'Han Is an Idealist' Says Alden Ehrenreich in STAR WARS SHOW Interview

Solo: A Star Wars Story is out in a month and there’s a lot riding on Alden Ehrenreich‘s shoulders. Not only is he in a Star Wars film, he’s also portraying Han Solo, a character near and dear to fans hearts. So there’s a big challenge with that! But this is a Han from another time. The Star Wars Show interviewed Ehrenreich and Donald Glover about their roles in the upcoming film and they do not disappoint.

As we know, this story is set years before his fateful meeting at Chalmun’s Cantina (the Mos Eisley cantina). He’s a much younger man, not so rough around the edges. At least that’s how Ehrenreich believes he is. When asked about where Han is in his life and how he’s different, he replied that he’s a younger man. “I think you’re meeting him at a time where he’s younger and he’s more of an idealist.” But what exactly makes him an idealist? Mostly he’s still young and the future seems bright for young people. “He still has a kind of romantic vision or feeling that he’s gonna get out of this. He grew up in pretty rough circumstances so getting out of that and making a life for himself.”

You can tell that Ehrenreich is excited about the role. Who can blame him, really? It’s Han Solo! Plus it seems they’re going to have a lot more fun with him – if you can imagine that. According to the actor, there’s a lot more jokes in this film than any previous film in the franchise. That sends off a few warning bells of quip-factory Avengers films, but we knew that the film was going in the comedy direction with original directors. It appears that director Ron Howard‘s vision is still filled with jokes.

Donald Glover recalled the day he knew he got the role. “…I remember I bought like a whole pizza and went home and watched Empire Strikes Back.” Though his inspiration from Lando didn’t completely come from Billy Dee Williams portrayal. “That was definitely the beginning but then I just watched a bunch of other cool 70s stuff that I thought would be like his kind of style”. It’s nearly unanimous that Glover’s casting is perfection, so with that excitement riding on him, does that add pressure? Well luckily he’s a fan, too! “You tend to do a better job of things when you’re a fan. You have standards a little bit. Like you just know what you would hate, a little bit more.” Also capes. Gotta have capes!

But both actors aren’t there for imitation of the original actors performances. They want to give the same vibe and feeling of those characters while making the performance their own. I’d much rather that than impression hour in the film! I’m looking forward to seeing what both of them do, especially Ehrenreich with that huge pressure. Here’s to hoping the film does a great job and we’ll want to see it again and again!

Check out the interview below and let us know what you think! Be sure to come back to Geek Girl Authority for more Star Wars news. Solo: A Star Wars Story explodes into theaters May 25th.