'Star Wars' Han Solo Film News, Cast Updates: Production Underway; First Cast Photo Released

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Production is already underway for the upcoming "Star Wars" Han Solo spin-off. Along with the announcement, a photo of the cast with directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller has also been released.

The official "Star Wars" website released the photo recently. The post also revealed that principal photography started on Feb. 20 at Pinewood Studios in London. The photo sees lead star Alden Ehrenreich, "Atlanta" creator and star Donald Glover, "Game of Thrones" actress Emilia Clarke, "The Edge of Seventeen" actor Woody Harrelson, "Fleabag" actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Not seen in the image is cast member Thandie Newton, who is known for her role in "Westworld."

While some character details have remained under wraps--including what roles Clarke, Waller-Bridge, and Newton will play--it has already been revealed that Harrelson will play the mentor to Ehrenreich's young Han Solo. Glover, on the other hand, will portray a young Lando Calrissian. As fans know, Lando was the previous owner of the Millenium Falcon, which is also pictured.

J.J. Abrams, who directed and wrote the script for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," recently spoke to Fox News about the upcoming Han Solo standalone film. "I can tell you it is an amazing script and the cast is obviously extraordinary," Abrams said.

Abrams also gushed about how he felt to be a part of such a huge franchise. He explained that he grew up with "Star Wars" and being able to get involved in the filmmaking process has been an honor for him. He also teased an "exciting" future ahead.

"It is fun to see it live on in various forms and ways even five years ago I would have never imagined it would have continued and knowing what is coming up is even more exciting," he told Fox News.

The "Star Wars" Han Solo standalone film will hit theaters on May 25, 2018.