SW7N Interview! Anthony Ingruber Working Hard to Land the Role of Han Solo in the Upcoming Anthology Film.
With the recent announcement of a Han Solo origin film scheduled for release in 2018, we’re all wondering who will end up being cast as our favorite scoundrel. Quite a number of fans have been looking at actor Anthony Ingruber as a possibility, due to his uncanny resemblance to (and ability to imitate) a young Harrison Ford. We were fortunate enough to be able to interview Ingruber, both about the possibility of his playing Han Solo, and about his career in general. Read on for more…
Han Solo. We’ve asked before: Who is Han Solo? Well, come May 2018, we’re going to find out a lot more about everyone’s favorite smuggler. We know who the directors are, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. Do yourself a favor and watch The Lego Movie, a great film by them. We also know the script is being helmed by Lawrence Kasdan and his son, Jon Kasdan. The Kasdan name needs no introductions to Star Wars fans. The big questions of “production value” have four big names to answer them out of the gate. As far as production goes, fans can rest assured the Han Solo Anthology Film is going to deliver.
The biggest question: Who will play Han Solo?
This casting call is a tricky one. Han Solo and Harrison Ford are almost synonymous. Han Solo is not a character like James Bond. Bond fans are usually greeted with a fresh face to play OO7 every few films, as the super-spy and his clichés are malleable enough for most capable actors. Harrison Ford will soon be handing the Solo-baton off to a much younger actor than himself, as this Solo-film presumably takes place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Ford wise-cracking with Chewie, giving Luke guff, and sweet-talking his way into a princess’ good graces.
Perhaps there is no need at all to look extend a long casting call or countless hours of read-throughs and negotiations with marquee names. It doesn’t need to be any more difficult than picking up the phone and calling Mr. Anthony Ingruber.
You may not know his name off the top of your head, but you will soon. Ingruber is an up-and-coming talent of his own…and it doesn’t hurt at all that his Harrison Ford impersonation DEAD ON. Don’t believe me, have a look below, if you haven’t already seen him in action.
We at SW7N, got a chance to chat with Ingruber about his career so far, his love of Star Wars, and his prospects, whether they be Star Wars or acting overall. Ingruber caught the eye of the right people, as he ended up portraying the younger version of Harrison Ford’s character in the film Age of Adaline. He actually met the man himself during the shoot.
SW7N: Around when did you find that impersonations were something you were fond of and something you really became interested in?
Anthony: I think I really started to practice impressions when I was around 13; due to my father’s job in foreign affairs my family and I were constantly moving and changing environments. I found early on that an easier way to make friends, rather than be the awkward new kid, was to be the funny guy. Impressions and voices were something that I found fun and it was that early interest that led to my passion for becoming an actor.
SW7N: What’s the first impression you learned to do? Was it Harrison Ford, or somebody else?
Anthony: Previous to the impressions, when I was a kid around 8 or 9 years old I loved both Star Wars and Elvis. In school photos I’m either sneering like Elvis with my hair plastered down with Brylcream or I’m smirking like Han.
SW7N: What did you learn as an actor from filming Age of Adaline? As we have learned, it was your first major film role, and you had to embrace and act out on the silver screen in a matter that was much more different than your YouTube and other video productions.
Anthony: It was both exciting and daunting that my first real role was something that I had dreamed of since childhood; portraying my hero Harrison Ford. I was really sort of thrown in the deep end overnight; going from amateur indie films and my YouTube impressions to acting next to A-list giants on a major film. Luckily the cast and crew were all amazing and kind people and made the transition much smoother than I thought. The entire film was a big learning experience and taught me a lot about both the industry and the process involved in acting. I think my experience on that set was invaluable and something I’m very grateful for.
SW7N: For your character of young William Jones, you came off as both a capable actor, but also a striking replica of Harrison Ford in his youth. Was there anything special about William that allowed you to both act as a younger Ford, but also make it a bit of your own character?
Anthony: Well the thing was that William Jones ISN’T Indiana Jones (although the name is quite similar!). So I didn’t feel that I had to play him as an established character. I used inflections and nuances that I observed in Ford’s work that I knew would make sense for the character, but I didn’t think “okay, how would Han Solo deliver this line? Instead I was able to act out the scene as I would normally but still utilize the characteristics that Ford is famous for.
SW7N: Since Age of Adaline was your first major movie, what changes have you noticed regarding your fans and their interaction with you? Has it become even stronger from the film, have you gained many more from it?
Anthony: The fan response to my work has been terrific and very touching. I have received some wonderful messages from people all over the world who really enjoyed what I did and hope to see much more of me. My internet almost exploded when images from the film and of Harrison and I were released with congratulations, which was really wonderful.
SW7N: If given the opportunity, which Harrison Ford-Lucasfilm character would you rather play: Han Solo or Indiana Jones? Why would you pick one character over the other?
Anthony: That’s a very tough question; kind of like choosing a favorite kid. I think I’m leaning more towards Han Solo as what I’ve heard from the people working on it, it sounds like it will be a really great film.
SW7N: We know you’ve had a great deal of respect and now even interaction for Harrison Ford, but outside of Han Solo, what do you like about all the Star Wars movies, such as characters, myths, etc?
Anthony: I think the music is absolutely wonderful and is one of my favorite aspects of the films. From the moment the titles hit the screen and John Williams score hits you like a punch in the face, you know you’re in for something special. Also the Luke/Vader twist is one of the best in cinema history.
SW7N: We have heard that you will be giving your best to audition for the young Han Solo movie. Besides your obvious resemblance to Ford, and your very strong impersonation, what other aspects of the character do you feel you need to learn how to embody?
Anthony: The thing that attracts me to that is that there is very little known about Han Solo’s origin; he’s a complete mystery. He sort of swaggers onto the scene and does his thing but nobody knows where he came from or how he and Chewbacca became friends. It leaves it very open to tell some interesting stories.
SW7N: Have you been approached by Lucasfilm in any way in the last 2 years?
Anthony: I was actually approached to voice in Star Wars Rebels a few years ago, but there was some change in character/plot lines so sadly it fell through. I’m hoping I get the chance to portray Han in the upcoming spin off film and am working hard to try to make that happen.
SW7N: What do you think of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who were recently announced to direct the young Han Solo movie?
Anthony: I absolutely loved the Lego movie; it was smart, funny and very warm and reminded me of Toy Story. I also loved Lego since I was an infant and have 4 boxes of the stuff in my garage so that was a plus! Their humor is really clever and I thought the Jump Street movies were also brilliant.
SW7N: What do you like to see in this movie in terms of story. Han’s first meeting with Chewie and Lando, his life as a smuggler or some new stories and adventures with the character?
Anthony: I’d love to see the beginning of his friendship with Chewie and rivalry with Lando, but I would also like to be surprised with some new things. I’m sure Han is a bit of a ladies man so it would be interesting to see what his previous girlfriends were like.
SW7N: What are your thoughts on Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens? Are you excited for it? And what are you looking forward to most from the film?
Anthony: I’m pretty sure I wasn’t alone when Han said “Chewie we’re home” and nerded out just a little. I’m trying to stay away from the internet forums to avoid spoilers; I know nothing about the plot and want to see it and be surprised.
SW7N: If there was one character from Star Wars, other than Han Solo, that you could be, who would it be?
Anthony: I’d like to voice one of the aliens…like Jabba the Hut’s crazy half brother.
SW7N: You’ve grown up all across the world, as you’ve stated. Which country do you hold your greatest connection to?
Anthony: I think New Zealand will always be home to me…I have wonderful friends there and my high school years were a blast because of it. I also developed my love of film there thanks to Sir Richard Taylor and Weta workshop.
SW7N: Can you tell us about any voice-over work or film roles you will be involved in the upcoming months?
Anthony: Unfortunately, I can’t share anything until it is announced! Hopefully soon though!
There you have it, folks! Ingruber is not only a fellow fan of Star Wars, he’s got something he can’t talk about until it’s announced. Hmmm…a Jedi could say their instincts tell them that this sounds awfully familiar in terms of Star Wars related announcements. We here at SW7News think Anthony Ingruber would make a damn fine Han Solo. What do you guys think?
Thanks to all Cantina staff members involved with the interview, especially ZebroGodilla!
The Age of Adaline is available on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Download now.
Kyle Larson lives in Portland, Oregon. When he's not running trails, he's reading and writing.
Thank you for this opportunity to interview Mr. Ingruber, it was a pleasure.
I am rooting for Ingruber to play Han or Indy or both!
Great this guy is very awesome, I hope he gets the part, he is just too good at impersonating Han solo to be left out, when I first seen the guy I thought he was Ford’s son or something, I’m truly amazed at how much he resembles Harrison, it is actually quite scary
If I won’t see this guy as han solo I’m gonna write a conspiracy theory about the disney-illuminati
I’m sold. Sign him up! Petition Disney if need be.
He certainly looks the part, but does he have the skills to fill Ford’s shoes in the the role? If he’s really working hard to perfect the part, I’d be excited to see what he’s capable of. It’s a lot of pressure for any young actor.
He’s already got Ford’s endorsement for being a very talented actor if you watch that one video and he has already played a younger version of Ford’s character. SW is know for taking unknown and actors with little work and making them stars.
Agreed, that fact is in his favor. However, the pressure that Disney is under by the fans to cast him as Han may work against him.
So tired of hearing about this guy can he even act.
no he cant act, all he can muster is a sh*tty ford impersination–the kid is a terrible actor, id rather have a great actor that looks nothing like ford than someone who resembles the guy but cant act his way out of a paper bag, all he does is furrow his damn eyebrows, thats not acting . hes absolutely terrible
He’s already got Ford’s endorsement for being a very talented actor if
you watch that one video and he has already played a younger version of
Ford’s character. SW is know for taking unknown and actors with little
work and making them stars. So you botched that one.
ford has liked a lot of sh*tty co stars before, his word doesnt mean jack, if it was PT anderson then id believe the claim cuz he only works with really talented performers–Ford not so much, him choosing to be in garbage like age of adelaine shows what he thinks is “quality” is not the same as mine and hopefully miller and lord who will steer far away from this idiot kid.
As if your opinion is the only valid one. I’d trust Ford over yours. And I liked Age of Adeline.
Ugh! Please no. He is overrated imho.
Agreed. I think his impression is no better or worse than any random Star Wars fan. I do however belive he should be given a chance to audition the same as anybody else interested in the role however.
How can an unknown be overrated?
Ingruber don’t have a chance. The Young Han Solo must be played by a female
I’d like to see this kid get a shot at the role.
Awesome interview. I like the kid a lot. I don’t know if he can carry an entire film but that’s what casting directors are for. They’ll figure it in the end.
I agree that he should be given a chance to audition for the part. Anthony is a funny guy who seems genuine and hard working. With that said I think the role will probably go to a more established/experienced actor for commercial reasons. One thing is certain it will not be an a-lister like Chris Pratt but someone who has some profile that we are aware of.
I am more excited about this film than the Force Awakens. I think it is in safe hands with the Lego guys and the Kasdan clan. Han was my hero as a kid from the moment I saw him blow Greedo away.
Am I the only one who wants to see a Han Solo trilogy if this movie is a big success?
IF the first one is really good, I would love that! (but only IF the first is good, I would hate it if the first one sucked and they continued to do a disservice to the legend of Han Solo by continuing to make more).
But, if they’re good, lots of potential for sure. Maybe even drag in some Corporate Sector references in from the EU 😉
You gotta understand how studios think though. It’s not about exact lookalikes unfortunately.
Oh HELLS yes.
Yes !
Why not. I’m all for the role going to relatively unknown actor. Chewie, Lando, and the Falcon should also have significant screen time .
Anybody but Chris Pratt!!!!!!!!!
He’s like the American Cumberbatch now.
KHAAAANN!!!
You know, I don’t think it’s always good to flesh characters out like this. Part of Han Solo’s appeal is the mystery of his character. Look what we got with Darth Vader. Are we more or less interested in him now?
I would say I am more interested in the character. The Clone Wars tv show really improved upon what was set up and not fully delivered with the prequel films. But I agree that there are certain characters that don’t need an origin story and Han Solo is definitely one of them.
I think if it’s well done, we could get a good story about Han Solo’s past. He’s always been the most likable of the original cast (IMO), and if they could give us more material from his “prime”, that would be really awesome. I’d prefer something set after ROTJ, but since that really isn’t possible for lots of reasons, I’d settle for pre-ANH.
Just… I hope it’s well done. That’s all.
it doesnt have to do with this… but I noticed a rebel leader named ematt appeared in both smuggler’s run and moving target, in moving target even in the episode VII timed epilogue, so will we see this guy? and if yes, who might be portraying him? note that we have a picture of him in smuggler’s run, pretty sure he’s the guy standing next to han and chewie in the drawing in front of part three…
yes he is in VII; not so long ago there was a rumour circulating that he might be Leia’s husband and Poe Dameron’s father.
http://makingstarwars.net/2015/07/pic-meet-major-ematt-about-30-years-before-star-wars-the-force-awakens/
http://makingstarwars.net/2015/07/on-star-wars-the-force-awakens-general-organa-and-poe/
Han and Leia were never married. Han is the father of someone in VII, but it is not Poe Dameron.
we’re talking about major ematt
oh well… but whatever soecukation that was… I think shattered empire dismissed it… I’m not sure cause I haven’t read yet shattered empire… just thinkin’
He definitely has the look and mannerisms down, which would help us get over the hurtle of seeing someone other than Harrison Ford as Han Solo, but the more important thing is, can he act? I haven’t seen Age of Adaline. I’ve heard mixed things, though.
I bet if you could somehow convince someone that it wasn’t Ford in Empire but, instead, someone who looks remarkably like him doing an impression, you’d have a solid chance of hearing mixed things as well. “Oh, he’s not quite right because he’s trying too hard to sound like Han. The way he said this isn’t the way Han would have said it. As soon as they wanted him to do something unlike how Han’s already been portrayed, it fell apart or fell flat.” and on and on, dismissing its value on the basis of something other than its being (that is, “the work as it is”). But others would just go, “I still see no difference. It’s perfect! What an amazing performance!” and possibly give it too much credit for being a “perfect imitation” – that is praising it for something other than its being.
That’s the fine line one must walk when they are portraying a well-known role such as this (established in reality or fiction previously) – recognizable but not plainly imitative. Human but wrapped within a sort of iconography.
I would argue that Johnny Depp’s acting as Captain Jack Sparrow in the second Pirates of the Caribbean film felt more like a forced imitation bordering on caricature than did Ingruber’s performance as a younger Jones in Age of Adaline. But, as you noted, there is disagreement on this subject.
I was hesitant at first, but…
…oh hell yes.
I would love for the Han Solo movie to be like a cross between Casanova and Ocean’s 11. There are many Han Solo conquests to be told but at the same time there needs to be a central story for the movie to be grounded upon, so a giant heist/smuggle job planned and executed in a comedic way would be great.
Ingruber could work if young Han is part of an ensemble. If the movie’s story focuses squarely on Han as the only lead, then that could be a problem.
A lot can be debated about whether or not this movie should or should not be made. But we have to accept that it is in fact happening. I wasn’t for this film to begin with, but since it’s inevitable and has a great team behind it, I’m hoping that they pick the best possible choice for Solo, and I have confidence that they will.
I am rooting for Ingruber in hopes that he will deliver on both fronts, but if that can’t be done – I hope they will go with an actor that can deliver the part. Looks are something, and I’m impressed with Ingruber’s impressions, but I haven’t seen Age of Adeline so I can’t form an opinion on his acting ability.
That being said, he’s as good as any in the running for now, but can he be to Han Solo what DeNiro was to Brando’s Vito Corleone? That kind of performance is what it will take to win over the Star Wars fanbase.
I said this before and I’ll say again, give the guy a shot, for real!.. Of course, if that happens, I don’t believe the role will be landing in any other person than Ingruber… Yeah, yeah, I know that annoying argument, that production will pick a experienced actor over a “lookalike”, and blah, blah.. That’s usual because, you know, inot every lookalike roaming the castings is actually capable of blending in and delivering the character as required. So, given that, ofc they will rather stick with the next best thing, instead. With that in mind, and what I have gathered so far, about Anthony, I don’t believe it will work like that. Don’t forget social network popularity nowadays, also plays a part on deciding who to pick for a role, and Anthony is growing a nice fan base world wide. But we’ll see…
No no, a thousand times no. At least not until he’s taken some screen acting classes. He does an uncanny mimicry of Harrison Ford’s film dialogue, but he fell flat on his face when called on to actually create something new in terms of performance.
And you won’t even listen to Harrison Ford’s opinion on him? You need to watch more of the stuff, not just the one youtube video. What acting experience did a lot of the other SW actors have before they were signed? Many of them not much.
Exactly! Mr.Ford had only played a role in American Graffiti (maybe something else, not quite sure). He was great there, but still Star Wars was very, very different compared to that. I think he could do a great job.
He was in The Conversation. Didn’t say much in that movie, and had only a few scenes.
Ford however had been acting since college. That’s a decade and a half of acting vs Ingruber getting an acting gig last year because he posted a pretty good Youtube collection of impressions.
I have not seen his Youtube video. I watched his performance in Adeline. He was, as I think I might have mentioned, an uncanny young Ford in his first scene. The whole conceit fell on its face when Ingruber was tasked with playing something he couldn’t reference from an existing HF role however. The picnic scene is painful to watch. The forest scene of stitching the cut is painful to watch. It’s not about his CV, it’s about him not having much experience as an actor.
And we all know all the actors in SW had a lot of experience before SW. 😉
The majority of critics who praised his performance in Age of Adaline would disagree with you. I’d recommend checking out Eyes Open Never More. I think he did a good job in that file. (It’s a pretty depressing btw). I think Disney should give him an audition and then it’ll be up to him at that point…
Kathleen Kennedy should hire this guy ASAP. This is going to be an important “Star Wars Story” He totally has Han Solo down. His passion to play the role and get it right are obvious. Hire him now and he can start working on character and meet up with the Kasdan’s to flesh out dialogue. This is a no brainer.
Kathleen Kennedy said the actor will be porytraying Han Solo in his late teens to early twenties. Ingruber will be in his late twenties when this movie comes out, so his casting is highly unlikely on age alone. Plus, he may look like Ford, but acting takes a lot more than being a lookalike and an impersonator. Highly doubt this happens.
Kasdan said the Han Solo character would be late teens or early 20s. Ingruber in his mid 20s if the film is shot within a couple of years he can portray early 20s with no problem. Mark Hamill was 25 portraying a close to 20 year old Luke, you know.
All likelihood of him getting the job aside, I don’t think age will be a deal breaker. How many movies set in high school were filmed with actors in their 20’s? (read: most of them)
You act is if he didn’t already have the role of younger Ford in Age of Adeline and Ford himself’s endorsement of his acting.
Ford was born in 1942 and was 34 years old when he shot Star Wars. Ingruber’s about 10 years younger than Ford (he just turned 25) and it’s not a stretch for him to play a role 3-4 years younger than his actual age.. If Toby McGuire in his 20s can play a high school kid in Spider-man, Anthony Ingruber can play Han Solo. 🙂
He’s certainly got the look, and yeah his Han Solo impersonations are impressive, but he needs to be a good actor as well. I haven’t seen any of the films he’s been in, but I have heard he’s not great in them, other than looking like a young Harrison Ford…. I’d rather they picked someone who was a great actor and could make the part their own, while still being true to the original. Like Ewan McGregor did with Obi-Wan.
I don’t need an actor acting like Harrison Ford. I want an actor that can play the role of Solo or Jones.
People that want this kid to star as a young solo just because he can do an impression don’t have a clue.
Well, he looks and sounds the part… Seriously that is scarily good.
Lead role in a movie requires more than just impression, but I’m sure they’re interested in him and for a good reason. This could work. Personally I am quite optimistic he could pull it off, everybody does their first big role sometime.
I really wish they weren’t making this movie. So many ways it can go wrong. Han Solo’s character wasn’t all that old in ANH to begin with.
I love the idea and think they have the right people working on it to make it good. Ford was 35 in 1977. If they make Solo even 25 that is 10 years to play with until ANH.
He was 29 years old so it could work. Anthony looks way younger than he is.
That video of his Solo impersonation is 7 years old.
Anthony is 26 now.
I know, but look at the pic when he’s posing with Harrison Ford. Looks pretty young to me.
Ford was born in 1942 and was 34 years old when he shot Star Wars. Ingruber’s about 10 years younger than Ford so It’d work out great I think.
Yes, but I’m the Star Wars universe his age was 29 during ANH. He was born 29 BBY.
If Ford can be cast for a role that’s 5 years younger than his actual age, so can Ingruber. It also helps that Ingruber’s almost 10 years younger than Ford at the time ep4 was shot.
Here is a good example why Disney and Lucasfilm made the new-canon. The story of this movie would already been told ( if it is to be about how he meets Chewie and so on).
To me, he sounds just like Harrison Ford. Not the exact same, but very closely. Nobody canbe as good as the man himself.
I understand a lot of people are apprehensive about him being cast since many people only know him from his impressions and small role in Age of Adaline. Here’s a short film he stars in that was just released. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqnl7eq1AC0
I wish Anthony the best of luck, but the attention may work against him. I doubt they want it to look like they were pressured into casting him based on fan response.
And for those complaining about his experience: Carrie Fisher had one small role before Star Wars in “Shampoo”. Hamill had done a recurring role on a soap opera and a bunch of small guest appearances on various tv shows. Ford did a lot of small roles and American Graffiti was his biggest role at the time. He was about to give up acting when he landed Solo.
Anthony had 8 small roles before Age of Adaline and has several shorts coming out. He has more credits than Daisy Ridley, by the way.
Well said. I think it will boil down to how good of an actor Ingruber is on his own, and also what the story for this young Han Solo movie will be. Is young Han front and center, or will he be part of an ensemble? Ingruber might have the best shot at landing the role if it’s the latter.
Not if it’d necessarily work against him… The thing is, 90% of the buzz out there has been in support of him getting the role. If it was like 50/50, that’d be a different story maybe. If I was Disney, I’d at least give him an audition and hope for the best.
What I’m saying is even the positive attention can be bad. Studios don’t necessarily want to look like they have been pressured into casting choices based on fan response. They can react negatively and consider it annoying.
Am I seriously the only person around who found his impression less than impressive?
Who does it better?
Nobody. He’s not easily imitable. But just because this kid has a good impression that means he should play Han in a major motion picture? Slow down, Champ.
Exactly!
Who better, though? That has the appropriate age and looks.
I’m not sure Harrison Ford is a go-to impression for the majority of people who do them, but that’s not really the point is it? Pronouncing Falcon “Fahl-con” does not a mimic make.
But why the adamant hatred? The lack of acting experience doesn’t fly because it can be said for so many when they first starred in the originals.
He doesn’t need to do an exact impression to get the role. He’s the right age, has the look and the baritone, plus he is in fact an actor who’s been in some independent films. He also played a small role on a Disney TV show a few years ago. If the guy gets and audition and he kills it, he should get the role. Pressure’s on him at the audition though if he gets it… 🙂
When I first saw him I thought, alright he can do a reasonable impression and naturally looks and sounds a lot like Harrison, but he had no experience and was an amateur actor. Clearly he’s doing more and more work and building up a real background as a serious actor so I don’t see why he wouldn’t be a prime choice for the role. No one else can do their own take on Solo, it has to be as close to Solo as we know him, so someone who can impersonate him, looks and sounds like him, and who can also act, is the obvious choice. Given experienced direction and production values no reason they can’t actually pull this off.
I certainly can envisage him as the Han Solo we all know and love far more readily than I can ever envisage scrawny Hayden Christensen could ever become the man inside the Vader suit…
Drop-of-the-hat obvious choice for the casting of young Han. The studio would be very stupid to cast anyone else.
I vote Chris Pratt.
For Indy sure. But he’s like 36 and looks/sounds nothing like Ford.
I agree. I love Chris Pratt and I think he could pull of Indy as well. But with the way that Lucasfilm is connecting all these stories together, they have to make us believe that this Han Solo is exactly the same man we see in the OT and the ST. Kennedy recently stated that the film would focus on a much younger Solo, in his late teens or early twenties. Ingruber may even be too old for Han in this story. I think this is the best way they could go to make it believable. Chris Pratt is actually older now than Harrison was in ’77. The actor needs to be young enough for the audience to believe he could transform into Ford’s Solo in the next 15 years or so. Acting prowess will be huge with this role, but looks and age will also be major factors.
He looks and sounds a little like Harrison Ford, but did you see him in Age of Adaline? He is not a good actor. He’s an impressionist. Give him new dialogue and he won’t know what to do with it. I don’t want someone who looks and sounds like Harrison as Han. I want someone who embodies Han and feels/acts like Han. I don’t need their faces to exactly match up or voices. I just need the acting to be up to par. I love that the same people claiming Hayden Christensen is a terrible actor want this Ingruber guy as Han Solo. Hilarious.
Not sure if you’ve seen this but it’ll give you a good idea of his acting ability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqnl7eq1AC0
He’s good. I’m convinced.
Exactly! There’s a huge difference between doing an impersonation, and embodying a character! He looks a little similar, but mimicking Harrison Ford’s facial movements is not all it would take to be Han Solo. Especially given new dialogue where he would have nothing to mimic!
You don’t think he knows that? Of course he can’t be a complete mimic, as he even pulled back on Age of Adeline. With a good director, and he knows he can’t try to do a perfect imitation all the time.
I don’t think the people that are going to bat for him know that! And from what I’ve heard his performance in that film was not that great as a young Harrison Ford.
You’re a vocal minority. Critics saw him in Age of Adaline and even if they were not too keen on the movie, the vast majority praised his performance. He should audition for the role and if he knocks it out of the park, he should be picked for the part.
I really hope Anthony Ingruber gets it. It’s uncanny how good this guy’s Harrison Ford is. Loved his Crispin Glover, too. The bigger challenge, though, is who would be a good young Lando. That’s the tough one.
I’ve seen a lot of people throw Michael B Jordan around as Lando. Could work if they can get him to look just like him. Fantastic actor.
Terence Howard or Donald Faison would be better.
Needs to be Nikolaj Coster Waldau from Game of Thrones (Jamie Lanister). Dude looks just like a young Han Solo.
He’s 45, man!
He’d play a good 45 year old Han.
Keyword here is “young”
Not really.
Young Han Solo? He’s barely getting away with being a 30-something Jaime Lannister lol
I downvoted you. I’d do it again if I could.
It’s a prequel meaning he needs to be 29 or younger.
I don’t think I could get into that movie believing it is Han Solo unless Anthony plays Solo role. I mean,Han solo was not old guy in originals,he was around 35 years old,so you can’t cast someone who is 25 to play younger version of him,unless it is Anthony. Please,we want Anthony for that role,because man don’t change too much in lifetime,especially in 10 years. I could only believe it is real Han,only if Anthony plays that role.
I agree, It’s probably part of the reason why the Young Indy series wasn’t as well received as it could have been as Flannery and Ford barely resemble one another.
Who is this ‘we’ you speak of who want an untested guy who has two youtube videos and 5 minutes of HF impressions on film as the sum total of his acting experience? Mrs Ingruber, is that you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqnl7eq1AC0
Wow!, he doesn’t need to impersonate ford. His acting in this short film is great and he still reminds me of Harrison Ford (without the gimicy impressions). Any doubters please watch this short film and not a home video on youtube from 7 years ago. Damn it! now I will be very disappointed if they don’t use this guy.
I do like his impressions, they’re really good… but I’d like to see him act first! [Edit] Just did, there’s a short film on youtube. Hes’ not bad, but I think he needs a lot more acting experience before tackling a major character like Han Solo.
Still better than Hayden Christensen on his best day.
Said someone who saw neither Shattered Glass nor Life as a House.
You clearly have not seen many films if you think those are examples of good acting. There’s a reason why he dropped off the face of the Earth for a decade before the stupid rumors of him being in Episode VIII started which surprisingly this site has not reported on yet.
Ingruber wouldn’t and shouldn’t fully have to imitate Harrison Ford’s character, since Han Solo is supposed to be quite young and unformed by the world.
Being so young as he is, he doesn’t know who he is yet. I like to think his miserable experiences in the Empire formed his sarcastic but resourceful personality.
That should leave more space for Ingruber to act rather than imitate Han Solo.
Then…if…you’re not looking for imitation, why not just cast someone who can bring the right energy and attitude? Don’t get the overwhelming NEED some people seem to have to get this guy cast as anything and everything Harrison Ford ever did on film.
There are no other actors who look the part.
I just don’t see/hear it o_o
PLEASE GOD?!! NO!!!! This guy is a tool
WHY?….just why?! I don’t care how good the story is..this movie has FAIL written all over it. What a horrible…HORRIBLE idea….it is like a bad dream.
I hope they come to their senses soon and realize that the backlash from this movie is going to be HUGE. They could have the best story ever written and the best actor in the world and nobody is still going to take a new Han Solo serious……oh wait…..They already cast Han Solo with the best actor in the world in 1976.Han Solo does not need an Origin movie……dumb
Yup, and you’d think that with the SW universe as large as it is they’d be able to create some new characters and new stories that aren’t all about filling in the blanks around the Original Trilogy.
Absolutely. I wasn’t too keen on the ‘Anthology movies’ idea at all, but Rogue One sounds like a decent idea. However, when I heard about a potential Boba Fett movie, and now the Solo movie, it’s obvious the whole ‘Anthology’ bit is just an unashamed cash in.
Im 100% with you people.. i want to see a new story, with new characters and no cross over at all. they need an Old Republic movie, with Sith vs Jedi everywhere.
I know right! This bugs me to no end. I love Han Solo, but no. Just no. This movie idea is one of the worst ideas ever. Han Solo is not complex enough to need a back story. And JEEEZUS why can’t they take a new direction and ya know, come up with a new story line. I mean the possibilities are endless and they want to ruin one of the best characters in Star Wars for what they think “fan service” would be. A whole galaxy of characters, timelines, and things they could do, but they go for a Han Solo “solo” movie?? I thought Disney was doin ok in decision making, then this. Flippin terrible.
The resemblance is uncanny, but I felt that in Age of Adaline Ingruber was giving more of am impersonation of Ford rather than acting. It’s one thing to have a few lines as part of a flashback and another thing entirely to have the skill to carry a movie.
I love Han Solo and all, but I have no desire to see his origin story.
The way Kasdan explained the development it doesn’t seem like it will be an origin story. More like a Han Solo adventure that happens to take place before A New Hope.
His impression of Ford is soooo good, but acting is not impression, in this respect , we have not seen enough of him yet.
He looks like Harrison but the impersonation feels forced. He needs to fly casual.
your memes are dank sir.
I looked all over for a clip with Ingruber in Age of Adaline, but I couldn’t find anything – seems non-official clips are being held tight on that film. I think that Age of Adaline would be a much better representation of his Ford-esque acting ability, as that involved new scenes to which he had no baseline to mimic, so if he did a good job in that, that answers the question of whether or not he’s qualified for this. But I can’t tell because I haven’t seen the film. I like his comment about just acting the scene normally but using some of Harrison’s tricks as a secondary thing.
His impersonations are fun an’ all, but if a Han Solo movie is to succeed it needs someone with serious acting chops. I doubt this guy can carry a movie on his own, he just doesn’t have the experience. Just cast a great actor and forget about similarities. Ewan McGregor made a great Obi Wan and he didn’t do Alec Guinness impressions, he made it his own. The result is a character that stands on his own, but who we have no trouble believing will grow into the Obi Wan we know from the original film.
An argument can be made that Ewan McGregor had little experience before Episode 1. Of course a bit more than Ingruber. However, in taking on such an iconic role like Obi-Wan, they chose a relatively inexperienced actor to fill those shoes and audiences were able to identify him as a young Kenobi.
wow, McGregor did a LOT before Episode one and his role in Trainspotting is probably better know with movie audiences than that of Obi-wan.
Yeah, I don’t know where you were for Trainspotting etc. but McGregor was nearly a household name, at least at my University back in the day… well before Phantom Menace.
Full disclosure, I was fairly young when Phantom Menace came out so I wouldn’t have a good perception on the matter. But I’ve talked with many people I know who were much older at the time and none of them knew the name Ewan McGregor. Some hadn’t even seen Trainspotting until after Star Wars. Considering that it was Star Wars that actually drew some people to his earlier work was my reasoning behind the statement. So I still wouldn’t say he was a house hold name. He had done quite a bit of work. Like I said, far more than Ingruber. But definitely not a house hold name.
That’s true, although he had done Trainspotting, which showcased his acting talent. He also didn’t have to carry the entire movie, whereas whoever ends up playing young Solo will have to do that.
Shouldn’t an actor make the character their own instead of an imitation of what has been done before?
If it’s a new character, sure.
If he’s supposed to be portraying an established character, especially one so iconic and unique as Han Solo, then no. Just putting any old actor in a black vest and rolling the camera isn’t going to cut it. It has to be somebody whom the audience can actually buy in the role.
The way they handled Obi Wan in the PT was a good baseline for this. Ewan had the look of a young Alec Guinness, and he was able to imitate Guinness’ voice well enough that it was easy to see him as a young Obi Wan Kenobi. And of course, along with that, Ewan brought his own stuff to the role as well.
This is what I’d see Ingruber doing if they cast him as Han. He’ll look enough like Harrison Ford and be able to do his voice and mannerisms well enough that it will help us to see a young version of Han. And then, the story will give Ingruber plenty of room to explore new facets of the character.
And really, let’s be honest… Han Solo may be the coolest thing to come flying out of the GFFA, but he was never a particularly complex character. He was basically an overgrown hot-rodder with the gift of gab and a pesky moral streak that ended up being what finally made him grow up. It’s a great foundation to build on, but it’s not some densely layered dramatic character. Basically what really breathes life into the character of Han is, for better or worse, the fact that Harrison Ford played him. If they’re going to make a film about a younger Han Solo, that Harrison Ford thing needs to be there or it’s just not going to work.
I like the idea of casting Ingruber as Han.
Here’s the thing, though. I think the idea of a Han Solo origin film is almost guaranteed to fall on its ass. For one thing, as some others here have pointed out, the mystery behind the character’s origins was always part of what made Han such a cool character. (For the record, I never liked seeing Boba Fett’s origins for the same reason.)
But the other problem with this, and with the notion of an Indiana Jones reboot for that matter, is that so much of the character is wrapped up in Harrison Ford’s portrayal. You can’t put just anyone in a flight vest and plop him into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and have it work. You need somebody who can pull off both the look and the personality that Harrison brought to the role.
It’s the same reason that Ewan MacGregor was the perfect choice to play a young Obi Wan. He not only bears a very passable resemblance, but he was also able to do a decent impression of Alec Guinness’ vocal patterns.
Look, I liked Chris Pratt just fine in Guardians of the Galaxy, but the last thing I want to see is Pratt doing his frat-boy dude-bro thing as Han Solo. If they MUST make a Han Solo origin film (and again, while I understand it as a marketing move, I think that from a storytelling perspective it’s a lousy idea) then they need to find somebody for the role who looks and acts like a young Harrison Ford, whether it’s Ingruber or somebody else.
But I think Ingruber would do a fine job as Han. Especially if they’re going to show Han as being 18-20 years old and not yet fully settled into his familiar persona.
He has my vote. He can fine tune his acting on Han Solo. No worries. Age of Adeline was a good story and he was believable as Harrison Ford.
My art for Ingruber
Is it possible to make actors look younger? ‘Cause then Harrison Ford could play him.
there is no reason for this movie to exist….money money money. star wars used to be a special thing. sadly it just feels like product now. crank it all out as fast as possible. raise that stock.
there was nothing dead on about that impression. hammy face acting. voice way too high.
Those are really old. Watch the new stuff.