Solo: A Star Wars Story is an upcoming Star Wars film directed by Ron Howard. Fans will be able to follow Han Solo through an all-new adventure as he meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the famed gambler Lando Calrissian. Han will be involved in various daring escapades as he traverses a dangerous criminal underworld and uses the knowledge he possesses as a smuggler to make it out the other side alive.
Fans have been speculating for months about what this spinoff will entail, especially considering the fact that there is only a vague synopsis and short trailer to work off. Given what fans know about the original trilogy, this film is set to address a handful of major events that occurred before audiences ever met Han. Various actors cast in the film had to sign nondisclosure agreements, meaning that even the names of their characters will not be revealed until the film has been released.
The timeline of the film has been roughly estimated, which generated most of the prevailing rumors. Between the film coinciding with the existence of the Galactic Empire and various notable characters, there are countless ways this film can play out. Regardless of how it pans out, it is almost certain that fans will enjoy finally seeing how Han's first heist is depicted, and how exactly he went from disillusioned smuggler to skilled pilot.
20 Rumor We Liked: Revisiting The Millennium Falcon
It is already confirmed that the Millennium Falcon will be making an appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story, but rumors suggest that it will contained a much more polished look considering the fact that during this timeline, it’s a newer ship.
The ship’s concept art shows the Millennium Falcon possessing a white finish with blue trim, rather than its usual gunmetal gray exterior.
The model in the concept art depicts a ship with a slightly altered, sleeker model that fans have not seen in any of the films previously. It’s no surprise that the legendary ship that was at the center of the feud between Han and Lando was originally quite lustrous, so it will be exciting to see it in a new light.
19 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Han's Childhood Going By The Wayside
Han has mentioned that he was running scams on the street since he was ten years old. Unfortunately, it’s rumored that this will be more of an exposition used to establish his character, rather than something fans will actually see onscreen.
Han had quite the troubled life while he was an orphan, which would certainly add a great deal of characterization if it were depicted.
Fueled by an early life as a thief, his lifelong motivations were framed by fear, resentment, and a willingness to survive. If this is merely touched upon and not shown, Han’s motivations may not appear as sharp as they could to understand his choices along this journey. We sincerely hope that doesn't happen.
18 Rumor We Liked: Han's Mentor Getting The Spotlight
Han’s mentor, Garris Shrike, is a major character in Solo: A Star Wars Story, meaning audiences can expect to see how his smuggler skills developed. Shrike was a former bounty hunter who turned to crime very early on in his career. He met Han while he was a young orphan, and trained him in smuggling.
In the novels, Shrike inflicts a massive amount of harm on Han, so it will be interesting to see how their relationship is depicted in the film.
Due to the fact that the film takes place while Han is grown, it can’t be expected that he has fully brushed off the upbringing he shared with Shrike. Regardless, it will certainly allow audiences to better understand Han, and provide the background needed to explain his motivations.
17 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Lack Of Backstory For Lando
Donald Glover, who plays Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story, has stated in an interview that the film won’t tackle the overall lineage within the Star Wars lore. Lando is certainly a fan favorite, it should not be expected that audiences will learn much about his origins.
While some prefer to keep origins outside of the main narrative, it is peculiar that a spinoff focusing on particular characters does not extend its reach. The film will cover what experiences shaped Lando to become the famed gambler, but only on the surface. This seems like their only opportunity to hone in on his past, therefore neglecting to do so doesn’t provide much satisfaction.
16 Rumor We Liked: L3-37 Is A Refreshing New Droid
Solo: A Star Wars Story will be featuring the franchise’s very first principal female droid. This droid is L3-37, and she is certainly not subservient to anyone who meets her. She stands out among other droids given that she’s self-made, and constantly tinkering with ways that she can improve her hardware by integrating parts from other droids into her own design.
Her role in the film is still similar to that of other droids in subsequent films, given that she will be a major source of comedic relief.
Though, it has been stated that her sense of humor will be something new for the Star Wars franchise, which further accentuates her unique characteristics. It will be fascinating to see what kind of robotic augmentations she makes to herself, and if she encounters any droids audience members would be familiar with.
15 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: The Inclusion Of The Death Star
There are rumors surrounding the Death Star being heavily mentioned in Solo: A Star Wars Story. At this point in the franchise, especially following Rogue One, the mention of the Death Star proves to be one of the contrivances of Star Wars that is seemingly inescapable.
It is not to say that there’s anything wrong with the Death Star, or that Darth Vader’s involvement is anything but exhilarating, but is certainly does not belong in every movie within the franchise. Nonetheless, it’s not surprising that fans expect a mention of the Death Star. Here’s to hoping it’s not a large plot point.
14 Rumor We Liked: Thandie Newton's Mysterious Role
There are many rumors speculating that the undisclosed character played by Thandie Newton is actually Han’s first wife. Chances are, the movie will depict their relationship, and demonstrate how it ended, given that fans know that Han wasn’t seriously romantically involved with anyone during the events of A New Hope.
It is still not disclosed who Newton will be playing, as her character’s name hasn't even be publicly released.
In a picture she took on set with Ron Howard, she can be seen sporting a jacket that has a Galactic Empire patch on the sleeve. While this could be a major clue about her character, it doesn’t reveal too much about who she will be playing. She could be in the Empire, or serve as a double agent. The facts are unclear, but considering how well-hidden her character is, she’s bound to hold some secrets.
13 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Twi-leks Everywhere
The Solo: A Star Wars Story trailer features a prominent shot of several Twi-leks dancing in a nightclub. While the Twi-leks are fascinating and a fan favorite, they make several appearances, including showcases in Rogue One. There are rumors pertaining to potentially seeing other familiar faces that are not as strongly utilized, such as Rodians.
There is nothing against Twi-leks, but it would always be nice to see some other recurring faces in the mix, especially considering the fact that there are so many possible options to include. The head-tailed humanoids are plenty of fun, so it would be a shame to turn them into a contrivance.
12 Rumor We Liked: Witnessing The Kessel Run
Ron Howard, the film’s director, has confirmed that the famed Kessel Run will be featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Every fan is aware that Han is known for making the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.
It seems we will finally be able to see him perform this impressive feat that would break a long-held record.
It will be interesting to see it played out, and to finally know whether or not Han actually exaggerated the accomplishment. The feat has always been weighed down by speculation, and never actually confirmed. This will make for a fantastic scene, and one that will finally reveal the truth.
11 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Not Knowing Where The Story Is Going
There are rumors and speculations regarding what will be covered in the plot. Currently, the plot description is incredibly minimal, which does not fuel speculation. It is understood that the movie is likely to depict Han winning the Millennium Falcon from Lando, but fans fear that alone is not enough story to carry the film.
This likely points to the fact that there will be several plot points within this film, though none have been alluded to. This leaves possibilities open, with major speculation that the film will mainly address longstanding altercations Han has mentioned in the original trilogy. This doesn't necessarily suggest bad things for the film, but we're hoping the direction is a good one.
10 Rumor We Liked: Meeting Jabba The Hutt
Considering that we know that Han had previous dealings with Jabba the Hut, the rumors surrounding Jabba receiving screen time in Solo: A Star Wars Story are unsurprising. The trailer depicts some guards that bid an uncanny resemblance to those belonging to Jabba the Hutt. Shots of Twi’leks are also shown, which Jabba certainly had quite the affinity for.
These clues are quite on the nose, and easily attributed to Jabba.
It is likely that the film will portray the first meeting Han has with Jabba, and showcase how the gangster was handling intergalactic altercations before his introduction in the original trilogy. Jabba has certainly never made for a boring moment, so it is safe to say that any confrontation with him will offer an interesting turn of events.
9 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Maz Kanata Being Featured
There is a rumor that the character of Maz Kanata will be featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Maz was prominently featured in The Force Awakens, and contained a role similar to the one Yoda famously possessed. She is notably quite elderly, meaning that given the timeline, she would be around during the time this film is set.
Given that she served as a mentor previously, there is speculation that she may appear to share her wisdom with the young smuggler, especially since she would add different insight compared to Shrike. Though, fans have voiced more interest in seeing new characters, rather than old. The character has already had much screen time in episodes 7 and 8, and we'd like Solo to show us new faces from Han's past.
8 Rumor We Liked: Spending Time In The Cantina
There is a high probability that the Mos Eisley Cantina will make an appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story. This infamous cantina, where Han (or Greedo) shot first, seems like a spot that Han feels comfortable in during the original trilogy, meaning that it’s likely that he spent a good amount of time there.
Given that, it’s highly probably that he’ll spend some more time there during his solo movie.
Perhaps the origins of the cantina will be explained, or depict Han discovering the location for the first time. It would be interesting to see how Han left his mark on the cantina before shots were fired, and considering his smuggler lifestyle, it’s safe to say that the possibilities are endless.
7 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Taking On Too Much
Based on what writers have speculated, it seems clear that the movie still begins just before Han becomes a professional smuggler, and will explain the events that led him on the path that eventually carried him over to the Mos Eisley Cantina.
It is rumored that the film will pick up on Han as an already accomplished smuggler, and leave him where the original trilogy begins. This is quite the large timeline, and one that would require a lot of padding to pan out. It seems they would merely have to touch upon large events, rather than show them, to make a timeline this vast fit. At the same time, we don't want any important details of Han's life to be left out simply to coddle characters like Maz Canata.
6 Rumor We Liked: Darth Vader's Involvement
Naturally, there are rumors surrounding Darth Vader’s appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Given that this film takes place during the time that Darth Vader is rising to power, catching a glimpse of him would make a lot of sense.
Although Darth Vader’s rise to power does not happen overnight, it would still be difficult to avoid his authority and control, even in a vast universe.
Darth Vader appeared in Rogue One, proving that even before the events of A New Hope, his influence was inescapable. There have already been various reports from the set of the movie that Darth Vader makes an appearance, so this one seems in the bag.
5 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: Han And Chewie Not Initially Getting Along
Unfortunately, Han and Chewbacca will not instantly become best friends in Solo: A Star Wars Story. It will take some time before Chewie can completely trust Han, which does not come as a surprise given Han’s smuggler status. It may come as a surprise to some Star Wars, but we think it makes perfect sense that Han will have to put in the effort.
Seeing their first interaction is bound to be a fascinating arc, so witnessing their iconic friendship blossom will be a sight to treasure. Rumor has it that their relationship will begin tumultuously, but for the sake of enjoyment, it’s safe to say that fans would much rather see Chewie and Han getting along.
4 Rumor We Liked: Visiting Various New Planets
There is a high probability that Solo: A Star Wars Story will showcase various places and worlds that have not yet been shown in the Star Wars films. There is an incredibly long list of planets that fans have seen in the comics and books that have not been showcased, and given that Han Solo is a traveling smuggler, the possibility of seeing new planets is higher than ever.
Han traveled a vast amount during his youth in particular, so the odds of seeing various new places are extremely high.
Although mostly unpopular with diehard fans of the series, the prequel Star Wars movies were able to bring greater depths to the worlds surrounding the characters, thanks to technological advancement. We hope Solo can continue to do the same.
3 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: The Dangers Of The Galactic Empire
Solo: A Star Wars Story is rumored to take place during the heyday of the Galactic Empire, which exists before the Rebel Alliance becomes a realistic threat. This rumor has sparked speculation among fans regarding what the immediately threat will be within this film.
As there is no set villain announced, the danger that inevitably looms is completely up in the air.
With no concrete rebel group trying to take down the Galactic Empire, it is questionable how much that will even play a role in the story. A threat often results in motivation for big decisions in the franchise, so fans will just have to wait and see what harm is in store.
2 Rumor We Liked: A Surprise Narrator
One of the most exciting rumors pertaining to the film comes with the undisclosed narrator. It is confirmed that the narrator has a specific interest in the film’s story, but it has not been revealed who that character is.
There is speculation that suggest the narrator is the older Han Solo himself, retelling his own story.
If this were the case, it is possible that Harrison Ford would be the voice behind the narration, which would fuel the nostalgia in an ample manner. It is also possible that the narrator may be Lando Calrissian, which would provide an interesting outside perspective. The story may very well change its tone depending on who the narrator is, so it is no doubt that this choice will come to shape the film as a whole.
1 Rumor We Hope Isn't True: This Won't Be An Easy Story To Tell
The prevailing rumor regarding the film’s timeline states that it will span about six years, following Han from ages 18 to 24. Fans have garnered this theory due to the fact that Han is said to be approximately 29 during the events of A New Hope, meaning it is logical to assume that this spinoff will begin roughly eleven years before the original trilogy.
Following Han through his life during these years will only offer a small, windowed view at his life, and potentially mean other subsequent spinoffs will be necessary to fully flesh out Han as a character. We admit that we like the sound of more Han Solo-themed spinoffs, but we'd rather this film not be that watered down, either.
Guess we'll have to wait and see!