More than a month ago, the Hollywood Reporter had an interesting story about all of the Star Wars spinoff/origin story films coming soon to a theater near you. I’ll admit that I’m not really interested in the spinoff movies… yet. But I do like casting gossip, and THR’s report was very interesting. They focused on the casting for the “Young Han Solo” in what will be Han’s origin story, before he met Luke and Leia. Disney apparently called in every actor from the ages of 18 to 30 to read for the part and meet with producers. Seriously, it sounds like everybody took a meeting on this one. And now Variety says that the list has been narrowed down to a dozen actors and none of them are great choices. At all. You know who’s made the cut so far? Miles Teller. Ansel Elgort. Dave Franco. Seriously?!?!
Disney and Lucasfilm are inching closer to finding their young Han Solo for the upcoming untitled “Star Wars” spinoff. Sources tell Variety that after seeing thousands of actors, execs have cut the list down to about a dozen actors with Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Dave Franco, Jack Reynor, Scott Eastwood, Logan Lerman, “Brooklyn” star Emory Cohen and “Everybody Wants Some” actor Blake Jenner among the names making the cut.
NDAs and test deals are still being worked out, but producer Kathleen Kennedy and directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will begin testing the new group with a decision expected in the next couple of weeks.
The film does not shoot until next January, but sources close to the situation say the reason for such an early decision has more to do with another “Star Wars” film currently shooting, rather than the untitled “Han Solo” pic. While insiders were unable to confirm, the new Solo could have a small cameo in “Rogue One: A Star Wars” before appearing in his own standalone pic.
“Rogue One” still has a month of shooting to go and is supposed to be set between “Episode III” and “Episode IV,” making this new Han Solo age appropriate for an appearance in the film. Disney and Marvel used the same strategy for their new Spider-Man by casting Tom Holland early in order for him to cameo in “Captain America: Civil War” before appearing in his own film. With the exception of Eastwood, who’s 29, Disney and Lucasfilm seem to be zeroing in on actors between the ages of 20 to 25. The studios tested actors as young as 17 to as old as 34.
Scott Eastwood is basically the pity inclusion, I think. Like, the producers rolled their eyes and said, “Put him on the shortlist and that’s as far as he goes, he’ll be able to dine out on that for years.” Of the people named… Logan Lerman is a non-starter for me. Jack Reynor is somewhat intriguing. Dave Franco is a definite NO. Ansel Elgort is more of a James Spader-in-Pretty-In-Pink-type yuppie villain, which is NOT HAN SOLO. So… it’s looking like Miles Teller might be it. I really, really hate to say this, but I genuinely do think Miles might be the best choice out of this lot?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Miles Teller looks the part more than either of the other two.
Say No To Squint Eastwood.
I was going to say the same thing about Elgort! Eye of the beholder, I guess.
But agree 100% on no Eastwood.
I am same way. Look wise, Elgort. But overall-NO!
Could you imagine actually saying “and Ansel Elgort as Han Solo”?
i think Elgort would be great!! Not only does he look the part, he’s awkward and kinda dorky. eastwood – JUST NO
oh sorry- i was thinking for a young Indy Jones- awkward and kinda dorky. I know nothing about han solo at all ! sad i know
At least Squint has the attitude? Miles Teller doesn’t look the part at all.
Liam Hemsworth. They need to give him a call.
Liam is just as terrible an actor as Scott.
Yeah, Liam has one setting. “Manly but sensitive pretty guy.”
Don’t shoot me, and he would probably never agree to do it but…. Robert Pattinson?
@shambles
I think Pattinson could carry it off. He’s a better actor than people think. Problem is two-fold: 1) Pattinson’s kind of other worldly beautiful/handsome, while a young Han Solo probably should look like young Harrison Ford, who while handsome, was not unrelatable male model good looking. He was that good looking, funny sardonic every guy…like a David Duchovny. 2) Pattinson has seemed to let Kristen Stewart’s career strategy affect his: I will do tiny Indie movies with avant garde or French directors that no one will ever see, so that people take me and my career seriously. I will never ever be in a blockbuster /franchise again,if I can help it.
Personally, I think that last part is a MISTAKE. Pattinson in my opinion was the reason that the Twi franchise succeeded and was as huge worldwide as it was. He was made to be in big blockbusters, and even his personality type, in real life, Funny, witty, and smart – aligns more with a loner sardonic leading was iconic leading man.
He’s wasting his charisma in films no one will see. Do a few of those sure, but don’t only do those.
That said, he IS acting in Brad Pitt’s World War Z which I think is going to be a wide releasing big movie. I’m looking forward to seeing him in that.
Yea no. Sorry but have you SEEN his movies. Wooden. Dead eyes. There’s a reason he’s gotten panned in every movie he’s been in
Alright Nicole, I need to defend my fave for a quick second. Pattinson has not been panned in every role, not by any stretch of the imagination. He has been getting fabulous reviews since Twilight ended, and establishing a rep as a real talent, not just a pretty heart throb.
Regardless, I don’t see him in this role. I don’t think it fits his aesthetic, and I don’t think he would step into a huge franchise anytime soon. And Bossycat, he has not followed Kristen Stewart in his career choices, he has always been a cinephile and talked about how his passion is in art house and auteur films.
Frankly I think an unknown would be best in this role. Same with Indiana Jones. It’s interesting that there is no real successor to Harrison Ford amongst today’s leading men – that’s quite a compliment to him.
No Robert…Liam I was replying to LookyLoo. I have zero issues with RP…pretty ambivalent on him lol
Oops Nicole, sorry I misunderstood.
Agree about Liam. Cute but not charismatic.
All this list tells me is that the state of leading men in their 20s is DIRE right now. Eastwood? Based on what, his daddy’s reputation? Teller? (The best choice? @Kaiser are you high? 😉 )
Get an unknown, it’s your only hope.
Agreed. Absolutely none of them have the charisma. It’s not even close. There’s a reason that Harrison Ford had such a big career, and it’s because he’s an actual movie star.
Their only hope is to find a charismatic unknown.
Mia, could not agree more. And I feel the same way about music. I see no icons in the making.
Seriously. I’m reminded of a Joan Crawford quote. When asked what made the leading men of her day different than the ones of the 60s, she replied ‘Balls’.
None of these guys have balls and most of them are pretty ugly too.
Teller might be a douche but he has some serious acting chops. He was amazing in Whiplash.
Agreed PennyLane. Where are the guys with charisma? Harrison Ford isn’t matinee idol handsome, but he’s got IT. You need someone you love in that role, no matter what they do or say. I’ve never seen Miles Teller act, but I want to punch him whenever I see pics.
Yeah. This list is the worst. I’m hoping it’s to throw us off the scent of the real person they plan on casting?
None of these guys (well, maybe Eastwood) have the arrogance of Solo – it’s a huge part of the character! We need someone with that je ne sais quoi!
@Dani; I don’t even know Teller, but he looks like such a douche.
Can’t imagine watching someone with that aura for a whole movie, jugh
Definitely Teller of this group. Hollywood is trying so hard to make Scott Eastwood happen. Same with Ansel. Both are way too much pretty boys for Han.
That’s what I was thinking, that Ansel is just too pretty to play Han. The Jessica Biel Curse, if you will.
Ha!! OMG…rolling at ‘Squint Eastwood.’
That said, of this lot, I don’t think any of these guys are great choices. Ansel dude looks 13, while Teller looks 40. Wtf?
They need to go with an unknown, and try making a movie star instead of going with these charismatic-less entitled ho-hum guys who have been in H’wood since preteens.
Eastwood may be a better actor than his dad (Cakewalk, so is my cat) but because he looks identical to ‘Mr. Octogenarian Republican who talks to chairs and hates the first black President of the U.S.A,’ it would leave a lot of people ill. Though I think the son is a lib dem. He should talk politics more, might make me like him.
Squint Eastwood is my favorite, but I can’t take credit for it. I think it was either Mimif or Kiddo (miss you Kiddo, wherever you are)
I boycott Miles Teller. In fact this whole list sucks. Please find an unknown. 😣
I totally agree. That douche canoe has Han Solo? NO NO NO NO NO
find an unknown
*prays for an unknown*
Anyone but douchebag Teller. How many franchises does he have to suck in before people say NO. Also who asked for these other prequel movies Disney?!
Yeah, prequels have no place in the StarWars universe. Let’s move forward Disney.
No to Miles Teller. If he gets this part we will never hear the end of it. His ego will be in the clouds. Please God NO!
I am surprised they haven’t considered Anthony Ingruber he played the younger version of the Harrison Ford character in Age of Adaline. I stayed through the credits of that movie because I wanted to see if he was Harrison Fords son. The resemblance was uncanny.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3452021/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t30
Too funny- I was thinking the same thing! The resemblance was eerie!
Came here to say that! The Mary Sue has a video of his Ford impression. As a vintage Fordfan (I had a scrapbook, people), Ingruber gives me old-school Ford chills. He has the squint and that wonky grin thing down cold!
http://www.themarysue.com/ingruber-for-han-solo/
Ingruber for the win!!!
No to all of them.
Han Solo is quite handsome so that should take Miles out of the running. I don’t mind Eastwood or Ansel (he has a pretty mouth).
TBH I hate the entire origin of the Star Wars Machine. That’s what ruined The Phantom Menace and the other flops starring Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen. We don’t need an origin. It would be ok if they were to write it in the way that Star Trek was done. We got a small look back at Kirk and Spock when they were children and how they joined Star Fleet. We didn’t need an entire movie about their origin.
They just need to keep going towards the future with what they have already started, no origin is needed.
+1
The flashback of Han Solo’s youth should be so short any no name could play it. Stick to the present.
yup, was just going to say EW to all. EW.
Ditto
I would rather watch 73 year old Harrison play 20 year old Han Solo and just suspend disbelief for two hours.
Tbh
I think they’re all horrible choices too, unless of course, they were planning on turning Star Wars into a crappy teen movie series.
Anyone but Elgort. Please.
agreed. he’s like a pretty boy baked potato. way too soft for this role.
BAKED POTATO
Cannot unsee
Big no to Miles Teller. No.
+1. I definitely won’t see it if it’s going to be Miles Teller.
I think someone unknown is the better way to go here. None of these guys seem right, and not one has swagger.
You are correct, the actor has to have swagger, Teller is a d-bag extraordinaire, and while he’s a good actor, he’s no Harrison Ford.
+2 Won’t see it if it is Miles Teller either.
I wish they were not doing a Young Han movie, but they are, why not go with Anthony Ingruber?
Honestly, there is no one on that list I like for role. Won’t see it with any of those guys in the role.
His face is so rat-like.
They are going to ruin Han for me. All these options suck. I understand it is difficult to find a guy with Harrison’s charm and attitude but this is their short list? Oy vey.
I can only think of Chris Pratt, 10 years ago.
NO. Please god no.
He is now too old for what they want to do, but Karl Urban would have been great.
Think of Bones and his caractere in Almost Human, and even Dredd.
Christ Pratt is a bit too FratBoy for Han, but it works well for Star Lord.
Josh Holloway 10-15 years ago would have made a perfect young Han Solo.
He will forever be Swayer.
Dave Franco can do SPACEBALLS 2 with Seth Rogan as Barf.
Ewwwwwwwww.
Somehow, Taron Egerton (from Kingsman) would do the trick. In that movie, he did have the bad boy charisma and ability to deliver puns….
But none of those 3 works. Ewwwwwwwwwww. Maybe, like Daisy Ridley, they can pick someone relatively unkown that will be good? But plzzzzzzzzzzzzz, not Eastwood, he’s so much not Han.
YES Taron is a great choice! Anthony Ingruber (Age of Adaline) looks just like a young Harrison Ford tho, so he’s obviously the ultimate choice.
Yes on Ingruber. He has the right look and is tall. I loved Egerton in Kinsgman but he’s a little short and I haven’t heard him do an American accent. But he can definitely act, unlike the people listed above.
Another vote for Ingruber. He even sounds like Ford. They were filmed together in the Adaline specials and they look like father and son.
Agreed on Anthony Ingruber. Why is he not on their short list!? He’s perfect.
Good choice! He doesnt really look like Harrison Ford, but he has the right sort of charm. He can play suave, sarcastic and self assured. If he can pull of a half decent American accent, I’m for it!
And, the guy can act, he could have been so awful next to Colin Firth (charm itself).
In that age bracket, that seems to be a great choice! Hello Disney, can you check him out? Plz?
True, he is on the shorter side, but then… they manage to make Tom Cruise look taller than Simon Pegg in MI… so everything is possible!!!
I didn’t think of him but yeah, Taron would be a choice I’d actually be excited for. He’s handsome, has the right kind of charisma and from what I saw in Kingsman, he’s an alright actor (for action flicks at least).
Yes! That would be perfect, come to think of it. I just don’t want it to be the dumb*ss Eastwood kid or a teen idol. I think they need someone who isn’t super well known.
I’m hoping this is a mostly a list of decoy names; I remember every male star was testing for Guardian’s of the Galaxy’s Peter Quill and then Chris Pratt came out of nowhere. Fingers crossed!!!!1
That’s what I’m hoping for too. Who was on the fake Star-Lord shortlist by the way?
I believe the Star-Lord potentials were Joel Edgerton, Jack Huston, Lee Pace, Eddie Redmayne and Jim Sturgess, and possibly James Marsden and Sullivan Stapleton. Chris Pratt came out of NOWHERE, so that’s why I’m 95% sure most of the names for young Han solo are bunk.
I think they’re going to have to find an unknown for this one.
No Scott Eastwood , please. He can’t act. I can deal with 2 others.
This list is garbage.
Since sadly this is going to happen, that Emory Cohen guy seems the least offensive.
I hate this so much.
I am cracking up on everyone’s comments. Yeah Celebitchy commenters.
I wouldn’t worry. They’re going to go with an unknown or someone not on this list. These guys just have better publicists. I will eat my hat if Miles Teller, Scott Eastwood or any of these other fools are cast as Han Solo.
Nope.
I’m sorry but Mile Teller and Scott Eastwood??? WHY IN THE WORLD??? They don’t look like him at freaking all! Ansel Elgort might not be too bad, but I’m not really feeling him too.
NO!
Absolute no for Miles Teller. Hans (and Ford) always had a self-depreciatibg humor, Teller seems to have none at all. I think an unknown would be great. Discover some fresh talent instead of rolling out the usual suspects.
Since Taron Egerton has been ruled out, trust me on this one, Emory Cohen is ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY the one you want for this role. He is not as tall as Harrison Ford (few of these choices were, what’s up with that?) but he has that perfect combination between Charisma and self-deprecating dettachment needed to pull a Harrison Ford.
We have a great crop of young actresses — talented and gorgeous — but the young actors are all weird looking dudes with little screen presence. And Miles Teller only does well when playing off amazing people like J.K. Simmons.
NOOOOOOOO!!!! The Elgort fella makes me crazy because he poses every chance he gets. Same with Scott Eastwood. Miles Teller just make no sense for the part. What about Garrett Hedlund?
Garrett is too old. Better for the Indiana Jones reboot if you ask me. I love him though!
Finally someone is thinking like me. I don’t know how young they want him to be but I think Garrett would be a perfect Han Solo. It’s a big no to everyone on this list especially Scott Eastwood. Yuck
Yes. Garret Hedlund is the first name I thought of too! He is sexy enough. Great actor. GH has charisma and a naughty glint in his eye. If not, GH then I also like Taran Egerton. He was great in the Kingsmen. He is athletic, funny and naughty too. This list of actors is terrible. Too many smug 20 somethings like Teller, Eastwood and Franco. Last ditch effort, go to Australia and get a hunky unknown. I don’t know why but Australia seems to grow them right. Please not a short guy. Can we please have a “throw-back” to manly men again with strong jaw lines, height, and self-deprecation like Tom Selleck, James Gardner, Sam Elliott. Actors seem to be getting shorter and shorter. Rant over.
I thought of Garrett immediately! (and too old at 31? – gawd help us :D)
I know, I don’t get it. Plus if he’s clean shaven I think he looks young enough to pull it off and he’s still young enough that he can play Han Solo for quite some time.
Amen to all of that. Guys are just too metro these days. Not that there’s anything wrong with that it’s just not how I prefer my men.
Garrett would be perfect for this! And his voice is amazing, and sexy.
I could deal with Miles Teller. Scott Eastwood, hard pass. I kind of hope they go with an unknown. Their recent cast didn’t have anyone super famous. It was Daisy’s first big role, not sure how well known John is in Britain, but in the US, no one heard of him until the movie, Adam is best known for an HBO show that I don’t think the majority of Star Wars fans have seen. Gwen Christie is also known for an HBO show, albeit one I think Star Wars fans are more interested in. Oscar is probably the most well known, and he’s not really a celebrity, but he does work very consistently.
SCOTT EASTWOOD??? I haven’t even read the article, but SCOTT EASTWOOD???? D:
NONE OF THEM. Not one. And definitely not Miles Teller. If he’s cast I will not watch the remaining episodes.
Scott Eastwood is very good looking and should focus on being a model, not an actor. Really, none of them are Han material. I wish they would go find some unknown, rough around the edges, good looking young guy.
YES! None of these guys make me think “rugged” or “scrappy” or… or… “charming” or anything that Han represents. They’re all so polished and pretty! Where’s the edge? Where’s the scruff and crooked smile? I dunno. Maybe they could pull it off, but gut reaction is NO.
Agree with others that they need to go with an unknown.
Just for looks, I’d say Eastwood. If Teller gets it, I’m boycotting it all!
The list is terrible but as long as it’s not Eastwood I don’t care. As some else up thread said give liam hemsworth a call.
Ugh no. Liam has the charisma of a rock on screen. Was the worst part of the THG series…although very nice to look at. He couldn’t pull off the Han swagger and cocky charisma
No.Nope.Fk no.Better find an unknown actor.
*goes to the undersea stables*
*carefully oils her bejewelled saddle*
*saddles up the mighty NOPETOPUS*
*rides the beast across the world’s oceans*
hahahahahah THIS IS AMAZING!!!! totally agree btw.
“NOPETOPUS” has got to be the best word ever created. hats off to you, embertine.
Please not Miles Teller, or I’ll be rooting for Boba Fett and Jabba.
I like Starwars but would not watch if either Teller or Eastwood got the part.
Miles Teller is arrogant as all heck but he can really carry a scene if he has a good script (not fantastic 4). Plus he is the only one I can picture nailing Han Solos sarcastic humour..although I think Ansel is more appropriate looks wise.
Lame lame lame. I’m not going to see this unless someone else pays but just the thought of any of these guys is just wrong.
Bite your tongue! NO Miles Teller! He’s so irritating!
Miles Teller? Is one of the casting specifications “punchable face?” Is Ted Cruz also on the short list?
NO.
Omg that’s funny. hahah!
Miles Teller is a black whole of charisma and charm. And personality. And likeability. All of which are required to carry off Han at any age. So a big fat no to that shiz.
I can’t believe any of these actors made the short list. it must have been a very small pool to choose from.
Eastwood is a hard pass. He is such a bad actor. I wish they would cast an unknown. All of the people on the shortlist suck.
OMG NOOO. Horrible, horrible choices.
Scott Eastwood needs to play Roland Deschain in the Dark Tower movies. His dad played the old west gunslingers to a T. If he could channel that energy, that could become his signature role. Just like dear old dad.
Oh and he would be perfect as young Hans Solo.
No. No. No. Have these casting directors ever seen young Harrison Ford? How can they look at this list and say…yeah, this is the Han Solo of Star Wars.
Let’s find some unknown (like they did for The Force Awakens.) I couldn’t stomach have to watch Eastwood in this franchise.
Jensen Ackles. I know,I know.But watch him for a few minutes…I swear he’s already playing a version of Han Solo.
Jensen is a fantastic actor and could easily pull this off. He’s a much better actor than Ford anyway. I think they’re looking for someone younger though.
Ah Jensen, my forever man. He is the epitome of sarcasm.
After looking at pics of those everyone suggested, Anthony Ingruber would be great!
Yes to Ingruber.
Besides looking like Ford, he is a talented artist with a multilingual, international upbringing, and so could bring appropriate cross-cosmos ingenuity to young Solo.
They need to get as far away from whitebread and provincial as possible!!
I guess he is too old now but I just saw the Mad Max movie on HBO and I said to my husband that Tom Hardy reminded me of young Harrison Ford. I hadn’t seen him act before. They both have “it”.
Smouldering, intense male swagger.
OMG, he is scrumptious. I now officially want to see more of him!
NONE of these choices, IMO. Find another. He’s got to be good looking, tall, heroic and a smart-a$$. Keep looking.
None of the three guys listed look good for this role. Three different flavors of “ick”. Keep looking.
Nooooo! Ansel is the best out of the worst here, but still not great. But the other two?!??? Please no. Their egos will literally expand to proportions never seen. I can’t.
All of those boys are a NOOOO!!!!
That picture of Scott Eastwood on that yatch, last year…gd!! Talk about sexxy! Ever since then, any picture that I’ve seen of him, he looks different.
Logan lerman is my first pick. Then Emory then ansel. No miles! He unattractive and looks like he 40.
Not only NO to these actors, but NO to a Han Solo spin-off in general. I just don’t understand what that would look like. Star Wars is all about Jedis and rebellions and the forces of good and evil, and Solo didn’t have anything to do with any of that before he met Luke and Leia. So would they go for more of an Indiana Jones kind of thing? With swashbuckler Solo traipsing around the galaxy smuggling items and being chased by Jabba the Hut’s henchmen?
Logan Lerman is actually a really, really good actor. But I think he’s a little too “cute” looking to play Han. Same goes for Elgort, really, but I think he’s not as talented.
Eastwood has no talent and no charm.
Miles Teller is a good actor but he is a charisma vacuum. He should stick to playing villains. He’s so easy to hate on and root against.
I vote for going for someone unknown. It’s Star Wars, people will go watch it anyway.
Please don’t let it be Teller, he’s already such an ass. Add a Star Wars franchise and his head will start generating it’s own gravity it’ll get so huge.
Can’t they find some fresh unknown? I’m tired of them trying to make these studio fetches happen by attaching them like limpits to fan favourite franchises. It’s pitifully transparent at this point.
This is a terrible list. I know with 100% certaintly that I wont watch the film with any of these in the lead role.
H…..LL NOOOOO to Jr. Eastwood!
I don’t know if Teller has the likability to pull off Han. He’s good at playing a jerk but a jerk with a heart? Ansel is too pretty. He still has his baby face. But it is easier to make someone look rough than likable.
No to the young Han Solo project: seriously is it necessary? Talk about a blunt money grab by Disney! Ugh.
No to all of the candidates, just no. Keep looking, producers, and this time broaden the net: look at more up and comers from shows like Vikings or just keep an eye on the New York/Chicago/London theater scene. Someone with presence and talent is bound to surface.
Harrison Ford was in his 30’s when he got Star Wars. He had had time to live a life and that gave him that extra dimension as an actor. He actually got accused by a producer of having no star presence after his first appearance in Dead Heat on a Merry go Round. He was just a hunky presence in one scene. Time and real life gave him gravitas and presence.
Finding a young actor who not only resembles Han Solo but brings that kind of weight to such a lively character is a challenge and a half
Ugh no to all those guys. Miles Teller has a douche vibe. Harrison Ford played charming rogue well. He didn’t come across as douchey ever. This sucks.
Are British people not allowed?? I was expecting Nicholas Hoult/Taron Egerton/Douglas Booth and the like to crop up.
Ohh. I did not think of Nicholas Hoult. He is gorgeous and a good actor. I have a feeling he could bring the naughty too!
NOOOOOO! Absolutely NO regarding Miles Teller. He would defile the character of Han
Solo. He doesn’t have the look at all. Nope. No way. No how.
Christ, I sound like one of the loonies going off when Affleck was named Batman.😳
Taron Egerton would be better than any listed. I don’t like Shia L but he is a good actor (sadly he’s a douche bag as well but…) and he could be scrappy like Han Solo. All of the actors listed don’t ring true.
Where is the hot in this list? Where is the charisma? Most of these guys I only recognize from bad YA movies (and some weren’t even the love interests to boot).
If they really need to money so bad by doing a Han Solo origin spin-off, just cast Harrison Ford in it. They have the technology to reverse age him. With this sorry list, I think I’ll just stick to the original trilogy.
Exactly!
I’m here to put in a strong vote for Jaden Smith.
/psyche/
^^see wut I did thar?
Young Lando. I could see him in a cape tho.
Jake Abel looks a bit like River Phoenix who was playing Young Indiana Jones.