Solo, the spin-off film from the billion dollar and pop culture legendary franchise Star Wars will hit theatres across the globe on Friday, May 25th. The stand-alone movie follows the events that take place before the first Star Wars installment, A New Hope. The film will focus on the series most defiant and brash con artist and smuggler, Han Solo. In the original films, Solo is portrayed by Harrison Ford, who was reading lines for other actors when he was abruptly cast for the role by George Lucas.
Throughout the course of the Star Wars story, Solo acts as the second owner of the Millennium Falcon, having won it from then friend and fellow smuggler Lando Calrissian. Solo pilots the ship and reluctantly becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance's battle against the evil Galactic Empire. While attempting to transport Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO and R2-D2 from Tatooine to Alderaan, Solo runs into his future wife, Princess Leia Organa, and adds her to the list of passengers he must deliver to safety with the Rebel Alliance. Solo was an iconic character throughout the franchise films in the 80s and the character also appeared in his own spinoff novels and comics. Since the tragedy of The Force Awakens (spoiler), viewers believed they had seen the last of Mr. Solo. But, no one is ever truly gone in the infinite annals of cinema. Read over these wonderful memes and get yourself pumped for Solo next Friday!
20 Ben and Han: A Father and Son Story
If you haven’t seen The Force Awakens OR The Last Jedi, feel free to skip this article entirely. If you have, you’d know that Kylo Ren, the fresh creation based on the iconic aura of Sith Lord Darth Vader, is the son of Han and Leia. Throughout The Force Awakens we learn that Ben (the birth name given to Han and Leia’s son) was one of Luke’s Jedi students, who sadly turned to the dark side once his power of the force overcame his desire for goodness. He first appears in the film, cloaked in a sinister mask reminiscent of Vader, as a commander of the First Order.
Eventually, Solo decides to confront his son in a classically dramatized Star Wars interaction, attempting to persuade his son to return to the light.
Sadly, Kylo was having none of that. But, everyone lives forever on the internet.
A genius Tumblr account reimagined Ben (played by Girls’ Adam Driver) and his Father Han (the renowned Ford) in a comedic set of circumstances, narrated by animated gifs. The light-hearted plot places Ben in the care of an older, grumpier Solo. Clearly, Han isn’t in the mood for jokes. Can we blame him?
19 MMM...Millennium Falcon
The Millennium Falcon is the franchise’s most influential ship, and possibly one of the most referenced in cinema. Its distinct shape has acted as the inspiration for many other television and movie presentations flying aircrafts. Star Trek: First Contact (released in 1996), the original Blade Runner, Starship Troopers, and Spaceballs all include an obvious nod at the ship’s smooth and sleek exterior. Lego constructed an Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon set that contained 5,195 pieces; the set that sat at the top of the list as the largest physical toy created by the company. Sadly, it was dethroned in 2008 by the Lego Taj Mahal. But, it's back in the top spot after the Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon set was re-released last year containing 7,541 pieces.
In simplicity, the image and power of the ship has acted as a source of joy for many children and adults alike since its debut in A New Hope. Its nostalgic reveal to Solo in The Force Awakens sent a collective warmth through the hearts of Star Wars fans. So the disappointment of a pizza falling to the ground is washed away as the pizza rearranges itself into the shape of the Millennium Falcon. Just like Obi-Wan’s disappearing act mastered in A New Hope (Too soon?).
18 To Canon or Not to Canon...That is the Question
If you normally do not participate in the idiosyncrasies of fandom behaviour, this next meme might come off as a little confusing. The word "canon" in itself means narratives or theories that have been accepted into the over-arching fictional universe of a story. Any narratives or theories that are not accepted in the fictional universe are deemed non-canon. In Star Wars, interpretations and stories have been bluntly divided. It's either canon or non-canon. Canon content is defined as anything owned by Lucasfilm or content licenses by the production company.
This meme is highly relevant because the franchise was purchased by The Walt Disney Company in 2012, eventually declaring that plenty of older Star Wars material would be labelled non-canon and renamed, Star Wars Legends. Lucasfilm Story Group later ensured that all forthcoming novels, films, comics, and other content would be canon, and thus follow a consistent and continuous plot line. This was a direct alteration on many previous expressions of medium owned by Lucasfilm, who reserved the right to draw on material and also contradict it. The confusion as to what is canon and what isn’t rattles most veteran Star Wars fanatics. Even good ol’ Solo lost in the incongruity of his own space opera.
17 Maybe He'd be Less Moody With His Mother
In The Force Awakens, Leia and Han are reunited after an undefined amount of time apart. Han tells Leia that he saw their son Ben, leading the ash that raised itself from the dust of the Galactic Empire. Leia asks her hubby to bring their son home, despite his direct betrayal of all things light. The Resistance creates a plan to infiltrate and destroy Starkiller Base, the area where the First Order is devising their own attack. Here is where Han helps Finn and Chewie plant bombs, as well as rescuing the film’s female protagonist, Rey. Then Han has his iconic confrontation with his son.
Han: Should I walk onto the ominously lit bridge or leave with Chewie?
No one knows exactly how long it has been since Han has seen Ben, but he certainly hasn’t interacted with him in his full Vadar-esque getup at that point. Despite his assertion to Sith Lord Snoke that he possess no emotions toward his Father, Kylo initially appears regretful, even yearning for his Father’s compassion. Han does his best to appeal to him and relay Snoke’s sole desire to manipulate Kylo’s youthful hatred for his own menacing benefit. But, I’m sure as everyone knows by now, Kylo is not convinced. Rids his Father of this and any Star Wars universe Lucasfilm can devise. Maybe there wasn’t much benefit to this attempt?
16 Get Ready for The Dad Jokes!
Han Solo is no longer what you’d call a "young man". Though Harrison Ford was not a spring chicken in the eyes of Hollywood during his first portrayal of Han in 1977 at the age of 35, he was certainly quite a few decades older in The Force Awakens in comparison to when we last saw him. Plus, at some unknown time in between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, he has become a father to Ben Solo, named after serene Jedi Ben Kenobi who passed in A New Hope.
Having children grants you some permission to be the largest irritant in your offspring’s life, because who else will prepare them for the onslaught of terrible Galactic Empire humour? Kylo had clearly adopted the dark side's desire for jokes. Han was probably bursting with that iconic wit and strictly superior Dad jokes to take out on his only son. The Force Awakens is positively slathered with Solo’s legendary observational cracks, delivered with the driest of sarcastic undertones. The time is perfect when Han runs into his betraying son, alluding to the unproven rumour that Rey may somehow be related in the Solo-Skywalker genetic line.
15 Worst. Shortcut. Ever.
This meme refers to the pure innocence that is Luke Skywalker in A New Hope. As they are flying with the Millennium Falcon, they spot, for the first time, what turns out to be the Death Star, the space station whose creation was attempted to be thwarted in Rouge One. Luke mistakes it for a moon, while the experienced Obi-Wan correctly identifies it as what it is. Han doesn’t seem so convinced as he has vast experience travelling all over the galaxy. Both Han and Luke are eventually proven greatly wrong as the Death Star is indeed a super-weapon, meant to annihilate any enemy it aims toward.
Rouge One showed the space station’s initial birthing by weapons developer Orson Krennic (played by Ben Mendelsohn), who pressures research scientist Galen Erso (played by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen) into finishing the construction of the ominous mass. A similar space base is constructed in The Force Awakens, relabelled Starkiller Base, the area that is later blown up by Resistance forces with help from Chewie and Solo, before he met his tragic end at the hands of Kylo Ren. The space station’s mass and perfect spherical shape does resemble that of moon, but it's clearly single scooping crater places it in another category entirely. But, we can all relate to Han’s frustration with the inefficiency of Apple Maps; thank goodness they didn’t rely on it to track down the Rebel Alliance!
14 No Wonder Kylo Got Rid of Him
Kylo is a highly emotional bad guy. Unlike the stoic Vader, who remains seemingly in control of himself for the majority of the original trilogy until his final end in Return of the Jedi, Kylo appears to be torn apart. It is easier to see facially with his mask removed how tormented he is with his decision to betray the Jedi blood that flows through his blood stream.
Since Kylo can remove his mask, it allows viewers to see him as human, unlike Vader whose humanity is intentionally removed for most of the films.
The act of even owning a mask says something about Ren too, as he doesn’t need one like his Sith Grandfather. But, a mask in film and literature signifies more of what it's directly intended to do, conceal both visual and emotional truths. Snoke sees through him, as does the viewer. He uses the act of ridding his father from this galaxy to convince not only Snoke, but himself that he is dedicated and unwavering toward the dark side. But, not until he shows an inclination of vulnerability toward his dear old Dad, who swiftly uses it as an opportunity to sneak in one of his much-anticipated Dad jokes. At least he was able to get a few out before his plummet!
13 His Name is Yolo...Han Yolo
Han Yolo is a funny and commonly referred to meme of Harrison Ford pouring vodka for local patrons. Before the abbreviation was coined and overtly used by meme creators and youthful pronouncements, Han Solo pretty much embodied it. ‘You Only Live Once’ is this generation's ‘Carpe Diem’, usually proclaimed before doing something statistically impractical. Or, in other words, just plain stupid. Han has always had a little rouge inside him. He is a loner who is suddenly thrown into the resistance against a galactic government. It would be a lot easier for Han to simply venture out on his own with trusty pal Chewie, but everyone knows that this isn’t what happened.
Han is a more ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ kind of guy. He eventually diverts his plans to return Leia for a reward she promised, evacuating her from the area. He seeks aid from his old friend Lando Calrissian in Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. But, Han is still wanted by Jabba the Hut for a massive debt he owes, which ultimately leads him to being captured. Before these events occur, Han, Leia, C-3PO, and Chewie are pursued through a complex asteroid field. Han expertly flies and YOLO's his way through the asteroid field, despite the terrifying odds stacked against him. Han Yolo indeed.
12 Make Sure You Tell Him Before He Gets Frozen!
Despite their constant verbal sparring in A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, there exists a clear undertone of attraction and affection between Leia and Han. Han appears as an egotistic scoundrel in the first movie, who is convinced to rescue Leia amidst another thwarted plan for some extra coin. He is even more condescending toward her when he finds out that she is a Princess. Han doesn’t really have much respect for authority or rule following and Leia doesn’t have much respect for anyone who wants to talk down to her. She is put off immediately by Han’s projection of a narcissistic trigger-happy criminal.
When Han eventually lands Leia to safety, he plans on simply leaving her. But, a complicated mess of events flushes out the real Han, whose hidden fondness for Leia exudes in their frustrating banter. Eventually Leia realizes this herself, famously confessing for love for Han in The Empire Strikes Back just before Han is frozen in carbonite by Darth Vader. Leia returns the favour given to her in A New Hope and rescues Han from the encasement in Return of the Jedi. The two do go on to begin a family, whose genetic Jedi ability is inherited and, well, you know the rest.
11 I Spoke Shyriiwook Before It Was Cool
A millennial is a modern word used to refer to a person reaching young adulthood in the 21st century. Millennials, by definition, could only know of the Star Wars series from their parents and fellow, albeit older, knowledgeable film-goers. Millennials are being blessed by the various spin-offs and third Star Wars trilogy that expand upon previously displayed Star Wars lore. The newer films, Rouge One: A Star Wars Story, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story, are modern takes on the classic story created by Lucas, but following strict homages to the original narrative that become so beloved to sci-fans all over the world.
I'll have a Bantha milk latte.
Writers, directors and actors have to do their best to walk the line of remaining contemporary on their own take of the chronicle and to respect the origins that existed before them. This meme blends a millennials take on what skyrocketed to popularity in the late 70s with the style of the 2010s. All I can say is thank goodness that J.J. Abrams did not take this to heart. Leia with a faded purple and pink look would not have offended as much as Chewie sporting hipster non-prescription spectacles and a red and black flannel shirt. Solo’s delicately balanced swag cap does reflect poignantly to that of the character’s attitude, along with C-3PO’s judgmental pipe and fedora getup.
10 The Results Are In!
A series as grand and as popular as Star Wars cannot exist in this time of internet frenzy without a few rumours and series flying around. With the emergence of Adam Driver as Kylo Ren and the surprising reveal of him as Han Solo’s son, many fans questioned the revelation as a classic Star Wars parental confusion plot twist. Kylo Ren, with his severe jawline, nose, and deep villainous voice, compared to Han Solo’s soft and boyish features, felt like a little bit of a reach for the casting team to completely skim over.
So, as the theory outlines inquires, could this be an intentional clue in to Kylo’s lack of genetic relations to Leia and Han? Fans on Reddit even scanned through the entirety of The Force Awakens to reveal that Han and Leia never directly refer to Kylo as being their son (But Leia does mention that Han is his father). Despite, the various actual direct references to their son in The Last Jedi, many fans still stretch the theories into believing that Leia somehow conceived a child without Han. Many are not satisfied with the theory that Rey’s parents were unknown degenerates who abandoned her. So, with many mysteries abound, we are all left wondering what the canon truth will be when the curtain of the next Star Wars installment is raised, and revealed.
9 Ready for That Cheap Costume Choice!
A Star Wars getup is a pretty easy go-to once Halloween rolls around, especially when it comes to portraying our man Han Solo. A white long sleeve t-shirt? Check. A tasteful warrior’s vest? Got it. Long black pilot boots that are definitely not intended to have made the first move toward Greedo? Got them. Now all you need is a belt you can makeshift into a gun holster. Bam! Halloween is finished for you. But even when it’s not Halloween, many Han Solo outfits can be seen floating about the streets, usually around late September, early October.
You’ll find it in Starbucks, ordering a complex frappuccino for the newb behind the counter that they may as well be speaking another language to. Vests, white-long sleeve shirts and high black boots seem to be a staple once autumn decides to roll around, as a fashion choice for women, for the times when style still trumps comfort and practicality. It does help though, in the rare case that a Leia needs to be saved, or argued with. Or even when your inner scoundrel needs to come out and play. Either way, you’ll be in character instantaneously and ready to fight whatever Galactic Empire comes your way.
8 Han Always Had Time for Jokes
Joking Han is a popular meme that depicts several punchlines and victims of Solo’s unmatchably sharp wit. This particular meme pits the Rebel Alliance pilot against none other than most children’s favourite fictional legend, Santa Claus. Han seems to be having a pretty good time, cracking up at his own expense. The intriguing link between Han’s statement about a rebel not believing in Santa Claus is that is reflects Han’s own lack of belief in the force. In A New Hope, Han discusses his lack of belief with Luke, right after Luke begins being trained as a Jedi by Obi-Wan. “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.” This also clearly outlines Han’s reliance on guns and brute force. Han would rather act now and deal with the consequences later. The supposed ‘ancient religion’ of the Jedi is not a concept that Han believes is able to control his destiny.
It’s clear Han has changed his mind throughout the series, especially after having a force sensitive child.
In The Force Awakens, when Rey realizes that the Jedi are real, Han says: "I used to wonder about that myself. Thought it was a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. A magical power holding together good and evil, the dark side and the light. Crazy thing is... it's true. The Force. The Jedi... All of it... It's all true."
While he may not be able to use the Force, one of Han’s best weapons is indeed his glorious sense of humour. Let’s hope Solo reflects that!
7 Sorry But, Han Isn't So Solo
Who wouldn't want a relationship like Han and Leia's? One could call their dalliance one that follows the predictable lines of a popular romantic comedy. Meet the guy, he's got an ego. Meet the girl, she's a Princess. Girl does not take any guff from guy. Guy seems to be intimated by this. So he puts her off, while concealing his secret attraction to her unique expression of strength. Girl decides that she, too, is actually attracted to him but doesn't want to reveal her true feelings in order to keep his ego from being satisfied. Both wait too long to confess their feelings for one another, guy becomes frozen in carbonite!
Well okay, the last part isn't that common. Nevertheless, Han and Leia's love for one another seems to arrive out of mutual respect as opposed to simple physical and romantic attraction. Both are there, but both Leia and Han have great skill in their own separate departments, and contribute equally to fighting against the evil Empire. Neither are really ever going to be going Solo, whether it be in person or in heart. We cannot say the same for the unfortunate person who created this meme...better try to head out and start saving the universe buddy!
6 Han's Got A Ton Of Beliefs
Well, this meme has certainly seen the rounds. It is strange to think that Han was initially against fighting with the Rebel Alliance, when his point of views line up so succinctly with their attitudes. The pro-gun notion appeals to the ‘take-no-prisoners’ attitude expressed through the beginning of A New Hope. This also follows in line with his disregard for the existence of the Force. This may not entirely line up with the Rebel Alliance’s mantras, but they definitely use them for acts of good. Han is very anti-authority, which naturally makes him anti-government. In this case, he has all the reason in the world to be a part of the rebellion, as the Galactic Empire weights down heavily on its people throughout the galaxy.
Though he was reluctant in joining the Rebel cause, his attraction toward fighting authority prevailed the lack of interest in political standings. Last but not least, his status as a smuggler define him as a supporter of the concept of free market capitalism. Free market capitalism is characterized by zero government intervention within the realms of prices for goods and service and are determined by the open market and its consumers. The resistance is very lucky to have landed this Han!
5 Who Wouldn't Want a Good Friend Like Chewie!?
Although Solo likes to think of himself as a one-man band, he is never without his best buddy and co-pilot, Chewbacca. Literally. Ever since we are first introduced to the character in A New Hope, the Wookiee rarely leaves Han’s side. They seems to have a unique connection, as Han seems to understand Chewie as he only speaks Shyriiwook, the language of the Wookiee.
Chewie is a loyal companion to Han until his untimely end in The Force Awakens.
This unforgettable bond was formed before any of the movies were depicted, after Han refuses an order to end Chewie’s life in the Imperial Navy. Han is than kicked out of the Imperial Navy for the refusal, but is followed by Chewie, the 200 year old Wookiee. Due to Wookiee tradition, after one's life is saved, the Wookiee must serve the person a lifetime debt in thanks for the heroic act. Chewbacca definitely did this, serving as Han’s co-pilot aboard the Falcon and helping him along a new career in smuggling. Chewie automatically protects and rejects anyone that Han does, including Leia and Luke. Leia embraces him like a family member in The Force Awakens and even more so after Han passes. We could all do with a good Wookiee.
4 A Real Bro
Once again we are talking about good ol’ Han and Chewie! This meme labels, with great accuracy, Han and Chewbacca’s relationship as the first ever bromance. That might actually not be true, as there are many male to male friendships in television and movies that act to rival the proclamation. Kirk and Spock from the rival series Star Trek are quite popular in references to loyalty and friendship, and also exists as one of the first displays of bromances.
The definition of a bromance plays into the notion that most male friendships do not exceed a certain level intimacy, especially that of an emotional closeness. Chewie and Han’s literal willingness to sacrifice their lives for one another firmly plants them within this category. By all means, the pilot and co-pilot love one another. They are each others' mirror, exchange ideas, and defend what is important in each other's lives. It is difficult to imagine Han Solo without his trusty friend Chewbacca. Hopefully we can actually see the beginning of this decade old friendship in on May 25th!
3 What A Loving Family
Well now that is one convincing photoshop job! Harrison Ford posed with costar Carrie Fisher for a Star Wars promo photo originally. A young Adam Driver was then placed beside them, pretty immaculately. Presumably these are the times before any familial derision came into play and way before Ben was being considered to be trained by Jedi uncle Luke. It is entertaining to fantasize about the events of the Solo household, especially those most mundane in nature.
When was the first time that Leia and Han noticed that Ben had an inkling toward the Force? Did he try and make one of Han’s trusty vests float? What age did this revelation occur? That was probably what convinced Han of the existence of the Force. Unfortunately, the newest Solo movie will not present these events, as they clearly occur between A New Hope and The Force Awakens, so Kylo Ren’s youthful years as Ben Solo would be an interesting plot for yet another Star Wars spinoff. We would then be able to see his direct downfall into the infinite darkness. Disney, I am available for conference any day of the week.
2 Whoa... This Just Blew My Mind
This Keanu Reeves meme seems to act as the best background image for his obsessive fan notion that blends two highly different Harrison Ford movies. Han is not frozen in carbonite for a very long time, but perhaps the concept of time is altered, rather than standing still? Or maybe Han is dreaming? Maybe he becomes someone who is the opposite of him, hired by the government to scoop up the Arc of the Covenant before the evil Germans. In this supposed dream he is working for, rather than against the government.
The Indiana Jones franchise is another series of movies that Harrison Ford successfully acted in. It would be amusing to think that the Han Solo's character was somehow linked to the professor of architecture. Serious fan theories have even emerged, noting three separate occurrences that attempt to string the series together. The first rock that falls in the temple at the beginning of Raider of the Lost Ark look a lot like a replica of Snaggletooth from the Mos Cantina in A New Hope. Second, the headpiece fo the Staff of Ra in Raiders looks like a disc shaped falcon, imitating Han’s ship in Star Wars. Lastly. the same actor who portrayed Porkins during the Battle of Yavin in A New Hope, appears in Raiders as Major Eaton. Hmm, all intriguing points.
1 Room For One More Pun...
Finally, a good old Han pun. Usually, Solo is a pretty versatile pun that is easily played on. Han is quite accustomed to having his hands put into handcuffs. The amount of times that Han Solo is kidnapped, arrested, or taken into the arms of his enemies is probably more than the films depict. First, Han is kicked out of the Imperial Navy. He is famously taken into the custody by his crime boss Jabba the Hutt in the Empire Strikes Back. In Return of the Jedi, he and Luke are captured by Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor.
He is almost made a sacrifice to the mistaken golden God C-3PO by the group. After becoming a hero of the Rebel Alliance, then retreating into domestic life with Leia, Han returns to the smuggler life in response to his son’s betrayal. He is once again thrown into acts against the recovering Galactic Empire renamed the First Order to help rid the galaxy of the Death Star look alike Star Killer Base. This is where we observe Han’s final actions. He probably just wanted to hold his son’s hand and stroll alongside him, showing him the Millennium Falcon. *Sigh*.
Tune into the internet to see how many more amusing Han Solo memes can be generated once Solo finally hits theatres!