The Hunt for Han Continues: Disney Sees Over 2,500 Actors To Fill The Vest of The Galaxy’s Most Famous Scoundrel
What do Percy Jackson, Carl Grimes, and Mr. Fantastic have in common? Well, according to an article by The Hollywood Reporter, these are all roles whose actors are vying for a chance to play the most iconic space cowboy of all time, and a chance to take part in the shaping of the legend that is Han Solo. Hit the jump to read more.
From The Hollywood Reporter:
Disney and Lucasfilm are scouring the galaxy in what some are calling the widest casting search ever for the actor who will play a young Han Solo in the planned Star Wars spinoff movie.
According to sources, more than 2,500 actors have met on the project or put themselves on tape, with casting director Jeanne McCarthy running point on finding the man to fill the vest made famous by Harrison Ford in the first Star Wars trilogy and The Force Awakens, which opens Dec. 18.
The contenders are being whittled down before Star Wars spinoff directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who worked with McCarthy on the hit Jump Street films, hone in on their Han. The movie isn’t due to shoot until January 2017 for a May 25, 2018, release, so they have plenty of time to make a choice.
According to the article, it seems that the film’s creators are taking the opposite approach from the plan the producers of The Force Awakens took. They aren’t just looking at unknowns – they are seeing everyone. The supposed leaked list of actors who have auditioned for the coveted role range from unknowns like Kickin’ It‘s Leo Howard, to sort-of-knowns like Jurassic World‘s Nick Robinson, to more well known actors like Dave Franco and Miles Teller.
Reportedly, casting directors are not just looking at Americans either, as they also turn their gaze toward some Canadian and British actors as well. The casting team is said to be looking for someone who looks at least a bit like a young Ford, and can be funny and charming as well as handle the expected action scenes.
The Hollywood Reporter also reports that the top-secret Solo project is working under the code name “Red Cup”. Get it? Give it time, it’ll come to you. Think back to your college days.
Check out the full article for some more names of actors that have thrown their hats into the ring. The role of Han Solo in the upcoming 2018 anthology film has already long been debated by hopeful and skeptical fans alike. But given this new list of names that has surfaced, it seems the debate has been reopened. Of the names mentioned in the article, who do think is most likely to get the part? Share your 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.
If anyone mentions Ingruber I’m going postal on them. Good impressionist and lookalike, but that doesn’t mean good actor.
Knock yourself out… He has my vote.
Based on what? A youtube video impersonation and two lines in Age of Adeline?
Yeah, well of course that’s enough to make him the lead of a blockbuster movie….
Out of all the other actors listed in the photo above, none hold a candle to Anthony on looks and voice for Han Solo. I think with the proper dialogue and acting training he would do well… and who am I to say? I’ve been on TV a few times and I am up for my own TV series at the moment. Not that it says much, but it’s something…
Not based on that youtube vid. That thing is cringeworthy. Don’t know what everyone sees in that.
It’s the potential he has. Listen, I’m not saying this guy is a perfect fit.. but he has the most potential out of anyone else I have seen to date. Go ahead and show my a better choice… I would love to see one.
What potential? How much of his proper acting have you seen? You know, beyond impersonating Ford? I’ll tell you. none. Laughable attitude.
If the guy has good talent IN ADDITION to his impersonations then fine, give him the job. But you wouldn’t know that because all you know him from is Ford impersonations.
“If the guy has good talent IN ADDITION to his impersonations then fine, give him the job”… Exactly…
It’s just an impersonation. Nothing more.
Oh, so anyone who does a bit of training will have the talent that it takes? Ok….
Hayden looked nothing like Lloyd or Shaw and acted nothing like them either. I hope we don’t go through that again.
Hayden is my step-cousin actually. True story.
do you have any valid idea for someone else? Chris pratt is a good actor, but he just doesn’t resemble han at all. I don’t have any other idea for an actor to play han….
Anthony Ingruber has the advantage of being really, really similar to han in appaerance.
On the acting side… we might have not seen a lot of him, but he did do a really good impersonation of han there. The question is if he’s able to do that for a whole movie, and I’m confiden in him. If he doesn’t get the part, probably they found someone else who’s even better than him. But I fthey tell me that they gave han’s role to someone who does not look like Harrison Ford AT ALL, even if he’s a good actor, that’s a huge minus.
Personally, making this movie is a huge misstep IMO. but that’s another debate. If it must be made I want someone cast because they are a good actor, not because they did a good YouTube impression and had a two minute cameo as a young Ford.
If Ingruber auditions and earns the role IN SPITE of his impressions and visual similarities, then that’s fine by me. Good luck to him. But fans don’t understand that it’s not just about impressions and looking like someone because they don’t have a clue what it takes to pull something off successfully. They don’t understand that Ford’s talent goes beyond what he looks and sounds like…..and, indeed, they don’t seem to see that the Han Solo character’s needs go beyond that as well.
but you do understand that han and harrison ford’s appearance are so bond together that finding a young han that looks differnt than han as we know him would be just not right?
Yes, which is why this project isn’t right.
You have to either get someone like Ingruber that looks like him but may ultimately be a bad actor, or you have to get someone who looks less like him and so it’s harder to convince the audience, even if the candidate is a good actor.
They need to either see if Ingruber has the acting chops. or get an unknown who does have the chops and also resembles Ford at least to some extent. Otherwise the whole thing is even more pointless than I already think it is.
I can’t but agree with that. But I still can’t understand why you seem convinced that Ingruber’s a bad actor… at least it seems so
Who said I’m convinced he’s a bad actor? I never said that at all. On the contrary. If he has the acting chops then fine by me. It just makes me cringe when I see fans lobbying for him when they have no idea if he’s any good as an actual actor or not. They just see his impressions and go “wow, sign him up!”. That’s what I have an issue with.
https://www.quora.com/How-does-one-differentiate-between-good-and-bad-acting
Plus he’s CHEAP and availble!
Exactly – SQUIRREL!
Come on, they gave the role Harrison Ford, when he was a nobody…
So they can now, too.
The circle is now complete! 😉
He had better at least audition. Like you said, doesn’t mean he’s a good actor, but he could be. Hopefully if he’s not a strong actor that’d be enough for them to not consider him.
If he is a talented actor then by all means. Most fans who call for him though have no clue whether or not he is. They just watch his youtube impressions and decide he’s the man.
Got him a role in another movie with Ford. And Ford praised him.
He only had two lines. That’s hardly the same as carrying an entire film – and what did you expect Ford to do, insult the man?
He could have said nothing. I’m just saying give the guy an audition. Find me someone closer to Ford in looks and demeanor.
He just needs an acting coach watching over him. It’s not a major issue really. He has the look and the voice. He also will need a good director to pay attention when filming.
No, half the battle is being a good actor.
“Good” is subjective.
Yeah. I doubt Ingruber will get the part, but he better at least get a crack at it.
IngruberIngruberIngruber
That’s why I said audition him at least. Him being inexperienced should not be the issue to not include him. Because how much experience did the original leads have in the first Star Wars?
None of them fit… Only that guy that does the Harrison Ford impersonation fits… Give it to this kid and get him an acting coach. https://youtu.be/bba_wPdLxp4
That impression video is old. I wish he’d make a new one.
Yeah years ago. He’s likely only gotten better since then like most actors do over time.
He IS a full, educated actor… doesn’t need any coach.
He is the right one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Yo3EDzU_8A
Holy crap, it is uncanny:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/89509111321352287
It’s not about the ability to do an impersonation, it’s about the ability to act FFS!!!
We got two films starring Hayden Christensen, So the bar has been permanently lowered for everyone.
exactly, look at that crappy laptop cam recording; the kid was waiting for this whole his life. it’s either him or none #teamingruber
Oh, God… please not Miles Teller. He alone was enough to make me not want to see Fantastic Four (and that was before everyone realized how awful the movie was).
That’s almost as bad as when Shia LaBouff’s name was suggested.
Almost.
An actor to make happy all parts, like OT fans, Han Solo fans, Star Wars fans, charisma fans, good choices fans, good acting fans, movie fans, Greedo fans…?
Man, that’s gonna be difficult…
Yes, because such a person doesn’t exist.
“According to the article, it seems that the film’s creators are taking the opposite approach from the plan the producers of The Force Awakens took. They aren’t just looking at unknowns – they are seeing everyone.”
Isn’t that what TFA producers did as well? I thought everyone in Hollywood was auditioning for roles.
The article implies that this is the easiest audition to get as they casting directors seem to be giving anyone and everyone at least a shot, much more so than TFA which made a point to cast unknowns for the leads.
Ha! 10 points for SLYTHERIN! Oh, and Carl Grimes from ‘Walking Dead’ as Han Solo?!? GTFO!
I think Michael B. Jordan or Peter Dinklage would be perfect for young Han.
lieutenant, get back in your tiny tank!
Ha ha. I did laugh. Caitlyn Jenner all the way IMO.
I think this is an awful idea for a spin off. Now a Captain Rex movie,that’s what I want.
Jai Courtney or GTFO
I’ll take GTFO.
Yup. Courtney is possibly the worst actor to hit the big time in decades. So nondescript.
Me too I cannot stand the guy
He’s hot but he doesnt scream Han Solo to me.
Ah, The Franchise killer. He’s to film series what Ted McGinley and Rena Sofer are to TV ones.
I am honestly not interested in a Han Solo prequel. I just think that Star Wars is such a rich universe with so much new story and character potentials to be made. I could settle for a Obi-wan/Darth Maul story to be finalized in a movie, but I really would like for the Anthology movies to set up new stories and characters.
I would also like to see an Obi-Wan movie, with Ewan getting a good script that he deserves.
I’d be up for that, and he’s the perfect age as well.
Preach it brother.
Exactly! At least mauls story is “unfinished” since we have no idea what happens to the character. Han we know how his story ends up through the Force Awakens. Its not that they CAN’T make a good movie (I quite enjoyed the Han Solo trilogy in the EU days) but as you say, why not tell a new story about new characters. I still think the old republic is an untapped gold mine
Thing is it IS HAPPENING, may as well do as good with it as possible. Whatever “good” means, I don’t know.
I really, really wish they were not making this movie. So much can go wrong.
Yup.
Hope they change my mind and blow my mind with how awesome this movie is, but even as a huge Star Wars nerd I don’t care that much about young Han Solo…
Join the club
It would come down to the casting and the story. I’m not sure what direction they could really go unless they show his young life as a smuggler but not really sure how much story would be in that arc. I guess it could explore his experience with the Hutt’s which could be kinda fun I guess.
have you seen the Jump Streets tho? they were one of my favorite of recent years, honestly I didn’t care much for young Han movie until they announced the directors. this one is bound to be stellar
True. I thought I would HATE those movies and they wound up being some of the funniest movies I have ever seen. If anyone could make a great movie out of a not-so-great setup its these geniuses!
This film is a monumentally stupid idea. The chances of people accepting a recast Han Solo are pretty slim. It only takes one turd to start the backlash against these new movies.
Yup. Not that I read a huge amount of it, but when you look at the EU the possibilities were so vast. Disney is just taking the route that they think is the easiest and will make the most bucks (which is why TFA seems to whore off the OT feel so much).
I’d much rather they had some balls to really go left field. Imagine a movie about Darth Bane for instance!
I totally agree with you. I love many things about The Star Wars universe but the stories that involve the mystical relics of the old republic have always been awesome. I’m ready for Revan to be made cannon too.
Not sure I want to with Disney at the helm. Would be very watered down from what we got in the old EU but I do hope they revisit that era in the new one.
What you mean is, “YOU THINK it’s a monumentally stupid idea.” I for one think it’s great and I am looking forward to seeing what comes of it. And it’s possible that the turd that starts the backlash is…you.
For such “passionate Star Wars fans” there sure are plenty negative Nancy’s and Debbie downers in here. I don’t get it why some of u have so much hate. Why would this movie be a bad idea? Why can’t some of u get over yourselves and give the new movies a chance. It’s not 1977 anymore. I get it, the 1st movie changed your lives. THAT’S AWESOME, but give it a rest already. You don’t have to ruin the experience for the rest of us with your terrible attitudes, each and every chance you get. Why are you even on here? I just don’t get it.
How about people like you stop hiding behind internet catchwords like “hate” and take a more mature approach and consider what the objections are?
A passionate fan knows what they’d like to see and if somethings sounds like a mistake then it’s the passion driving the opinion that you would dismiss as “hate”.
btw, this is about the Solo movie, not TFA.
This is the mentality I’m speaking of. People like you have set yourselves on such a high pedestal, that you consider your own opinions to be the ultimate rightful ones. Because, you are the only “true fans”. Give me a break. I’m not hiding behind anything. I know this is just about the solo movie, but I was making a general statement about an attitude that has been prevalent on here for over a year.
Here were go again with the sense of entitlement and selfishness and the sense of superiority over others (not to mention sounding like a pompous ass). This is the kind of attitude that holds a franchise back and deters it from evolving.
Bottom line: Disney/LFL will do what they want. They don’t hold fan-centered focus groups in seeking ideas for Star Wars movies nor put out polls to the public. You’re entitled to your opinion but know that not everyone will think the same like you (some people want to see more like this particular movie for example).
A movie about young Han Solo is hardly “evolving” the Star Wars brand. It’s looking inwards and squeezing as much as possible out of its more well-established, popular aspects. It just sounds like a cash-in.
People don’t like the idea of it, mainly because we don’t need to see the story of young Han Solo – for the exact same reason that we didn’t need to see the story of young Darth Vader.
that´s the point. They want to make movies about what they think fans like to see, not what the fans really wants. From now on there will be tons of fan service and it could damage the whole franchise seriously. And it is much easier to do a movie about already invented and established character then to work a brain a little and invent something new..
Speak for yourself: I’m looking forward to it!
You knew that there was going to be films about young Vader even before they came out? Why do you complain about if GL made it clear from the get-go years before that that’s what they were going to be about. And heck, people still were excited when they were announced (so much for your “we didn’t want to see the story of young Darth Vader” theory; and perhaps the story didn’t turn out how you envisioned it in your mind by that’s another story for another time). In any case, some people did want to see it and others should not try to ruin their excitement to watch them simply because they didn’t like it or they thought it was a bad idea.
Millenials….
Hate to break it to you but SW isn’t really meant for you Gen X’ers anymore. Hell, soon it won’t be meant for Millennials like me anymore either.
Bottom line: while SW films can be enjoyed by people of all ages, SW films cater to the youth of the times when initially released – and for those that can be young at heart and can watch these films with child wonderment. If you’re not part of the youth at the respective, or you can’t do as I described in the latter, then perhaps you have outgrown SW and should move on elsewhere. Older folks should not be ruining the experiences of the younger generation just because it doesn’t appeal to them.
Well, I’d like to agree with you but the fact that they’ve gone out of their to make this movie look and feel (hell, they even have the same actors) as A New Hope, makes me think that it is us, GX who they are really after….
So true on the first part.
Normally, I would agree wholeheartedly. But in this instance……I’m siding with the vocal minority. A Han Solo origin simply can’t possibly add to the ethos of the character. We’ve seen his ark start and finish. Scoundrel to hero. Will this movie show is how he became a scoundrel in the first place? I don’t want to see Han Solo being a two timing dick. The fact that it was inferred was enough. We’ve all spent decades affirming what he means to each of us individually. Putting it to film cab only serve to dilute his legacy. Imo
The AC Crispin trilogy was pretty awesome. Was the perfect balance of him being a rogue/hero and explained why he was such a dick in the first one. No longer canon but if they can make it half as good as that then it might work.
Well… there is no way for us to know how it’ll turn out until we actually see it. So seems like a waste of time to fret about it just yet. I’m also not THAT concerned because it isn’t the main saga… it’s a side movie. It could be awful… and I’ll just ignore it. It would be nice if they nail it though.
I’m very open-minded towards a Han Solo movie. When it’s done right, it really works. River Phoenix in ‘The Last Crusade’ springs to mind.
If he did the young Indy series then it might have actually been great and lasted rather than get kicked around till it was cancelled.
Never did watch it. Think it’s never a good idea to make a TV series out of a movie. Very rarely works.
He’d have my vote had this been done in the 80’s like it was supposed to and he was still alive and kicking.
Loved him in ‘Sneakers’ and ‘Stand By Me’. He obviously had talent. Made one bad decision and paid the ultimate price.
His Brother’s been good in most everything he’s been in as well in spite of all his contraversies.
He was an addict. That’s more than one bad decision.
You are comparing apples with pears, my friend. 18 vs 45 could be believable but 25 vs 35 is a very different thing. Think abou t it.
Really don’t understand the point you’re making.
give Boyega the part.
Finn Solo CONFIRMED
I have a bad feeling about this
Walking Dead’s Chandler Riggs.. are they insane ????
I don’t think these people have been sought after, but rather they submitted tapes and/or did an audition.
My only hope is that Kasdan the elder won’t go full Lucas on this.
My money’s on Miles Teller, he has a good Han Solo face. Loved his performance in Whiplash.
All fucking horrible potential choices typical of Hollywood. They don’t even look like Ford let alone sound like him. They better not fuck it up like they did with Young Indy.
Most people do not change all that dramatically from their teens to their late 20’s physically which is why they can’t get away with someone who *kinda looks like him through Stevie Wonder’s eyes*
Ansel Elgort or Miles Teller.
Ansel Elgort sort of has Hanface, but Miles Teller looks like the unholy groinspawn of a sweaty three-way between Adrien Brody, Elvis, and Stephen Fry.
Everyone forgot the guy who played young Ford in Age of Adeline? Anthony Ingruber? Should he at least get an audition? https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyIngruberOfficial/?fref=ts
Turns out being a decent impersonator doesn’t necessarily make you lead actor material.
I’m just saying give him an audition. And he did get that other role as younger Ford.
I had to google the red cup reference. I get it now.
Although no one will EVER replace Harrison Ford, I think Ansel Elgort has the perfect combination of looking like Solo and being able to act.
Never would have looked at him but since you mention it I think he could probably do it.
gimme a young black han solo pls
either that or lets pull a south park, get all the best stem cells and feed/cover harrison ford in them so he looks young again. we may have to do this each day of shooting, but i have faith that i’m not the only star wars fan willing to throw down some tax dollars. if we had all the fans world wide do it, we’d have more than enough.
or while on the topic of star wars fan’s money, we invest in a time machine to go back in time and bring young ford to the future. though we should do it after we watch the force awakens. though if it messes up the timeline it probably wouldn’t matter if we watched it because it might have never existed. and then there may not even be a young han solo film in the making. and then my brain exploded.
I helped interview Anthony Ingruber for SWNN, and I will stand to my conviction that he is the right guy for this movie! And also, c’mon, I wouldn’t argue against a guy who’s actually played a YOUNG FORD in a movie already!
I’d agree with you that he can do a great Harrison Ford impression, but that’s not the same as acting. He was okay in The Age of Adaline, but nothing great. I don’t think he has the acting chops (yet) to carry a whole film on his shoulders, but if he does, then he’s at the top of my list too.
Here’s a short film he starred in. Not sure why this isn’t being passed around as much as his impression video. This showcases his acting talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqnl7eq1AC0
They should get the guys that did young Michael Douglas from Ant-Man in on this.
Okay, come on. Can they do ANYTHING with Star Wars that won’t piss everyone off? Chill out, wait, and see.
If Hayden Christensen can lead in two Prequel films and Jake Lloyd in another then a lack of acting experience/talent shouldn’t be an issue here. Imagine how much worse the PT would have sucked had they not chosen Ewan as Obi-Wan.
The real question is, Who’s playing Lando?
For everyone judging Anthony Ingruber on an old impression video and small role in Age of Adaline. Watch this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqnl7eq1AC0
Eric Bana as Han Solo
It may be a bit off-topic but at the Cantina Forums a new thread popped up wondering what Star Wars (ANH) may have looked like had it been made already in 1948.
One poster added a picture of Paul Newman and looking at it I couldn’t help but think out loud “That’s him, that’s Han Solo!”
Of course, Paul Newman could no longer play a young Han Solo but I find the general idea of a “retro-boot” somewhat intriguing.
Wonder if that couldn’t be a project George Lucas might somehow be interested in (“Planet Wars”). I think that could be great film paying hommage to that era of Hollywood just as Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid did in 1982.