Last year, John Carney’s movie musical Sing Street introduced viewers to a slew of talented young actors, not the least of which being Ian Kenny. Despite having a fairly small role, the actor managed to bring a healthy dose of vulnerability and heart to his character of Barry, a bully with a hard exterior.
Disney has clearly taken notice of the Dublin-based actor, as Variety reports that Kenny has been cast in the studio’s upcoming Han Solo standalone film. Not unlike most Star Wars-related casting news, details regarding Kenny’s character are being kept under wraps.
The role is clearly a major opportunity for Kenny, who currently has so few acting credits to his name that you can count them on one hand. Han Solo will not only be his first blockbuster but his second acting gig in a feature film period.
As was announced yesterday by Disney CEO Bob Iger, Han Solo will follow its titular character (from ages 18 to 24) and reveal how he met Chewbacca, found the Millenium Falcon and got his name.
Han Solo hits theaters on May 25th, 2018 and also stars Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!) as the famous smuggler, Donald Glover (Atlanta) as Lando Calrissian, Woody Harrelson (War for the Planet of the Apes) as Beckett (Solo’s mentor), Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) as a droid. Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Thandie Newton (Westworld), Ian Kenny (Sing Street) and Michael K. Williams (The Night Of) have been cast in unrevealed roles. The film is being directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, best known for helming 21 Jump Street and The LEGO Movie.
Originally published March 25, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
