Since Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, they revamped the "Star Wars" franchise to pop out three new films and brought the power of the force to a whole new generation. When the news of "Solo: A Star Wars Story" giving beloved character Han Solo his own origin story broke, fans were quick to start worrying if filmmakers would do it justice. The newest "Star Wars" film will open May 24, but early reviews are looking good.

The worry

Han Solo, who appeared in the first ever made "Star Wars" film, now known as "Episode IV: A New Hope," is a beloved character of the franchise.

Harrison Ford's portrayal of him is a pop icon and holds a strong emotional connection for many fans. When word of Solo getting his own prequel broke, fans everywhere started conspiring to guess the outcome. Worry quickly came over the fans as people wondered if the prequel would ruin the character, or lose sight of who Solo was, just to squeeze out another film from the franchise and money out of its fans. With so many questions about Han Solo, fans were also wanting to know if they'd get answers, and if so would they be satisfactory or half-hearted.

After "The Lego Movie" and "21 Jump Street" directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord were fired and replaced with Ron Howard, fans were even more worried.

Then came producer Kathleen Kennedy's firing over creative differences. Kennedy was a producer of "Star Wars" episodes VII and VIII as well as the prequel released in 2016 to episode IV, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Ron Howard was hired to replace Miller and Lord, and there was debate over whether or not that would save the film or make it too safe to be any good.

Then there was the cast to think about. How could anyone hope to replace Harrison Ford as Han Solo? What about Billy Dee Williams as character Lando Calrissian? There was skepticism over the announcement Alden Ehrenreich would be playing the twenty-something Han Solo. For starters, he doesn't look much like Harrison Ford. Will Ehrenreich be able to carry the same swagger?

Can he pull off the Han Solo smirk? Would actor Donald Glover be able to capture smooth talking Lando Calrissian as Williams could?

Needless to say that with so many concerns fans everywhere seem to be holding their breath.

Reviews say

Have no fear! The early reviews are in and this prequel won't be having a crash landing. It's much more like a slightly bumpy touchdown. Critics aren't exactly loving the newest "Star Wars" film, but they're quick to point out it's not that bad either. Christopher Orr of The Atlantic called it, "not particularly daring or innovative, but [...] nonetheless entirely competent and enjoyable." So, what fears can fans check off their list?

It seems Ron Howard's methodological style shines through, creating a film that ticks most boxes that the fans wanted but unfortunately falls flat on delivering any sort of "wow factor." A.O.

Scott from "The NYTimes" says: "'Solo: A Star Wars Story,' directed by Ron Howard, is a curiously low-stakes blockbuster, in effect a filmed Wikipedia page." The good news is that many of those questions fans have held onto for years finally get their answers and more in the prequel. From how Hans met Chewbacca to how he won the Millennium Falcon in that game of Sabacc, all will be revealed. The bad news is that not every question gets answered. Overall, critics seem to think Howard did a pretty average job. It won't be something to write home about, as the saying goes, but it'll at least be an enjoyable two and a half hours. Well, two hours and twenty-three minutes to be precise.

So if the directing is and overall film is okay, then what about the cast?

There seems to be nothing but praise for both Ehrenreich and Glover's performances. The Associated Press claims that "[...] Ehrenreich wins you over with his execution, capturing Han’s spirit, his sarcasm, egotism, and charm with apparent ease." Others are saying he's "irresistibly charismatic" and even contradicting all worries that have been swarming the Internet about his performance, showing a versatile and talented actor. As for Glover's performance, simply put critics are saying he easily steals the show. What more needs to be said?

It should be noted that while some critics gave "Solo: A Star Wars Story" a lukewarm rating, others are claiming its sizzling hot.

It's okay, fans. You can let that breath out now.
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