Woody Harrelson in Early Talks to Join Han Solo Standalone Film

Woody Harrelson is reportedly in early talks for a role in the Han Solo Star Wars Story movie that beings shooting next month, according to Variety. The role would be as a mentor of some sort to the titular character, played by Alden Ehernreich.

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Variety says he's a favorite, currently, to star in the role, though no deal has been done. Ehrenreich himself was rumored for several months before finally being officially announced last July at Star Wars Celebration Europe as the young Han Solo for the second standalone film in the franchise. In the subsequent months, Donald Glover was announced as the young Lando Calrissian, while Emilia Clarke was cast in an as-yet-undisclosed female lead role. According to THR, Harrelson's potential role is one that Christian Bale was also up for - Lucasfilm wants a name actor in this mentor role.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known primarily for The LEGO Movie and 21 Jump Street, are directing the film, off a script by Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon. The elder Kasdan has experience with the character, having co-written Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi before also coming in with the assist on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, helping write the swan song of Han Solo as played by Harrison Ford.

There are very few details known about Han Solo: A Star Wars Story (not final name), outside of it taking place in what fans refer to as the "Dark Times" era of Star Wars, between episodes 3 and 4. That 19 year span is the same that played host to Rogue One and the currently ongoing cartoon Star Wars Rebels.

The film will begin principal photography at Pinewood Studios in London, England in February, so more casting information should be hitting in the coming weeks.

Currently, Han Solo is scheduled for a May 25, 2018 release, but recent rumors suggest it will instead come out December 13, 2018. That would follow suit of Star Wars: Episode VIII, which was pushed from May to December after The Force Awakens' success. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story also debuted in December, and both to huge box office earnings.

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