Lucasfilm Planning Multiple Han Solo Movies with Alden Ehrenreich

Surprising no one, The New York Daily News reports that Disney and Lucasfilm are already looking to the future with their new Han Solo, formally introduced to the public as Alden Ehrenreich at Star Wars Celebration.

The outlet reports that Ehrenreich has signed at least a three-picture deal for his role as everyone’s favorite smuggler as they hope for box office success with the first film. They quote an insider as saying:

“There is a real sense of excitement around the Han Solo movie and its potential. Given that Han’s early adventures do not need to be tied to the Empire, it leaves story lines open with the opportunity to really give fans something different. They can explore new galaxies and crazy creatures and bring in a wide array of new characters.”

The screenplay for the Han Solo movie is written by Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan and will focus on how young Han Solo became the smuggler, thief, and scoundrel whom Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi first encountered in the cantina at Mos Eisley. It has also been confirmed that Chewbacca will also be a featured character in the film and, while unconfirmed, it s likely that The Force Awakens‘ Joonas Suotamo will reprise the role.

Slated for a May 25, 2018 release, the Han Solo movie will be directed by 21 Jump Street and The LEGO Movie directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. It will be executive produced by Lawrence Kasdan and Jason McGatlin and co-produced by Will Allegra with production set to begin in January of  2017.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)