Woody Harrelson discusses ‘Han Solo’ role, he’s a ‘mentor’ and ‘criminal’
The rumors of Woody Harrelson joining the upcoming Han Solo solo film have been swirling around for about a week or so, but co-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller have officially added the former True Detective star.
Harrelson commented on the Han Solo casting during a Facebook Live Q&A he took part in with Mashable doesn’t say much about the upcoming film, but reluctantly reveals the following about his character.
“I’m a mentor to Han but I’m also a bit of a criminal. I don’t think I should say much more than that because the Force is not allowing me.”
The titular character will be played by Alden Ehrenreich with Donald Glover cast as Lando Calrissian.
Fans are already speculating on the Harrelson’s role with Splash Film suggesting it is or was inspired by Garris Shrike from the former expanded universe (now Legends).
Shrike was essentially Han Solo’s entry point into a world of crime.
Garris first appeared in A.C. Crispin’s novel The Paradise Snare. The character was a bounty hunter-turned smuggler who raised the orphaned Han Solo as part of a group of children he used in confidence tricks and thefts, based aboard the decommissioned troopship Trader’s Luck in orbit over Corellia. Shrike rescued the young Han Solo from the streets, raised him, trained him, and “beat him profusely when aggravated.”
It’s been rumored that the Han Solo movie will take place nearly a decade before the events of A New Hope, which seems to fit with the timeline of the novel.
In the book, Solo had a confrontation with Shrike and fled the criminal’s ship. Shrike tracked Solo down years later after the massive bounty on the smuggler.
Terminator Genisys, Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has been attached in an undisclosed role.
Han Solo is currently set for May 25, 2018
