While Star Wars fans are split between which recent film is better, "The Force Awakens" or "Rogue One," casting for the untitled Han Solo film is underway. Woody Harrelson, who was previously reported to do a "Zombieland" sequel, has officially joined the cast of the upcoming Star Wars standalone film centered around a young Han Solo. The news has fans buzzing about what his role will be, but the actor says he will be a "mentor to Han" and is "also a bit of a criminal." Harrelson has played the role of mentor in the Hunger Games trilogy as Haymitch Abernathy.
He has come a long way since his days on the acclaimed television show, "Cheers."
The masterminds behind the film
Harrelson is keeping the details close to the vest, however, the directors of the new film, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, said in a statement to starwars.com that they are looking forward to working with a dynamic actor like Harrelson, adding: “His ability to find both humor and pathos, often in the same role, is truly unique. He is also very good at ping pong.” The directing duo have worked together on "The LEGO Movie." Producers for the film include Kathleen Kennedy and Allison Shearmur.
Harrelson has been keeping busy, with films like "Triple 9," and "LBJ." This year, Harrelson will be in projected box office hits like, "War of the Planet of the Apes" which is set to be released in July.
The star-studded cast
The remaining cast for this standalone film includes Donald Glover as a young Lando Clarissian, "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke in an undisclosed role, and Alden Ehrenreich as young Han Solo.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Star Wars saga, Han Solo is a fan favorite smuggler who served as the love interest to Carrie Fisher's character, Princess Leia.
The untitled Han Solo film is projected to begin filming in January 2017 and is set for release in May 2018. Meanwhile, Star Wars fans have Episode VIII to look forward to in December 2017. "Rogue One" is still in theaters and is doing quite well at the box office, with $485 million domestically, and $922 million worldwide.
