It has been confirmed by director Ron Howard that the Empire will have a role in the currently untitled Han Solo Star Wars spin-off film.
The Empire Looms Large pic.twitter.com/IN7GiiJtXY
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) August 16, 2017
Aevealed on Howard’s Twitter, it is seemingly confirmed that the Empire will play into the smugglers story, as we follow a young Han Solo, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich and his adventures in the Millennium Falcon.
Howard replaced Phil Lord and Chris Miller, due to Lucasfilm and The Lego Movie directors parting ways over the much-discussed creative differences, and it is unclear whether the Empire are late additions to the film, or perhaps present in the previous incarnation under the comedy duo.
While the size of the Empire’s role is yet to be revealed, it is nonetheless great news for fans of the Original Trilogy and the Empire itself; with an Imperial console and helmet becoming the central focus of the image above, it is likely that intergalactic space battles will ensue between Solo and the forces of the Empire.
As of now we can only speculate as to how these servants of the Emperor will play into the film itself (and whether Darth Vader may appear, given the rumoured casting of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’s Spencer Wilding) whilst we await for more news on the closely guarded secrets of Solo’s tale. Let’s just hope we get to see that record breaking 12 parsec Kessel Run…
SEE ALSO: Donald Glover on the Han Solo director switch
Han Solo 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), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Thandie Newton (Westworld), Ian Kenny (Sing Street), Michael K. Williams (The Night Of) and Warwick Davis (Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi) in as-yet-unrevealed roles. It is set for release on May 25th 2018.
Originally published August 16, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
