Han Solo is one of the most beloved characters in the "Star Wars" saga, a swarthy bounty hunter who managed to win the heart of the Republic's Princess by simply keeping his word. Initially, the two clashed, as Leia (Carrie Fisher) was upset with Han's (Harrison Ford) simplistic and shallow principles. He was only after the money, and she was trying to stop the Empire from destroying the galaxy.
Eventually, the two compromised, and one of science fiction's most famous couples was born.
We knew how they felt about each other before Han was dipped in a carbonite chamber to be delivered to Jabba for his bounty.
However, there was a long story before Han ever met Leia
There was a time when Han Solo was still a child learning the ways of the smuggler, and that is where the Han Solo Movie picks up the story. We know this because it has been announced that Woody Harrelson will be playing the role of Solo's mentor. The actor stated that he will be a bit of a criminal, which supports the theory entirely that he trained Solo in many things.
There is even the possibility that we'll see the moment when Han meets Lando for the first time. It's very likely that they'll clash and hate each other in a reflection of the dynamic later on between Han and Leia. Harrelson could be an unwitting babysitter trying to teach them to work together if they want to survive the criminal elements of space.
We might also see Han occasionally tinkering with the Millennium Falcon in its early years while Lando still owns it, leading to the two of them clashing over who really gets to keep it. Another dynamic we might see is the moment when Han saves Chewbacca's life and creates the life debt which drives Chewie to stay by his side.
One thing we won't see is Han's name changing
It was simply a poorly worded announcement which led to the rumor that Han changed his name as a smuggler. Fans can rest assured that the phrase Bob Iger used was meant as "Han Solo will make a name for himself," as in building his reputation as a smuggler.
Han is bound to make some mistakes, much like when he made a deal with Jabba the Hutt, and seeing how he deals with those mistakes is bound to define him as a person. The way he does it will give him a degree of renown, which will lead to him eventually grabbing the attention of a certain exiled Jedi named Obi-Wan Kenobi.
So no, "Star Wars" fans, Han Solo was always his literal name. He is simply going to become the legend that he's known as in time to meet Luke Skywalker and help take down the Empire.