from four movies, a character we already saw young, with the whole story arc from pirate to great leader. I don´t want to uncover the veil. I don´t need to see the origin of Han Solo, I´m ok with few words here and there, I don´t need to actually see it. I´d rather see a Star Wars story about completely unknown characters, maybe in a complete different era then the galactic civil war or the Empire. (But create all these new stuff needs really skilled brains, and it is much easier to grab and use already established characters or era – at least in this we both could agree) This is the dissappointment. Not the quality of the movie, but the fact a movie like this will be made. Do you accept one could be dissappointed about that? And let´s say I could see some light at the end of the tunel and look forward to the final product. Then a second bomb explodes – Not only there will be a Star Wars movie about a character and story I don´t have any interest to see, but this character will be played by a person who is significantly shorter and doesn´t look in the slightest as Harrison Ford. Let´s see – if the age differency is significant, I´d have no problem with that. The limit would be like a teenager around 15. There you can still say okey, the boy will still grow up and change his facial….not to mention Ford is a legend and in the first instance I see his “younger version” I have to buy it – this is young Han Solo. Otherwise the suspension of disbelief is gone and never returns. So the cast ist the secon dissappointment. Did I justify my dissappointent to you? Does this sound absurd to you? Think again, deeply and without emotions. Does my dissappointment make me a lesser fanboy then you are? Is everybody who doesn´t like unconditionally anything Star Wars a hater? No. I´ve been a fanboy since Return of the Jedi hits cinemas. And will be until rest of my life. I am grateful that I can enjoy the new Star Wars movies. So far it will be minus one.

          • October 7, 2016 at 4:24 am
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            All I’m saying is reserve judgment until you see it… and don’t pretend like you’re not going to see it. It could be awful. It could be amazing. None of us know. How about having a open mind? I do think it is absurd to be so close-minded about a project you really don’t know much about involving a franchise and character you obviously have strong feelings for.

    • October 9, 2016 at 1:22 am
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      Lol, I didn’t read the article. And of course I’ll watch the movie. Just saying no one wanted it.

  • October 7, 2016 at 12:15 am
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    How do people not understand that if people really didn’t want to watch a Han Solo movie. Lucasfilm wouldn’t waste the time and effort to produce it.

    The internet vocalizing their discontent doesn’t mean everyone is against it. It just means a bunch of people who use the internet are against it.

    • October 7, 2016 at 12:57 am
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      The silent majority. Minorities often voice the loudest, then are surprised on the outcome of votes, etc. I’m not sure its needed, but chances are I’ll see it, after all its Star Wars. Though it all depends on the calibre of Star Wars films released, so far its looking ok (and that comes from someone who’s not totally happy with TFA).

      • October 7, 2016 at 9:35 am
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        Yeah, I never imagined that everybody would like TFA and would be happy with it. We’d be far too optimistic (Fairy tale landish) to believe that.
        However, it was what it was and I think a lot of people were pretty happy with it. I certainly was disappointed in some aspects of it just like most people were, but overall I enjoyed the film and am glad Star Wars is back in business instead of stuck in limbo waiting for Lucas and Co. to do something with Star Wars again. Whether it was a good thing, or bad thing to sell to Disney remains to be seen. However, so far it’s been okay and I feel that Lucas is finally happy to be away from the stress of it all even though it was all his baby.

        • October 7, 2016 at 7:29 pm
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          Sums up how I feel. I was a bit negative of TFA after the dazzle of it sunk in, but welcome it now for what it is. Star Wars is out of limbo and the future is bright with possibilities. People need to see how it plays out.

    • October 7, 2016 at 4:04 am
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      ^ people should remember this when they vocalize their hate for the prequels. The hateful crowd is not the only “real” Star War fans out there.

      • October 7, 2016 at 9:30 am
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        Oh I completely agree that I think some people are overly negative towards the prequels as well. I have to say that I’m biased to like TFA more than the prequels but I still like to watch the prequels every now and then with my family to get a good kick out of some of the fun/good stuff Lucas did with them, like the podracing, lightsaber duels, and Fall of Anakin Skywalker in RoTS.

        I get it that most people think that the originals are the best and will likely never get beat in terms of quality and impact on society. However, there are still fans who enjoy the prequels for what they are as well as this new beginning of the sequel trilogy.

        I’m pretty sure if you were to poll the world’s Star Wars fans they’d all agree that the Originals are the best, then TFA, then the prequels in terms of quality. Maybe RoTS, RoTJ, and TFA would get switched around in there with a lot of people but generally speaking and in my opinion that seems to be what most fans agree on as far as quality, enjoyment, and maturity of the films.

        • October 7, 2016 at 6:16 pm
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          I’m not a huge Prequel fan, but I understand that that’s largely a product of my time. I’m part of the original Star Wars generation so I have a nostalgic childhood attachment to the OT. That’s a bias that’s not to be dismissed.

          That being said, I’m a high school teacher and have had slews of students over the years that absolutely love the Prequels and the Clone Wars. The whole anti-Prequel mentality is completely alien to them. They’re not bemoaning Star Wars on websites and the consistent anti-Star Wars rhetoric exists totally outside of their fandom. And they are fans. They watch the films, play the video games, and work on cosplay outfits. A couple dozen angry 43-year-old guys still complaining about Jar Jar after 15 years is completely irrelevant to them. And they’re definitely not throwing fits because black people and girls are cast in these movies. That sort of thing might come from their crazy uncle, but not them.

          And they’re the new generation. Lucasiflm is only going to do so well going after an audience of people bouncing around 50 years of age with their own ideas of what Star Wars should be. Face it, we’re old! : )

          • October 11, 2016 at 2:03 pm
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            My cousin´s almost 18 year old son´s favourite episode is Clones :-). He likes the OT but he likes more the PT. As you said, we are 42-43 and we are old. We just don´t know until we look in the mirror or see some old fart and then realize he is few years younger then us 🙂

      • October 7, 2016 at 11:59 am
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        the huge difference being that we’ve actually seen and had to live with the prequels for over a decade while the solo film is still in pre-production.

    • October 7, 2016 at 7:07 am
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      The vocal minority indeed.

    • October 7, 2016 at 6:09 pm
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      Absolutely. As I’ve mentioned before, I wasn’t a huge fan of the idea, but it’s a friggin’ Star Wars movie and I’m sure as heck going to see it. I think that forums provide a really myopic view of fandom. There tends to be a minority of people that feel the need to whine and bemoan everything that comes down the pipe. The vast majority of those folks are going to see the movie anyway, regardless of what they say in places like this. In really, forum users are a very small slice of the movie-going public.

      • October 8, 2016 at 3:12 am
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        Yeah, I’d agree with that.

    • October 8, 2016 at 1:29 am
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      For me, Han Solo by himself just isn’t interesting enough, but the more I hear about young Lando or Sana Solo, or even Boba Fett, the more excited I get.

      That’s why the first Wolverine didn’t work for me. A great supporting character just isn’t enough to hold up a movie by himself. I’m a thousand times more interested in a film that explores the beginning of Han and Lando’s relationship in depth, and maybe features Boba Fett as the villain, than just a Han film or a Boba film with a few cameos here and there.

      But it goes without saying that even if it’s crap, I’ll still see it. We all know we will.

    • October 8, 2016 at 5:17 am
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      there´s a noisy minority that complains about everything in the comments sections of internet.They hardly represent any group at all

    • October 9, 2016 at 1:52 am
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      Time will tell if they did their home work on how successful it will be. Personally, I just don’t care to see Hans backstory.

  • October 8, 2016 at 1:10 am
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    Alden looks blazed in that photograph.

  • October 8, 2016 at 3:43 am
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    All in all if somebody isn’t interested in seeing a film, they shouldn’t be forced to see a film they aren’t interested in. However, I don’t see how $6 on a Tuesday (That’s the cheap price for where I live it might be different for you) for the chance to enjoy a great film with friends, family, and strangers that all are interested in Star Wars is really a bad risk.

    Yeah, it could be a bad movie. It could also be a great movie, since it’s all subjective.

    I thought The Thing was going to be a horrible movie because it sounded stupid and I didn’t like the idea of it, then it ended up being one of my favorite films.

    Batman Begins I was not interested in either because I didn’t know who Christian Bale was and I never really liked Batman that much, and it ended up being much much better than I originally thought.

    Now if I never went and saw the film in theaters because I wasn’t open to the idea that it “might” be good, then I would have missed out on that experience.

    I guess our view points are I don’t see the harm/risk in spending a little bit of money on an experience in theater that I will remember the rest of my life (Which might be a good or bad experience) versus I don’t see the harm/risk in not spending a bit money on a theater experience which you can watch at home by yourself or with your friends and family (Which might be a good or bad experience). Essentially, this is an argument on is it worth seeing a movie in theaters that you could end up liking or not liking.

    • October 10, 2016 at 1:52 am
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      I get your point, my friend. I´m afraid I didn´t expleain myself properly, when naming money one of the issues. It isn´t. You are right, that one ticket won´t ruin anyone. I said I will not pay to see this movie only to measure my lack of interest to see it. And I am convinced I explained it fully. If it a no name smuggler with same actor, no Chewbacca, “Lando”, Kessel Run or life debt, I would be at the midnight opening hoping for another great Star Wars movie. Why I don´t need/want to see this movie?:
      – Only Harrison Ford is Han Solo (doesn´t involve kids under 15). Solo is no 007. If you want me to believe this is Solo few years before Cantina, he has to look at least slighly as Ford and he has to be around his height.
      – We already saw young Han – In Episode 4. His whole story arc was told.
      – Generally I´m against origin movies about main characters or “legendary” bounty hunters. The veil of mystery on their past is part of what makes them so interesting.
      So the argument “it could be a great movie” doesn´t work for me. Will this be a Han Solo Origin? Check. Will he be played by an actor who doesn´t like in the slightest like Ford? Check. Is he considerably shorter then Ford? Check.
      Nevertheless I´m a fanboy and I will eventually see the movie. As I said, not in the cinema and not paying for it, as I believe this movie is not needed and I will not support it. If you know the Hobbit trilogy – I´m still hoping to find strenght to watch the third movie. I still didn´t.
      And by reading my post wou will realize that in no comment I am offensive to anyone who is looking forward to see this movie. I envy you. I would like to be on your side and enjoy one more Star Wars movie with you. But even Ford said when he was asked for an advice to the actor who will play young Solo “Don´t do it”. 🙂

      • October 11, 2016 at 2:34 am
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        Fair enough, at least you have reasons. A lot of people don’t even have reasons as to why they don’t like something.

        • October 11, 2016 at 11:51 am
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          thanks for understanding, I don´t want to fight with any fanboy, after all, and with all that diferent tastes, we all are in the same boat….

  • October 8, 2016 at 5:59 am
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    Did you really just say “meesa” like Jar Jar Binks? You ARE the worst!

    • October 10, 2016 at 1:31 am
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      …when there´s no more argument bullets….. 🙂 Yes, sir, I said “meesa”. I believe you´re afanboy and you know common jokes like “meesa” or “Sheev”, so please don´t pretend you are shocked, kid 🙂

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