It's a good time to be a Star Wars fan. With Disney now running the franchise, we can expect a new Star Wars installment every year for the foreseeable future. Because in addition to the main installments, standalone films will supplement and expand the universe. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was a massive success, and the next movie of its kind will be the still untitled Han Solo movie. And it turns out that One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles was apparently being considered to take the role originated by Harrison Ford.
This report comes to us from Metro News, which apparently has some choice insiders close to Star Wars production. It looks like the far reaching search for a young Han Solo included discussion about Harry Styles, despite his lack of experience. But considering how massively popular the singer is, he was reportedly considered for the sheer box office draw. Because the one thing that can make more money than a Star Wars film is a Star Wars film WITH an international pop star.
The same source (who is anonymous- so take that with a grain of salt) also gave a reason why Harry Styles ultimately wasn't cast as Han Solo. It turns out that his busy music career and schedule made it impossible for Styles to spend the proper amount of time on set and in rehearsal. Too bad.
This story is in stark opposition to what the Star Wars team has stated about the search for Han Solo. Beautiful Creatures and Hail, Caesar! actor Alden Ehrenreich ultimately booked the role, and it was revealed by Disney that he was apparently the first actor who read for Han. And while the House of Mouse continued a long search for the young nerf herder, Ehrenreich was apparently the right man for the job all along.
Ultimately, Alden Ehrenreich is probably a much better choice than Harry Styles. To start, he's a far more experienced and trained actor. And choosing a less famous actor is also a wise choice; the hardcore Star Wars fans would have likely rioted if a pop singer got the role of Han Solo. And with many casual audiences still getting to know Ehrenreich, he has the opportunity to craft his own version of the beloved smuggler that will be (mostly) free of judgement.
The untitled Han Solo movie currently has a release date of May 25, 2018, but you can return to the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Last Jedi on December 15, 2017. Check out our full 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
