Han Solo Turns Space Cowboy as Prequel Movie Adapts Western Vibe

After playing a central role in Episodes IV-VI of the "Star Wars" series and meeting his demise at the hands of his son Kylo Ren in Episode VII, Han Solo's life before meeting up with Luke and Obi-Wan will now be explored in the upcoming Han Solo movie. Known as a no-nonsense smuggler, his cowboy-like attitude is set to be the focus of his Western-inspired tale.

The origin story of Han Solo will revolve around the beginnings of Han and his Wookiee partner Chewbacca, to be played by Alden Ehrenreich and Joonas Suotamo respectively.  According to Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, the yet-to-be-titled Han Solo movie seems to be leaning towards a Western type or heist movie, /Film reported. Han's relationship with Lando Calrissian, to be played by Donald Glover, will also be explored in the second film in the "Star Wars" anthologies.

Helming the project are Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their work on "The Lego Movie" and "21 Jump Street." While production has just started, high praise has been given to the duo by "Star Wars" colleagues Gareth Edwards and J.J. Abrams. According to Comicbook, the "Rogue One" director said that Lord and Miller have the hardest task out of all the filmmakers on the project, and believes that they can hit the mark.  Edwards also added that he is quite jealous of the two, implying on the work that they are bringing on the Han Solo movie.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is the first movie of the "Star Wars" franchise that does not focus on the main story, but rather aims to expound it. It is also the first of several other movies scheduled for the anthologies, with Han Solo and plans for a Boba Fett movie in the future.

Han Solo's first solo outing is scheduled for May 2018.